Religious and Spiritual Life Program Models

RELIGIOUS & SPIRITUAL LIFE PROGRAM MODELS

INTRODUCTION

The rise of religious diversity on campuses and the increasing desire to relate to this diversity in a pluralistic fashion have inspired the development of new models for religious and spiritual life programs.  This section portrays just three of those, although many more have been established on campuses throughout the country.

Wellesley College established the position of Dean of Religious and Spiritual Life in 1993 – a position where the Dean represents no specific religious tradition but functions to oversee a team of religious life advisors from a variety of traditions with which the students at the college identify.

The University of Southern California also appoints a Dean of Religious Life to oversee the religious life program.

Stanford University appoints a team of Deans for Religious Life “to provide leadership, services and programming in matters of religion, spirituality, and ethics.”

The Pasquerilla Spiritual Center at Pennsylvania State University is home to the variety of religious and spiritual groups on campus, and is administered by the Director of the Center for Ethics and Religious Affairs.

Macalaster College has a Center for Religious and Spiritual Life where "all students, regardless of religion, creed, or beliefs, can find a place of peace, rest, and shelter from the stresses of the outside world."

These and other similar programs can serve as models for any college or university that is contemplating a restructuring of its religious/spiritual life staffing.