Chapel/Convocation Policy
It is the policy of the University that all undergraduate students be encouraged to attend regularly scheduled chapel/convocation services. Such attendance encourages a sense of community, and makes the student aware of issues relevant both to the student and the world outside the University.
1. Place and time of chapel/convocation services. Unless otherwise indicated by the University, chapel/convocations are held at the Swayne Auditorium and at a time set by the University.
2. Attendance recording. Attendance cards are distributed to students attending a chapel/convocation starting 15 minutes before the scheduled beginning time. Attendance cards must be completed by the student and must contain a name, signature, and University identification number. Attendance cards are collected from the student at the end of the chapel/convocation. Students who anticipate that they cannot comply with requirements regarding chapel attendance should contact the Chapel Attendance Office.
3. Late arrivals. Students entering a chapel/convocation no less than 10 minutes late must sign a late-arrival card. Three late-arrivals are counted as one absence.
4. Standard attendance requirements. Full-time undergraduate students are required to attend 32 chapel/convocations per term; part time undergraduate students must attend 14.
5. Exceptions to standard attendance requirements. Exceptions to standard attendance requirements for chapel/convocation attendance may be granted by the University, upon the student’s timely submission to the Office of Student Development, in the following cases:
Attendance requirements for students with full-time outside employment (greater than 35 hours per week), or for students who are parents of children under 12, will be reduced to 14 chapel/convocation services per term.
Attendance requirements for students with part-time outside employment (25-35 hours per week) will be reduced to 21 chapel/convocation services per term.
Attendance requirements for other students who (a) work on a regular basis, or (b) are involved in University related field experience or internship assignments, or (c) are involved in a University related trip, will be subject to determination by the Vice President of Student Affairs, upon submission by the student of a written variance.
Attendance requirements for part-time students will be reduced (part time students with 7-11 credits: 14 chapels/convocations required; part-time students with 0-6 credits: no attendance required).
Attendance requirements for the graduating seniors for their final term shall be 22 chapel/convocations.
All written variances for exceptions must be renewed each term, and must be submitted by the Friday following the last date to add classes without a fee, or when the reason for the variance arises.
6. Alternatives to chapel/convocation attendance. The University believes that there are alternative community building options to attendance at chapel/convocation, which are identified by the Chaplain’s Office. Twenty percent (20%) of a student’s attendance at chapel/convocations may be represented by these alternatives. Students seeking alternative attendance should turn in an Alternative Chapel Card.
7. Students not meeting chapel/convocation requirements. Students who do not fulfill their chapel attendance requirements may be subject to the following actions, as determined by the Vice President of Student Development. Failure to attend the required number chapel/convocation services may be fined for each such failure. Failure to attend at least 50% of a student’s required chapels may result in the denial of enrollment for a period of one semester. Students found to have falsified their chapel attendance, or to have participated in the falsification of the chapel attendance of another student, may face disciplinary consequences, including a $50.00 fine.
Any issues regarding attendance must be resolved by the student with the Chapel Attendance Secretary before the last day of the semester. Students are responsible for tracking their progress in meeting their attendance requirement.
NOTE: Students are responsible for tracking their progress in meeting their attendance requirement. Students may check their attendance records at www.nnu.edu/login and then click on Chapel Attendance Record.
