About BYU Ecclesiastical Endorsement

About Brigham Young University
Founded in 1875 and located in Provo, Utah, Brigham Young University is owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is one of the nation’s largest private universities and is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Mission of Brigham Young University
The mission of Brigham Young University is to assist individuals in their quest for perfection and eternal life. In support of this mission, programs offered by BYU, including the Bachelor of General Studies degree, seek to develop students of faith, intellect, and character who have the skills and the desire to continue learning and to serve others throughout their lives. Doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are woven throughout the entire curriculum as well as studied in depth in the required religious education courses.

Student Commitment and Ecclesiastical Endorsement
Brigham Young University, including the Bachelor of General Studies program, exists to provide an education in an atmosphere consistent with the ideals and principles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. That atmosphere is created and preserved through commitment to conduct that reflects those ideals and principles. To that end, each student who is or ever has been a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is required to submit the Student Commitment and Confidential Report (also known as the ecclesiastical endorsement). This endorsement is to be completed and signed by the student’s bishop or branch president and a member of the stake or district presidency. The endorsement certifies that the student demonstrates in daily living, both on and off campus, his or her commitment to the BYU Honor Code and all moral virtues encompassed in the gospel of Jesus Christ, including regular church attendance. Specifics of the honor code are given on Form B of the application.

Applicants who are not members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints must maintain the same standards, except church attendance. Non-LDS applicants may interview with any local LDS bishop, or the BYU Chaplain, 3500 WSC, BYU, Provo, UT 84602, 801-422-4668. Please contact BGS if help is needed in locating a bishop. A stake president interview is not required.

Each student who is admitted will need to have an annual renewal of the ecclesiastical endorsement. Should the endorsement not be renewed or if it is withdrawn for any reason, the student will be discontinued from the BGS program. The continuing student ecclesiastical endorsement is due annually, following formal admission to the BGS program.

FERPA Policy
By an act of Congress, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects the privacy of your educational record. The nature of the Bachelor of General Studies degree often requires the dissemination of information by telephone, letter, fax, e-mail, or some other distance communication method. To comply with FERPA regulations, we require your Social Security number or BYU identification number before releasing any personally identifiable or educational information. We can only provide this information directly to you, as the student. Please do not ask a spouse, friend, or relative to request this information for you. You may view the full provisions of the act online at http://saas.byu.edu/registrar/records/ferpa.php.