By Melanie J. Knox, Page Editor

The first departmental Chapels were conducted Tuesday in various locations around campus. These chapels are a part of the new “break-out” Chapels each Tuesday.

“Departmental chapels are offered to help students develop more intimate relationships with students and faculty within their area of study,” said Brad Carter, coordinator of Chapel programming.

Each department is responsible for its own departmental chapel, Carter said. Some are following the “Climb” theme, but others created their own theme for the semester.

Students had varying opinions and experiences in the 20 different Chapels.

Karyn Gorsline, junior social work major from Spokane, Wash., attended the Sociology and Social Work Chapel, which focused on songs and Scripture about helping the needy.

“I really enjoyed the chance to meet people in the department and talk about things that related specifically to a social work major,” Gorsline said.

Daniel Clark, senior human communications major from Grapevine, attended the Communication Chapel.

“Paul Lakey did a great job speaking on having a grateful heart, and Layne Rouse led the singing,” Clark said. “The only thing I would change is the location in Cullen, which was too big of a room.”

Some students didn’t attend the departmental Chapel because they didn’t know where the chapel was held.

Joseph Randle, sophomore engineering major from Arlington, didn’t know Chapel had changed until he entered the Campus Center.

“I wasn’t notified by phone and don’t check my email everyday,” Randle said. “If they would post signs somewhere in the campus center that tell students where the chapel is going to be, more students would go. A lot of people just stayed here in the Campus Center.”

Joel Goudeau, sophomore graphic design major from Austin, did not attend the Fine Arts Chapel because he didn’t know where it was.

“If they would announce it in class, more people would be informed,” Goudeau said. “But I think this whole thing is dumb and they should go back to regular chapel after this.”

The next dates for the departmental Chapels are Oct. 15, Nov. 5 and Dec. 3. More information can be found on the Chapel Web site at www.acu.edu/campusoffices/chapel.