The Office of Religious and Spiritual Life supports students from a diverse array of religious, spiritual, and philosophical communities.
Students from many religious and non-religious traditions including Atheist, Agnostic, Baha'i, Buddhist, Christian (Orthodox, Protestant, Roman Catholic), Hindu, Humanist, Jain, Jewish, Latter Day Saints, Muslim, Native African, Native American, Pagan, Secular, Sikh, Unitarian Universalist, Zoroastrian and others are encouraged to find a home and community within the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life.
Wellesley students may choose to participate in one of the various student-led religious organizations and any of the programs hosted by ORSL on a weekly basis. Students are encouraged to contact the Dean of Religious and Spiritual Life to connect to a particular community or create a new campus organization to nurture their spiritual development while on campus.
The college chaplains are a confidential resource for students, faculty, and staff by offering individual pastoral counseling sessions in which spiritual curiosity and life issues are explored through nonjudgmental conversation. The Office of Religious & Spiritual Life encourages the celebration of religious identity in our campus community and supports student wellness through engagement with spirituality.
Hindu Community/Darshana
Chaplain Dena Bodian - dbodian@wellesley.edu
Puja - March 13 Holi Celebration - May 1 |
Sunday at 11 am Saturday at 6pm |
Multifaith Center Chapel Lawn |
Jewish
Rabbi Dena Bodian - dbodian@wellesley.edu
Shabbat Services Shabbat Dinner |
Friday at 5 pm Friday at 6 pm |
Multifaith Center Multifaith Center |
Muslim
Chaplain Amira Quraishi - aquraish@wellesley.edu
Jum’ah Prayers & Lunch |
Friday at 1-1:45 pm |
Multifaith Center |
Unitarian Universalist/Heartspace
Chaplain Natalie Malter - nm106@wellesley.edu
Heartspace - Student Led |
Sunday at 6 pm |
Multifaith Center |
Multifaith Community Gathering
Chaplain Amira Quraishi - aquraish@wellesley.edu
Multifaith Community |
Thursday at 12:45-2 pm |
Multifaith Center |
Buddhist & Mindfulness Meditation
Chaplain John Bailes - jbailes@wellesley.edu
Meditation Monday Student Gathering |
Monday at 5-7 pm Thursday at 5-6 pm |
Houghton Chapel Houghton Chapel |
Christian Life
Reverend Sarah Robbins-Cole - srobbin3@wellesley.edu
Catholic Mass Protestant Worship Service Christian Life Dinner Christian Life Office Hours |
Sunday at 4 pm Sunday at 4 pm Sunday at 4:45 pm Wednesday at 4 pm |
Houghton Chapel Multifaith Center Multifaith Center/Chapel Lawn Chapel Lawn/Billings 206 |
*Contact individual chaplains for more information
The college chaplains and dean of ORSL are confidential resources trained to listen and support you - on virtually any topic! While they serve and lead religious communities on campus, chaplains support the whole college community - whether religious, spiritual, secular, or none of the above.
At Wellesley College, all chaplains are available for all students (as well as staff and faculty). Chaplains offer a nonjudgmental, respectful ear for anything you’re going through.
To make an appointment with a college chaplain, simply send them an email or call the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life.
Loneliness & Homesickness
Finding community and making friends can be a challenge. Chaplains are here - not only to listen to how this adjustment has been for you - but also to help you think through strategies for finding community here on campus.
Relationship Issues
Fighting with family about your major, difficulties communicating with a roommate, bullying on social media, trouble in a friend group, navigating a sticky dating situation - these are all the sorts of conversations that chaplains regularly have with students looking for sounding boards when dealing with these interpersonal dynamics.
Sexuality/Gender
Questions of becoming sexually active, exploring sexual and gender identities, and coping with sexual assault may be discussed with a college chaplain in a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental setting.
Meaning & Purpose
Chaplains are here to help you make meaning - figuring out what excites you, considering your purpose, asking big questions, thinking about how you want to shape your life and serve the world. Your chaplain’s office is not only a good place for a cup of tea, it’s a great space to think out loud, in a confidential space.
Celebrating the Whole You
A chaplain is thrilled to hear about what’s going right in your world, and to cheer you on. We’re a non-judgemental presence when you’re trying to figure things out and it’s OK to humble-brag about yourself, too!
Questions about Spirituality and Religion
Exploring the spiritual dimensions of our humanity can be a wonderful resource on the journey of life. It’s also totally normal to doubt or wonder if some of what you were taught might be toxic or unhealthy. Cults and unhealthy religious groups love to target college students, so please come talk to us about anything you’re curious or concerned about.
Grief & Dying
The death of a loved one, prolonged illness, accidents and other unexpected life events can be very painful experiences. Fear of our own mortality and questions about an afterlife are normal after such difficult experiences. Chaplains are a helpful resource to process all of your feelings and help you find ways to begin to heal from your loss.
Guilt/Shame
Many college students struggle with feelings of pressure, shame, or authenticity surrounding their childhood community, family, or religious practice. Chaplains may be a resource for helping you think about how to integrate (or not) your family’s beliefs as you develop your own personal and/or religious identity.
ORSL Spaces
William S. Houghton Memorial Chapel
Multifaith Center:
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Study Room 009
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Meditation Room 020
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Prayer Room 026
Science Center - Meditation and Prayer room L022
Billings:
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Jewish Life Lounge 200
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Conference Room 202
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Multipurpose Lounge 206
Places for Peace
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Chapel Swing
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Lake Waban - Tupelo Point, Boardwalk, Wooden and Stone “spoonholders” around the lake
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Outdoor Labyrinth on Munger Meadow
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Willow Tree in H. H. Hunnewell Arboretum
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Adirondack chairs on Green Beach
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Paramecium Pond Bench
Contact: Office of Religious and Spiritual Life | Billings Hall | ORSL@wellesley.edu | 781-283-2685