Calendar designer seeks Y. diploma

PROVO — The designer of a Mormon beefcake calendar met with Brigham Young University officials on Friday in an attempt to secure his diploma, which was withheld last fall.

Chad Hardy was denied his bachelor's degree in communication studies from BYU in September, a month after walking through graduation ceremonies.

In a letter to Hardy, a school official said a nonacademic-hold on the diploma was the result of Hardy's excommunication from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. BYU is a private university owned by the LDS Church.

Hardy met with the BYU Dean of Students Vernon L. Heperi for a review Friday.

In an audio recording of the meeting provided to The Associated Press, Heperi is heard saying the review would help him determine whether he could "make an exception to university policy and grant the diploma," regardless of Hardy's excommunication.

A written decision from Heperi is not expected for several weeks, Hardy said after the meeting.