Ecclesiastical Endorsement FAQ

  1. Do I need an ecclesiastical endorsement if I am an online student?

    • Yes, an annual endorsement is required.

    Do PathwayConnect students need an endorsement?

    • No, PathwayConnect students do not need endorsements. PWOL students do an endorsement every spring semester.

    Merged Question: Do online or PathwayConnect students need an ecclesiastical endorsement?

    • Yes, online students need an annual endorsement. PathwayConnect students do not need endorsements. PWOL students do an endorsement every spring semester.
  2. Do I need an endorsement if I am taking less than 12 credits?

    • Yes, all BYU-I students need current endorsements.

    Do Concurrent Enrollment students need an endorsement?

    • Yes, the application process includes steps for obtaining it.

    Merged Question: Do all students, including part-time and Concurrent Enrollment students, need an endorsement?

    • Yes, all BYU-I students need current endorsements, including those taking less than 12 credits and Concurrent Enrollment students.
  3. Do I need another ecclesiastical endorsement if I already had one for BYU Provo (or BYU-I)?

    • Yes. Only BYU-Idaho and BYU-Pathway share the same endorsement.

    I just met with my bishop and stake president and got my endorsement, why do I have to do another one?

    • As a new student, you completed an application endorsement. You also have to renew your continuing student endorsement every year. Any questions regarding this will go to the Honor Office at (208) 496-9300.

    Merged Question: Do I need another endorsement if I already had one for another CES school or recently met with my bishop and stake president?

    • No, CES schools share endorsements. However, new students need to complete an application endorsement, and all students must renew their continuing student endorsement every year.

Here is the updated FAQ with the merged questions:

Ecclesiastical Endorsement FAQ

What is an ecclesiastical endorsement?

  • BYU-I requires all students to have an annual ecclesiastical endorsement from their current bishop.
  • Completed endorsements appear on your application after the Stake President submits them.

Do I need an endorsement to apply to BYU-I?

  • Yes, an endorsement is needed to complete the application.
  • BYU-Provo allows endorsements to be submitted later.

What does an ecclesiastical endorsement hold mean?

  • It’s time to renew your endorsement for the next semester.
  • This hold only prevents registration for future classes.

How do I access my endorsement?

What if I can't access the electronic ecclesiastical endorsement?

  • Check if it’s time to renew your endorsement.
  • Holds apply in the first semester of your assigned track (campus students) and every spring semester (online students).
  • Try a different browser.
  • Use this link.
  • Call the Student Honor Office at 208-496-9300 if you still can't access it.

What if I can't find my ward?

  • Use the 'search' button to enter your ward information.
  • Click on your ward, then click 'next' to proceed.

How do I schedule an interview with my Branch President or Bishop?

  • Continuing students: See "Submitting Continuing Ecclesiastical Endorsement".
  • New students: Follow the "Ecclesiastical Endorsement" section in "Applying to BYU-Idaho".

Do online or PathwayConnect students need an ecclesiastical endorsement?

  • Yes, online students need an annual endorsement. PathwayConnect students do not need endorsements. PWOL students do an endorsement every spring semester.

Do all students, including part-time and Concurrent Enrollment students, need an endorsement?

  • Yes, all BYU-I students need current endorsements, including those taking less than 12 credits and Concurrent Enrollment students.

Do I need another endorsement if I already had one for another CES school or recently met with my bishop and stake president?

  • Yes. Only BYU-Idaho and BYU-Pathway share the same endorsement.

Do non-members need an ecclesiastical endorsement?

  • Yes, non-member students must be endorsed by the bishop of the LDS ward where they reside.

Do missionaries need an endorsement?

  • Yes, work with your mission president for the endorsement.

Do I need an endorsement if I’m only doing an internship?

  • Yes, a continuing endorsement is necessary.

What if I work on Sunday and can't attend church?

  • Discuss the situation with your bishop.

Do I need my campus bishop's endorsement or can my home bishop do it?

  • Campus students need their campus ward bishop’s endorsement.

What if my bishop doesn't endorse me?

  • You cannot register, but you can appeal to your stake president.

Can another bishop endorse me if my campus bishop won’t?

  • No, your campus bishop must do it.

What if I decide to return to BYU-I after leaving?

  • Contact your bishop to arrange your ecclesiastical endorsement.

Does my stake president need to endorse me?

  • No, stake presidents are not involved in continuing endorsements.

Where can I get a copy of the ecclesiastical endorsement form?

  • The process is completed online.

What if my bishop and ward leaders have issues resolving my endorsement?

  • If there are issues with ward records, ecclesiastical leaders should resolve them.
  • Once resolved, resubmit the endorsement request.
  • If still unresolved, have your bishop contact the Endorsement Clearing Office.

What if I have multiple endorsement holds on my account?

  • Each potential semester has a hold. Submit your endorsement to clear all holds.

Do I need two endorsements when reapplying to BYU-Idaho?

  • Yes, all applicants need endorsements from both their bishop and stake president.

Do I need a new endorsement if I start a new application?

  • It depends on when the original endorsement was received. Reopen your application from the status page.

What if I don't have a bishop nearby?

  • Members of the LDS Church can meet with their bishop in person or via Zoom/phone.
  • Non-members can meet with their own ecclesiastical leader.
  • Issues? Call the Honor Office at (208) 496-9300.

What if I sent the endorsement to the wrong ward?

  • Talk to your current ward's clerk to transfer your records.
  • Contact the Honor Office to get it to the right bishop.

What if I request my endorsement from the wrong ward?

  • Resubmit the endorsement through the application. It goes where your records are.
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