Should Students be Allowed More Elective Chapel Credits?

Illustration by Noelle Mitcham

Article by Madeline Teeter

NEWBERG, Ore. - George Fox University (GFU) requires students under 23 with less than 90 credits to attain 15 chapel credits per semester, five of which can be elective. However, some believe allowing more elective opportunities may help students with busy schedules and allow students to deepen their faith.

Spiritual Life’s (SpiL) Credit website lists three ways of earning credit: “chapel services, spiritual formation programs (Life Groups, Mentoring and Retreats), and service opportunities.” The latter two options are how one gains elective credits.

“There is something [unifying] about having everyone go to chapel,” said Madeline Stewart, a sophomore. However, she acknowledged that mandating chapel attendence makes it harder for students to be receptive.

“I think turning worship and faith into a homework assignment is a bad choice,” said Anneliese Kurdelak, a sophomore. “I was excited to be in a community of believers, but now that I am here, I find that most people…feel towards chapel services like they do their homework, myself included.”

“It does take up quite a bit of my scheduling time,” said Elijah Chris, a sophomore, on attending chapels as a commuter. She said “it can be especially frustrating” when the chapel runs out of space, making her commute pointless.

Elective credits are useful for commuters and those with busy schedules: “I do the digital [services] for my elective credits,” said Stewart.

Jay Riggs, a sophomore, said more elective credit options could be good, but SpiL should define a rule for what earns elective credits. Stewart said, “More evenly split—eight in person and seven online—would be easier.”

“If there were more than five [elective credits]...that would work better,” said Chris. “There should be different kinds for commuters and non-commuters.” She said more elective credits could increase accessibility for students.

“It is almost impossible for many students to attend ten chapels in-person due to class schedules, extracurriculars, and homework,” Kurdelak said. "It would be more reasonable to have ten electives and five in-person service requirements.”

Increasing elective credits could not only reduce scheduling conflicts, but encourage spiritual growth. “[SpiL] is amazing and does great work,” said Kurdelak, “but as young adults it is essential…that we have the opportunity to make a free choice in how we pursue our faith.”

When asked about increasing the elective credit limit, Kurdelak said: “Students could choose to attend services and events that excited them, instead of going because it is required. I have volunteered at Friendsview to do crafts and social time with the residents. It was delightful!”

Many clubs and volunteering opportunities are available to students seeking those five elective credits. But as for now, students will have to find a way to be in attendance at ten in-person chapels.