Spirituality in College

Rob and I are both members of the Association of Fraternity Advisors (AFA). We go to the Annual Meeting each December, have training and networking opportunities with other people in our field, and receive resources on new and relevant topics in the world of Higher Education. I posted a blog about a month ago about spirituality and brotherhood. Below is an article that was written for AFA and I wanted everybody to have an opportunity to see it. This might shed a little light for some of you on the idea of spirituality and how it affects college students. I found it interesting.


Spirituality: A Passing Fancy or Growing Edge?
Rev. Deborah Casey, Mansfield University of Pennsylvania Courtney Hull, Mansfield University of Pennsylvania
May 2009

We live in a world of “sound bites” and “buzz words,” trying to capture a sense of understanding and insight in brief suggestive phrases before the world turns its ears elsewhere. Spirituality has become a “buzz word” for everything from being rooted in a particular religious tradition to (with apologies to the Beatles) a mystical, magical mystery tour of the meanings of life (Lennon, McCartney, Harrison, Starr, & Knowles, 1967).

In his book To Know as We Are Known: A Spirituality of Education, Parker Palmer (1983) describes spirituality as a “way of being, of awareness.” While this spirituality may not include frequent attendance at religious services, we know students are exploring what it means to have the awareness Palmer discusses. Sometimes discussions happen within a classroom, at a late-night rap session, or on a service trip. Wherever they happen, students are drawn to these conversations as they ask questions, compare experiences, share beliefs and doubts, and seek information and avenues of expression.

As we know and have seen firsthand, college is a time of significant personal growth for many, if not most, young adults. New friends, new experiences, and new opportunities allow them to not only reflect upon the values and beliefs that they already possess, but also to explore perhaps a new way of being or a new awareness—a spirituality that will guide them forward into their adult lives.

In an effort to better understand how the undergraduate college years influence students’ perspective on spiritual and ethical matters, researchers at the Higher Education Research Institute (HERI) at UCLA conducted the first longitudinal study, called Spirituality in Higher Education: Students’ Search for Meaning and Purpose, to document changes in these perspectives between the freshman and junior years. This study examines data collected from 14,527 students attending 136 colleges and universities nationwide. The students first responded to the survey as they began their freshman year (2004) and then again at the end of their junior year (2007). This presented the researchers with the opportunity to document how the college experience may influence students’ perspective about spiritual issues over time. The study also explores changes in students’ religious beliefs and commitments, political orientation and attitudes, and health and well-being (Higher Education Research Institute, 2007a, December 18).

The study (HERI, 2007a, December 18) finds that students undergo significant spiritual growth in three areas: 1) A growing ethic of caring; 2) a need for reflection; and 3) a strong sense of purpose.
A growing ethic of caring: By their junior year, nearly 75% of students rate “helping others in difficulty” as being very important or essential, compared to 62% of those who said this as freshmen. Additionally, 67% say they strive to “reduce pain and suffering in the world,” compared to the 55% who said this as freshmen.
A need for reflection: “Developing a meaningful philosophy of life” is very important or essential to 55% of junior year students, compared to 41% who said the same as freshmen. Also, 61% of juniors say they are “thankful for all that has happened to them,” compared to 52% who said this as freshmen.
A strong sense of purpose: Half of all junior year students participating in the study say it is very important or essential to “integrate spirituality” into their lives, compared to 42% who said this as freshmen. Also notable, 83% are striving to “become a more loving person,” compared to 67% who stated this as freshmen. Nearly two-thirds (64%) of juniors say that they will work to “improve the human condition,” compared to 53% who said this as freshmen.
The study also revealed growth in what the researchers call an “ecumenical worldview,” with 55% of juniors saying that they are committed to “improving my understanding of other countries and cultures,” compared to 42% who said the same as freshmen. The majority of juniors are also open-minded about the religious values of others, with 91% agreeing that “non-religious people can lead lives that are just as moral as those of religious believers,” compared to 83% who said this as freshmen (HERI, 2007a, December 18).

Alexander Astin, who conducted the study, indicates that “many students are emerging from the collegiate experience with a desire to find spiritual meaning and perspective in their everyday lives. The data suggests that college is influencing students in positive ways that will better prepare them for leadership roles in our global society” (HERI, 2007b, December 18).

