Last week, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints informed campus bishops that changes would be made to the ecclesiastical endorsement process beginning on July 1. 

According to the statement, ecclesiastical endorsements are valid for 365 days and if students renew their endorsement before it expires, they only need to meet with their bishop. Students who fail to renew their ecclesiastical endorsement before it expires will be required to meet with their bishop and stake president.

Students may renew their ecclesiastical endorsement 90 days before their expiration dates. Students do not need to meet with the stake presidents if they get an Endorsement before it expires. 

Ben Stewart, a junior studying marriage and family studies was surprised that this policy change had not already occurred. He is excited to see more opportunities to connect with stake leadership.

“I'm a big fan and a big endorser of priesthood leaders meeting and knowing who they are leading.” Stewart said, “I think it's a good idea and it's a way to help students, in case they just happen to miss out on renewing in time, to meet with their stake president.”

Lili Booth, a sophomore majoring in biology felt that these new requirements would be a drain on students.

"The bishop needs to go talk to the stake president, and I have to go through all of these rounds of interviews to ensure I can still be a student here."

Mayumi Ayer, a sophomore studying biology, said she wasn't aware of the news until she was asked to comment.

“I think that it's unfortunate that this hasn't been more widely publicized, especially given that students are really busy with schoolwork,” Ayer said. 

Ayer said she believes changes to the ecclesiastical endorsement could help hold students accountable and she hopes the policy succeeds.