| ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS |
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| What is the purpose of Institute? |
| Institutes of Religion help provide students and nonstudent young single adults with opportunities for religious education, service activities, social interaction, leadership training, and spiritual growth. Institutes assist local priesthood leaders in encouraging young people to serve missions and marry in the temple. |
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| What connection do the Institutes have with colleges? |
| Adjacent to almost every institution of higher learning in America from Ivy League schools to community colleges there are various independent religious centers. Such organizations have no official connection with the schools, but academic leaders generally welcome them, recognizing that they have a positive effect on the various campuses. Religious centers sponsored by the LDS Church are called Institutes of Religion and are found in every state of the Union and numerous countries. |
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| How academically demanding are Institute classes? |
| We encourage gospel scholarship. A student can do as much reading and research as he wishes. Out of class study is suggested. However, we welcome students who, because of heavy school work schedules, can only come to the Institute to hear lectures and participate in discussions. |
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| What kind of faculty does the Institute have? |
| Most of our teachers have either masters or doctorate degrees. They also have or are serving in Church callings including bishoprics, stake presidencies and some are returned mission presidents. They are men and women of faith and dedication. We are also staffed by volunteer teachers who have the same qualities. |
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| When are classes taught? |
| Most classes are taught two days a week. A two credit hour class would normally be held Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday so that they can dovetail with classes on campus. We also have Friday only classes and evening classes. The hourly schedule is the same as the adjacent campus which allows time to go to classes before or after Institute. Most two hour evening classes meet one night a week and continue into a second hour. Some one and two hour classes are also held at various times during the day. |
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| What is the role of non-student young single adults at the Institute? |
| The First Presidency has announced that "all non-student young single adults (18-30) who live in the immediate area of an Institute of Religion are invited to enroll in the Institute and to participate with other students in the religious education classes and the social and service activities of this important Church program." First Presidency Letter, 7/1/93 |
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| Are non LDS students invited to attend Institute? |
| Non-LDS students are welcome in all classes; however, some classes are better suited for them than others. Those interested should talk to the Institute director or staff for advice. |
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| Are adults welcome in Institute? |
| Adults are encouraged to attend Adult Religion Classes sponsored by the Church Education System which are held at many locations in the valley and at various times of the day and evening. Call 801-621-1800 to obtain further information. |
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| What is there for those planning to go on missions? |
| Mission preparation classes are taught at most Institutes. Most other Institute classes would also be helpful for mission preparation. |
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| What does Institute offer besides classes? |
| a) Friendly people and staff; b) a circulation library and study area; c) a lounge, game and lunch room; d) involvement in the LDS Student Association which sponsors firesides, dances, service projects, temple excursions, etc.; e) student wards for those living away from home. (Smaller institutes may have limited offerings.) |
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| What about students with special needs? |
| The Ogden Institute has special needs facilities, including parking, handicap doors, and an elevator. |
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| Is Institute credit transferable to BYU, BYU-Idaho or BYU-Hawaii? |
| Institute credit transfers to any of the church sponsored schools (BYU, BYU-Idaho, LDS Business College, BYU-Hawaii, etc.) In order to qualify for this letter grade to be transferred you would have to declare your intention at the first of the semester and your instructor would give you the extra assignments, projects, and tests necessary to qualify for transferable credit.Always make your intentions known concerning whether you want a letter grade or a pass/fail credit at the beginning of each semester. |
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| What steps need to be taken to become an instructor? |
| Please refer all questions concerning becoming a seminary or institute instructor to the Pre-Service Office: (801)622-5300. |
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| When a student signs up for institute and is unable to attend the first 2-3 classes could they still get credit? |
| One of the requirements to qualify for institute credit is to attend class 75% of the time. In addition, arrangements can be made with your instructor to do make up work and still qualify for institute credit if you have fallen short of the required attendance. |
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| How much does Institute cost? |
| There is no charge for Institute Classes for all young adults ages 18-30 or for adults 31+ who are currently attending college. Each semester, the Institute holds some specified courses for non-college adults who are 31+. For non-college adults who are 31+, there is a $10 fee for each summer class and a $15 fee for each class during the Fall or Spring semester. |
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| What are the requirements for graduation from Institute? |
| Fourteen (14) semester hours of institute credit are required for graduation, including at least eight (8) semester hours in scripture-based courses; four of the eight must be Book of Mormon 121 and 122. Approved scripture-based courses for graduation credit are: Old Testament 301 and 302, New Testament 211 and 212, Book of Mormon 121 and 122, Doctrine and Covenants 324 and 325, Pearl of Great Price 327; Doctrines of the Gospel 430 and 431, Teachings of the Living Prophets 333. Graduate courses in any of these subjects are also approved for graduation requirements. Beyond graduation there are 22 and 30 hour certificates available. Worthiness clearance from the student’s bishop is also required. |
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| What sort of attire is appropriate to wear when attending Institute Classes? Is it church attire or nice dress? |
| Casual attire that is modest is appropriate to wear to Institute Classes. |
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| Can you bring a guest to class with you? |
| Guests are welcome to attend and encouraged to register for a class. If possible, it would be appropriate to let your teacher know ahead of time that you plan to bring a guest. |
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| Can I take more than one Institute class during a semester? If so, how many classes can I register for? |
| Yes, you can take more than one class per semester. You can take up to four regular Institute Classes each semester.
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| If one is a non-traditional student (i.e., graduated from WSU but not institute, and is now 31+ years old) can he/she still enroll in and graduate from institute? If so, can this be accomplished by taking classes in the evenings? |
| Each semester, there are specific courses that non-college adults 31+ can take. These classes are marked on the schedule with an asterisk. There are daytime classes as well as evening classes that are offered. For non-college adults 31+, there is a fee of $10.00 per class in the summer semester and $15.00 per class during the fall and spring semesters. |
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| When can I tryout for the Folk Dance team or for Choralaires? |
| Tryouts for Folk Dance and Choralaires are always held during the first week of classes of the Fall Semester. Please inquire at the institute office for more details. |
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| How can I get an Institute Parking Pass? |
| A drawing is held a week before classes start for the Fall and Spring semesters. To enter the drawing, a postcard must be filled out at the office prior to the drawing. You must register for a two-credit hour day class in order to claim your parking pass and must regularly attend class in order to keep the pass. Those entering the drawing must be 18-30 years old. A few special passes will be available, such as 7:00 to 8:00 am classes and Tuesday/Thursday classes. Inquire at the office for further information. (A permit is not required for evening or weekend parking.) |
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| I'm confused about which classes my father (45) can take over the summer. Please email me asap so he can register for those which he desires = thanks. |
| Non-student adults over the age of 30 can only take classes marked with an *. For the summer there is only one in that category. It's at 6:00 pm on Wednesday evenings; "Bible Manners & Customs" taught by Bro. Sandberg. Classes started the week of June 9. |
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| This comming fall 2008, my schedual is full and the only time I can take institute is on fridays. I was wondering if I take a friday only class will I still recieve the same amout of credit as a m/w or t/r class? Is this possible to do?brThanks brSarah Weston |
| Classes taught on Fridays only are just one hour of credit because they only meet one day a week. |
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| If you are a Young Adult age 18 or 22 but a non-college student, what is the cost for a Friday evening Institute class? |
| There is no cost for any classes, for any non-college students ages 18 to 30. |