Despite this high level of interest in spiritual engagement among students, the researchers have found that few colleges or universities are actively encouraging students to explore these issues, and there are few academic or campus programs to support these interests. Most students (60%) report that their professors never “encouraged discussions of religious/spiritual matters,” and only 20% report that their professors “frequently encouraged exploration of questions of meaning and purpose” (HERI, 2007a, December 18).

Whether you are an advisor, organization professional, or staff member working in higher education, you are probably aware of a deepening of this journey in the students you encounter. This infusion of new perspectives is often challenging, sometimes scary, and always risky. Where do we as the professionals who walk on these journeys with students turn for resources?
Direct students toward campus faith groups. Know your students well enough before recommending a particular group. Denominational student groups or parachurch groups (i.e. Intervarsity, Campus Crusade, Navigators, or Fellowship of Christian Athletes) work for some, and for others there are interfaith discussion groups sharing differences and similarities.
Invite spiritual leaders to your groups for discussions (with clear boundaries regarding respect for differing views), focus on the rituals of your organizations and how they came to be (many of them have spiritual dimensions), and use them to explore meaning and application both within the organization and beyond.
Offer service opportunities. Look for opportunities to serve the community through work days with local service agencies, participation in fundraising events (walks, relays), or tutoring and mentoring programs.
When a student puts him/herself into direct interaction with someone in need, when he or she works with someone outside his/her comfort zone, and when the recipients of the service become more than an idea or cause and begin to be known for who they are, lives begin to change from both sides of the relationship.

An example of spiritual exploration in action takes place at Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, which hosts an annual program called “Santa’s Gift Bag.” The program helps families in need with Christmas gifts for their children. It is a program which is coordinated by United Campus Ministry and involves all areas of campus (students, faculty, and staff) as well as the churches and businesses in the community. It is exciting and encouraging to witness the shift from self to others that many students experience. The perspective that “service looks good on my résumé” changes to “this project is important and helps members of my community and is fun.”

Parker Palmer probably said it best, “…life in community is a continual testing and refining…in my life….keeping me both hopeful and honest about the love that seeks me, the love I seek to be” (p. 18).



References

Higher Education Research Institute. (2007a, December 18). Spiritual changes in students during the undergraduate years: New
longitudinal study shows growth in spiritual qualities from freshman to junior years. Retrieved on May 5, 2009, from
http://www.spirituality.ucla.edu/news/report_backup_dec07release_12.18.07.pdf

Higher Education Research Institute. (2007b, December 18). Students experience spiritual growth during college: UCLA study reveals significant changes in undergraduates’ values & beliefs. Retrieved on May 5, 2009, from http:// www.spirituality.ucla.edu/news/Spirituality_on_Campus_release_12.18.07.pdf

Lennon, J., McCartney, P., Harrison, G., Starr, R., & Knowles, B. (Writers/Directors). (1967). Magical mystery tour [Motion
picture]. London: 2 Entertain Video.

Palmer, P. (1983). To know as we are known: A spirituality of education. San Francisco: Harper & Row.


The Rev. Deborah Casey is the Protestant Campus Minister at Mansfield University of Pennsylvania and has been part of United Campus Ministry at Mansfield University since 1992. Courtney Hull is a Certified Catholic Campus Minister at Mansfield University of Pennsylvania and has been part of United Campus Ministry at Mansfield University since 2001.

California Phi Delta Re-Chartering Weekend

April 29, 2009 marked the 50 year anniversary of Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity. In my mind, there is no better way to celebrate than with a re-chartering.

I inherited the California Phi Delta colony at University of San Diego when I came on staff a year ago. Andy and Rob along with some local alumni did an exceptional job restarting the group a few years ago. Last summer I met a young man named Chris Liepman who was the President of the colony at the time. He served as a blogger at the Leadership Institute and I quickly learned how intelligent and well spoken he was. This reflected well for the group and excited me even more for my visit in the fall where I helped them create their 5-year Strategic Plan. This was my first visit for Phi Kap and it made for an outstanding start to what I hope is a long and enjoyable experience with Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity. They created an impressive Strategic Plan that reflected their high moral standards and strong brotherhood. This group was so fun to be around and so motivated that in my mind, they had created an ideal Phi Kappa Theta chapter. It was exciting to work with them on their Petition to Charter as the spring term began. In February it was completed and sent to the voting delegates and by March 6, 2009 their petition was approved. The colony leadership worked hard to plan their re-chartering weekend which would take place just a month and a half later.

