Chapel is considered to be an integral part of the University experience, and spiritual growth is foundational to the intellectual, social, and relational growth that students will experience at VUSC.
Morning Gatherings
These gatherings are designed for the entire Vanguard community to consistently experience God through singing, celebration, worship, resting, listening, and participating in many different and diverse experiences.
- Tuesdays 9:30am-10:20am
- Wednesdays 10:00am-10:50am
- Thursdays 9:30am-10:20am
Evening Gatherings
- Excavate Mondays 8:00pm-9:00pm
Verse-by-verse study of the Bible - Shine Wednesdays 9:30pm-10:30pm
Student led worship experience
Chapel Expectations
To receive credit for attending chapel, students must adhere to the following guidelines:
1. Scanning takes place through the first 10 minutes of each service. After that, credit will not be given.
2. A student must be present for the entire service to receive credit. If an emergency arises where a student needs to leave early, they may do so, but must give their namd and ID number to staff.
3. Studying, working on computer, listening to IPods, etc. is not permitted.
Accountability
Students who do not meet their required (30) Spiritual Formation credits will be required to make up for each unearned credit through the following:
1. 1hr. Community Service Project, and write a 2 page Reflection Paper.
OR
2. Pay a $10 processing fee per missing credit, listen to an MP3 or CD of a VU Chapel service, and write a 2 page Reflection Paper.
For example: If you are missing 10 credits, you must complete any combination of the above options 10 times.
For these two forms, click here.
To download an MP3 , click here.
All Community Service opportunities must be completed through a pre-approved Vanguard sponsored activity.
Consequences
Students who do not complete their missing Spiritual Formation credits will not be allowed to academically register for the sollowing semester until those requirements are fulfilled. Graduating senior transcripts and diplomas will not be released until the required credits are earned. If missing credit requirements are not complted, the $10 fee per credit will be automatically charged to the students VU account. Students on disciplinary probation will not be allowed to participate in VU mission trips or serve in any student leadership role.
Please note that it is the student’s responsibility to treat Spiritual Formation credits as any other required class.
Spiritual Formation Petitions
Students who are able to show proof that they are unable to attend most opportunities per week can be considered for a reduction in their Spiritual Formation credit requirement. If it is necessary to be excused on a regular basis, a Spiritual Formation credit petition must be filed each semester in the Spiritual Formation office. These are due by the 6th week of each semester (due dates are stated on the Petition form). The allowable number of absences will cover all eventualities; e.g., commuters who live more than 10 miles from the VU campus, a verifiable class outside VU, a disability accommodation, or a familyemergency. For the Spiritual Formation Petition form, click here.
Reasonable Disability Accommodations for Spiritual Formation Credits
Students who are experiencing a physical or psychological disability are encouraged to meet with the Disability Services Coordinator in the Counseling Center located on the second floor of the Scott building in the Student Services Center. Dr. Beth Lorance (ext. 4489) may assist with reasonable accommodations for both long-term and temporary disabilities that may include a modification of Spiritual Formation Credit requirements. Proper documentation of disability is required.
Methods of Appeal
If a petition is denied and the student wishes to appeal that decision, they may do so by submitting new information to the Coordinator of Chapel Accountability in the Spiritual Formation office. If you five days of absences due to medical/health issues, all medical petitions must be pre-approved through the office of Disability Services (x5256) or email beth.lorance@vanguard.edu. False statements in chapel petitions and leaving chapel early are considered ethical violations, which may require further disciplinary sanctions.
Spiritual Formation Offices
Offices for the Spiritual Formation Department are located on the first floor of Huntington Hall.
For more information about Spiritual Formation credits
To view the Spiritual Formation Credit Brochure, click here.
