Jenzabar University

As a Christian institution of higher learning, we esteem the spiritual life as a vital piece of the educational experience. For this reason, we place a high priority on our spiritual programming just as we do academic pursuits. Therefore, we require participation in spiritual programming opportunities while students are enrolled at HU. We have crafted a variety of options for students in terms of types of programs as well as times programs are offered and a Spiritual Life Credit (SLC) system. This system allows for flexibility for students with a variety of different schedules and levels of spiritual maturity, while encouraging spiritual growth and maintaining our standard of participation in spiritual formation. 

Our standard for student participation in spiritual formation programs is to attend a minimum of two spiritual formation opportunities per week per semester. We believe that pulling aside two hours per week to pay attention to the soul in the community with others is important and reasonable. For each event attended, credit will be awarded. At the end of the semester, this should add up to 30 credits. Students who fail to obtain 30 or more credits will be subject to disciplinary action on the part of the university. (Our discipline policy is spelled out in the “Spiritual Life Credit Expectations” section below.) 

Chapel – At the heart of our life together at Huntington University is the chapel experience that represents our acknowledgment of God among us. Chapel experiences offer students an opportunity to participate in a total campus gathering designed to enlarge his/her spiritual, social, and academic life from a Christian worldview. We host chapel experiences twice per week and encourage students to engage often in these gatherings.  

Floor Fellowship – Weekly worship and Bible study opportunities are hosted by Sojourners* in each residence hall.  

Liturgical Chapel –Weekly gathering designed for those who enjoy a more traditional Christian worship experience, including ancient prayers, creeds, and hymns of the faith. 

Forester Lectures & academic forums – Lectures and events of various disciplines are held throughout each year with the goal of integrating the Christian faith with different fields of study and interest. 

Concerts and Events – Huntington University hosts a variety of concerts, special speakers, and inspirational events designed to enhance the spiritual lives of those attending.  

Small Groups – A variety of small groups and Bible studies are available to students throughout each semester. These groups are led by faculty and staff. 

Athletic team devotions – Each athletic team is given the opportunity to earn SLC credit through team devotions. Up to 7 SLCs are available per semester. 

Partner opportunities – HU collaborates with partner organizations such as FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) and UCO (University Christian Outreach), which host SLC opportunities on campus. 

Although SLCs are not awarded for church attendance, students are encouraged to worship regularly with one of the many congregations in the Huntington area. A list of nearby churches is online at https://www.huntington.edu/campus-ministries/area-churches.  

Each floor has a Sojourner who is an upper-class student who coordinates, delegates, encourages, and is a resource for spiritual life in the residence hall. Sojourners host weekly floor gatherings in dorms, which count as 1 SLC per week. Sojourners are selected, trained, and supervised by the Center for Spiritual Formation.  

All non-married full-time students under the age of twenty-five are required to receive an average of 2 Spiritual Life Credits (SLCs) per week per semester (for a total of 30). Students who fail to receive the required 30 SLCs will be subject to the following sanctions:  

1st Offense: 15 hours of community service in the first month of the following semester. Any unfinished hours will be charged to the student’s account at a rate of $10 per hour up to a total of $150.  

2nd Offense: 30 hours of community service in the first month of the following semester. Any unfinished hours will be charged to the student’s account at a rate of $10 per hour up to $300.  

3rd Offense: Disciplinary Probation. $300 fine plus disciplinary probation (While students may continue to attend Huntington University, participation in leadership positions and athletics is disallowed for one semester.) 

Any student who misses more than 1/3 of the credit requirement, i.e. less than 20 total credits, will accelerate the sanction process by one full step. There will be no opportunities to make up for any missed chapels.  

Special Circumstances: 

Waivers are given if you work full-time (40+ hours per week), are married, have young children, or are 25+ years of age. There are also reductions or waivers provided for certain internships and fieldwork that is required by your major for graduation. Reductions are not granted because you are a commuter or have a full schedule with classes, work, extracurricular activities, or athletics. 

Students in majors which require off-campus class-related work may receive a reduction in SLC requirements. For example, majors which require internships, practicums, student teaching, or clinical hours will have an altered SLC requirement during the semester in which these educational requirements are being met. Anyone desiring such reductions may petition through the Spiritual Formation Office by filling out the form linked on “the Center” page on the HU portal before the internship begins. 

We realize that, for some students, there are circumstances that complicate their ability to receive the required amount of chapel credit. To be considered for a reduction in chapel credit expectations, students need to fill out the spiritual life credit reduction request form on “the Center” page in the portal in a responsible and timely manner.  

Disciplinary measures for cheating on SLCs: 

There are disciplinary measures in place for students who attempt to obtain credit for chapels and other spiritual activities which they did not attend.  

Violation 1 = Fine of $300 

Violation 2 = Fine of $300 and disciplinary probation (While students may continue to attend Huntington University, participation in leadership positions and athletics is disallowed for one semester.) 

*Any revisions to this policy will be communicated to students by the Center for Spiritual Formation in a timely manner.