Rob, Andy and I arrived in San Diego on Thursday. Friday Rob and Andy met with alumni while I helped the colony members prepare for the weekend. Friday night the colony initiated 13 new young men into California Phi Delta. Alumni, staff, and a representative from the nearby chapter at San Diego State came to show support. I (obviously) was not in attendance, however I did have an opportunity to meet the Associate Members beforehand and, to no surprise, they were outstanding.



Saturday evening was the re-chartering banquet. The leadership worked so incredibly hard to make this event meaningful while representing the personality of the colony and it's members. At 6pm colony members and their dates, representatives from other Greek organizations on campus, alumni, university administration, and staff members all gathered in the Garden of the Sea. I have visited many campuses and this, by far, is the most beautiful. The gardens had a stunning view of San Diego and were accented with flowers, sculptures, and a reflecting pool. Guests enjoy conversation, scenery, and beverages until dinner at 7pm.

Father Mullen, the colony's main advisor, served as the emcee for the evening and the invocation was done by Father Peter McGuine. The chapter had showed two videos. One was the video which was used during recruitment earlier in the year. The second was created just for this banquet and showcased each individual member, including the men who were initiated the night before. They were very well done and quite enjoyable whether or not you knew all of the members.

After dinner, there were several people who spoke. Jonathan D’Angelo, the first member recruited and Founding Father, spoke about how Phi Kap impacted his experience at USD. Amanda Womack, Greek Advisor, spoke highly about the colony and how the men have positively impacted the campus. Andy Kowal spoke about his experience beginning the colony, as did Rob Riggs. Rob also presented the colony with Ritual books, a President's pin, and a gavel with their chapter name engraved on it. Jack Kelly, Alumni Board of Director's President also spoke about how excited the alumni are to have the group re-chartered and their plans for continued support. He also took a moment on behalf of the colony and alumni to acknowledge Father Mullen for his passion and support with the colony and its members. Then, representing the National Fraternity Board of Trustees, Father Mullen presented the colony with the charter.

The colony (or chapter at this point) also took an opportunity to recognize some people for their efforts. Andy, Rob, and myself were all thanked and acknowledged for our assistance and support. They also awarded members for excellence in academics, involvement, and commitment to the chapter.

Overall, the evening was elegant, entertaining, and reflective of the strength of this newly re-chartered chapter of Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity. If I were a member, I would be extremely honored and proud to call them a brother. Congratulations on a beautiful weekend and years of hard work and dedication bringing Phi Kappa Theta back to University of San Diego.

Sean Stephenson Article

Hey everybody!

Here is a link to a great article on Sean Stephenson that is in the Chicago Tribune. If you don't know who this amazing man is - you should. He's an alumnus of Phi Kappa Theta and has been very involved in motivational speaking. I had the pleasure of seeing him speak at Leadership Institute last summer and President's Academy in January. He is also filming a pilot for a show about his life on A&E. Special thanks to Rob Stalder who posted this on his Facebook page for all to see. Enjoy!

http://www.chicagotribune.com/health/chi-sean-stephenson-05-may05,0,976278.story

Building a Spiritual Brotherhood

No surprise here - I've been on the road all week. I started at a brand new interest group at Minnesota State University, Mankato and have spent the last two days at our colony at University of South Dakota. This colony is doing really well. The men are very smart, fun, down to earth, and they really live the mission and vision of the Fraternity. Being so new, they struggle with what most new colonies struggle with - their identity. This led to many great conversations with their members tonight and I felt inspired to share some thoughts from our discussions in hopes of comments from the brotherhood.

