Chapel Attendance Policy

Requirements
The Chapel Program is an integral part of a Gordon education and contributes significantly to our mission to graduate men and women distinguished by intellectual maturity and Christian character, committed to lives of service, and prepared for leadership worldwide. Not only is Chapel important for personal spiritual growth, but it is an essential part of the Gordon community, uniting us in fellowship as one body of believers. 

As such, regular attendance in Chapel is required for graduation. All residential students, full-time and part-time, must receive 30 Chapel credits each semester regardless of work schedule. Full-time commuters are required to receive 15 Chapel credits. Part-time commuters do not have a credit requirement but are still encouraged to attend Chapel events.

Records and Accountability
Records of attendance are kept in the Chapel Office. Students can view their attendance and view a schedule of chapels bearing credit. All students are expected to remain in good standing with their Chapel credit requirement. 

1. Students are required to attend 30 chapels in both the fall and spring semesters, for a total of 60 chapels each academic year. 
2. Students who do not reach 30 chapel credits in the fall semester must make up missing credits in the spring to reach 60 by the end of the academic year. 
3. Students who miss more credits in the fall than can be made up during the spring semester to reach 60 may attend a Spiritual Formation Intensive to earn additional credits. 
   Note: These students must reach the required 30 chapel credits in the spring semester in addition to attending a Spiritual Formation Intensive. 
4. Students who reach 30 credits in the fall, but then are behind in the spring semester, may attend a Spiritual Formation Intensive to help them earn additional credits. 

If students have not fulfilled 60 Credits at the end of the spring semester, they will be fined based on a sliding scale. Once the fine is paid, students begin with a clean record the following academic year. However, willful noncompliance over multiple years may result in suspension.

Special Cases
Qualifying students may submit a Chapel Credit Reduction Application to the Chapel Office. Forms are located online and must be submitted by the third week of classes each semester. See form for more information.

Percent reduced is based on how many times per week students have approved conflicts with Monday, Wednesday, and Friday gatherings at 10:25 a.m. We are unable to approve reductions for on/off-campus employment or personal internships. A new application must be submitted for each semester.

Students who miss a week or more of classes due to a serious illness may file for two credits per each week of missed classes by having a medical notification sent to the Chapel Office within two weeks of illness. Students who are married or commuting should receive their reductions automatically.

Chapel accommodations are available for eligible students. Please contact the Chapel Office with any questions.