Photo by Ryan C. Harris
Bryan Mills
Reporter
January 27, 2006
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Dean of Students Mark Fox demonstrates a card
scanner (but you knew that). Photo by Ryan C. Harris |
Changes in chapel attendance requirements implemented last semester have proven to be effective, according to Dean of Students Mark Fox.
In previous years, students had to attend all chapel services and convocation gatherings unless they had been exempted for an off-campus job.
In the fall 2005 semester, Milligan’s administration changed these requirements. Added opportunities for credit gave students more flexibility for gaining the 20 required credits.
“We didn’t have as many kids not meet the standards,” Fox said, “because we had so many options available.”
Many students have responded favorably to the new policy. Junior Chris Mathews enjoyed getting chapel credit for things he might not have originally been interested in.
“I went to one of the devotional breakfasts,” said Mathews. “I never would have woken up for it without that incentive.”
Junior Tom Jones was pleased to receive credit for activities he was already involved in. He works with Milligan’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes, which hosted three credited events last semester. Jones said the new policy “helps you to be more aware of how many credits you have.”
Not all students were thrilled with the change in policy, though. Junior Ian Southerland found the additional opportunities “a bit confusing.”
“Before (the change), you just knew that you had to get up and go,” Southerland said. “The new rules were a bit vague.”
Though fewer students needed to make up chapel credits from last semester, Fox still needed to work out an alternate plan for some students. He got creative.
Fox offered to “call it even” with some students if they elected to go on the Mexico mission trip with Crossroads this spring break.
“I threw it out there hoping people would go,” Fox said.
Other options for makeup include on-campus community service through Milligan’s housekeeping department.
The new policy has been retained for the spring 2006 semester.
Another new policy was added this semester, requiring students to have their student ID cards scanned to receive credit. Students can no longer give their Social Security number to have their attendance counted.
This semester’s chapel schedule is available at http://www.milligan.edu/spiritual/schedule.htm.