Office of the Chaplain and Religious Life
Strategic Plan
Mission Statement | Departmental Highlights | Departmental Challenges | Departmental Goals
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Office of the Chaplain and Religious Life is to create, lead, coordinate and present a program of spiritual resource and religious life supporting the maturation of moral vision, character and servant-leadership among students, faculty and staff.
2010-11 DEPARTMENTAL HIGHLIGHTS
Lectures & Conferences
- Willson Lecture Series featured Tim Clydesdale, speaking on "First Year Out" in October, 2010 and Chaplain Steve Rankin speaking on "Seeking a Better Way: SMU as a Leader in Church-Affiliated Higher Education" in March, 2011.
University Worship
- University Worship was re-established in August, 2010 and Sunday morning services were facilitated each Sunday during term.
DEPARTMENTAL CHALLENGES
- Issue of space for Campus Ministries to program on a weekly basis (availability and affordability)
- Growth of the University Worship is slow
- Re-establishing the profile of the Chaplain's Office in the university.
DEPARTMENTAL GOALS
Student Success
- Hire two new part-time staff members: a Chaplain/Advisor for Muslim students and Chaplain/Advisor for Jewish students
Student Learning
- Experiential learning opportunities and the University Curriculum: Explore with campus ministers how their programs can fulfill a Proficiency requirement for the new University Curriculum..
Exemplary Division of Student Affairs
- Inter-Faith Center: Create and develop interest in the establishment of an Inter-Faith Center on campus where students, faculty and staff of all faith traditions will gather, connect and converse around those issues that unite as people of faith.