Written by Ryan Orr
HardingPresident David Burks announced inchapelJan. 25 that the university will offer only one chapel service next fall, as opposed to the two services that are typically seen in the fall semesters.
Burks, who said he met with student leaders when pondering the decision, said that in order to offer just one chapel, the university will add about 175 new seats over the summer.
“I feel that changing the time of chapel is a great idea,” student Cole Franson said. “I think that because of the change there will be more class options and times for them.”
Burks said one chapel in the fall is possible because the growth of enrollment at the undergraduate level is not expected to increase much in coming years.
However, not all students think the switch will be a positive one.
“I don’t like this idea at all and want to have two chapels next semester,” Trever Curd, a Harding student, said. “I like sleeping until chapel and then go to class. Now I will have an hour to do nothing after chapel until class.”
Burksalso addressed changes that will be made to buildings and dorms in coming years.
“The chapel wasn’t that big of a deal to me as the construction they are planning to do,” junior James Kruse said. “The construction is more of a change to me than the chapel time.”
Burks said the university plans to renovate Allen and Sears halls, as well as build a new allied health facility within the next five years.
