Caring for the Whole Student: How Do Chaplains Contribute to Campus Life?

Abstract

In the changing religious landscape of American higher education, campus chaplains offer vital resources to student affairs professionals. Drawing from interviews with 16 religiously diverse chaplains, this article presents the respondents’ perspectives on the challenges facing students, as well as their own contributions to campus life. Chaplains described three central roles: bridge-building, community-building, and tending to the soul of the university. These findings indicate that chaplains, particularly those from non-Christian traditions, contribute to campus life in ways not yet indicated in the higher education literature. In light of these findings, the authors encourage collaboration among chaplains of all faiths and student affairs professionals.

Notes

¹ Chaplains involved in this project participated in retreats designed to provide professional development and cultivate connections among campus chaplains of diverse traditions. While the interview guide (Appendix) includes questions about the first retreat, what took place in the retreat is beyond the scope of this article.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by a grant from the Luce Fund for Theological Education. Rabbi Nancy Fuchs Kreimer of Reconstructionist Rabbinical College serves as principal investigator on this project.

Notes on contributors

Rebecca Barton

^a

Rebecca Barton ([email protected]) is a graduate student at Brandeis University. Her research focuses on gender, sexuality, religion, and spirituality.

Wendy Cadge

^b

Wendy Cadge ([email protected]) is professor of sociology at Brandeis University. She is an expert in contemporary American religion, especially related to religion in public institutions, religious diversity, immigration, and healthcare.

Elena G. van Stee

^c

Elena G. van Stee ([email protected]) is a PhD student in sociology at the University of Pennsylvania. Her research focuses on religion, stratification, social mobility, and higher education.