Chaplaincy Groups See Increased Engagement as Communities Grow in Strength
As students returned to campus this fall, classrooms weren’t the only spaces to fill. The Chaplaincy’s communities have seen a significant increase in attendance at fall programs, beginning with vibrant kick-off opportunities to welcome new and familiar faces to the community.
Pups and Pops, the office’s contribution to Weeks of Welcome, provided Spiders the opportunity to meet – or reconnect – with Chaplaincy staff while enjoying the adorable company of therapy dogs and a delicious variety of popsicles. Despite the dreary weather, turnout was high, and energy was infectious. Following Pups and Pops, this trend of high turnout and exciting energy contined for all of our communities throughout this past fall semester.
Jewish Life on campus welcomed a record-number new Jewish students and families at its Pre-Orientation program in August. With the largest class of Jewish students to date, Jewish Life has continued to engage more than 65% of that first-year cohort through diverse student led programs, holiday celebrations, learning opportunities, and a vibrant series of Shabbat programs. From the very first Shabbat of the semester - when more than 40 Jewish students spent hours connecting over appetizers and mixers - Shabbat attendance on campus has continued at an unprecedented pace.
Christian Life has also seen increased engagement, and attendance at both Catholic Mass and the Tuesday evening contemplative service called Kairos have been steady. These on-campus services have been enhanced by monthly fellowship opportunities such as a trip to King’s Dominion, mini-golf, two service projects, and the fall retreat. The newest Spiders also channeled their excitement into a special first-year small group to help ease the college transition, foster new friendships, and learn about the many ways to be a leader in the community.
The largest incoming class of Muslim students and a growing team of student leaders has resulted in Muslim Life enjoying a strong engagement in Fall programs. In addition to increased attendance in weekly programming such a ḥalaqah and Friday Prayer, the Interfaith Prayer Room has seen a constant stream of Muslim students organizing daily prayers in congregation. Student leaders have begun leading Friday Prayer and have helped organize ad hoc sports and social programs. Like Christian Life, the Muslim Life Fall Break retreat was a source of spiritual replenishment and community bonding.
Not to be left out, Spiritual But Not Religious (SBNR) provided numerous opportunities for students, faculty and staff who do not identify with a specific religious background to grow individually and communally. One special opportunity – Sexuality, Spirituality, and Sushi - was developed in partnership with the Student Center for Equity and Inclusion and the Center for Awareness, Response and Education. The event invited students to explore how how spirituality and sexuality intersect. Through a range of events like yoga, plant potting, meditation, and more, SBNR continues to create its own identity as students gain a deeper sense of connection and community. The group has grown, since its creation six years ago, to over 200 students who find connection and a home in the Office of the Chaplaincy.
Overall, the Chaplaincy’s programs engaged more students than in recent years, and with greater frequency and depth. Three possible reasons for growth stand out. First, each community benefits from a group of senior leaders who arrived on campus since COVID closures. These students have helped to rebuild a leadership pipeline, and many now serve as student employees in the office. Second, each of these communities is led by a Chaplaincy member who has been on campus for more than four years. Staff continuity helps to establish meaningful relationship with students. This stability has been bolstered by our new Multifaith Program Manager, hired in July 2024, who has brought a fresh perspective. Lastly, increased first-year attendance certainly adds to our programmatic vibrancy. Whatever the reason for the increased engagement, the level of new interest is a promising sign for the future strength of our programs!