I often ask how you can sell a product if you don't know anything about it. If I were a car salesman but I didn't know how to turn on the headlights of the car, what kind of gas it took, or where the spare tire was - you would think I was an idiot and this was a hidden camera show. This applies to recruiting men for a chapter when you have no idea who you are or what you are looking for. How can you recruit members when you don't know what you are? It's a struggle and sometimes leads to a difficult conversation. Today the conversation centered around something that I have talked with more Phi Kaps about in the last 3 months then I have over my entire life... spirituality. Let me start off by saying that I have never met a Phi Kap that was not welcoming of any and all religions and our organization does not discriminate. However, for marketing and recruitment purposes, how do we sell ourselves? Are we "the Catholic Fraternity" or are we "a Fraternity with high ideals, moral standards, and that fosters spiritual exploration?" It seems that this is something that many of our chapters struggle with as well. What if you walk the walk but don't talk the talk? There are many people out there who live the same values that we expect our members to live but they may not necessarily identify with being Catholic. Do we scare them away with the Catholic label? Should we push our Catholic heritage in recruitment and marketing to fill a niche or void in our communities? How do we create a balance? I know that University of San Diego and Nebraska have successfully sustained themselves as strong groups who are very connected spiritually. How did they do it? How can we take what they have done and help our other chapters and colonies accomplish the same comfort with our heritage and how we fit into our respective Greek communities? How do you create a diverse group while still serving society, Fraternity, and GOD?

Fraternity Staff Position Available

Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity is now accepting applications for the Assistant Director of Chapter Development position. Primary responsibilities include managing the expansion and colony development program, as well as assisting with recruitment and operational training and assistance for our collegiate groups and the (iServe) Network. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s Degree, strong written and verbal communication skills, experience with facilitation and presenting, as well as a strong understanding of Greek Life. Applications will be reviewed as they are received with an anticipated start date of June 1, 2009. To review the job description please visit our website. For questions or to apply, submit a resume with salary history, cover letter, and three references to Anita Kerlin, Director of Chapter Development at anita@phikaps.org.

An Evolution in Leadership

In earl April the Fraternity Board met in Indianapolis for their annual spring meeting. This meeting also marked the two year anniversary of me having the honor of serving as the Fraternity's Executive. As I reflect on how the organization has evolved over the past two years, I can't help but get excited about what's to come.

Just two short years ago, I was sitting in my first Board meeting as the Interim Executive, unsure of what my own future would be, let alone the future of the Fraternity. It was at that meeting that the Board made the decision to focus on the future, rather than try and analyze the past. It was that decision, to invest our time and resources into our successful future, that completely changed the culture of those Board meetings and the Fraternity. With a clear Mission and purpose, we have been able to make decisions that serves the best interest of our members.

As we prepare for the August Convention in Columbus, OH, we will be losing one of the key members of the Board, our current President, Robert Stalder, who has been an excellent role model of servant leadership for Phi Kappa Theta. In addition to the loss of Brother Stalder, we will also have two new collegiate members serving on the Board beginning in August. We look forward to having these new faces on the Board and are confident that the hard work done over the past two years will continue to provide us a solid foundation as we build Phi Kappa Theta's future.

Life Lessons - Living in Fear

More often than not I think we all live in fear. Sadly, I think too often we make decisions out of fear instead of out of the desire to make said decisions. I find I'm struggling with fear in my non-work life and it makes an interesting transition into being a member of a Greek organization. People "Go Greek" because they want to feel like they are a part of a greater something and to feel accepted. That's often the same reason people gravitate towards athletic teams, churches, or any other kind of group. You enjoy the topic, it's relevant to you, and you enjoy feeling like you are a part of something bigger.


If we think about recruitment we often forget to ask people to join our organizations because we are afraid to get the "no." We take "no" so personally, even though they are not refusing us, just membership into our organizations. We are all afraid of rejection because we think it will make us look stupid so we would then, feel stupid. Think of all the other things in every day life that we don't do because of fear. We don't take risks. We don't enjoy life to it's fullest. We don't stop and live in the moment because we think too much about the repercussions of our actions. I'm not saying you should make irrational decisions by any means, but I think we could all benefit from a little less fear and a little more confidence.


Sean Stevenson is a brilliant man, and if you have never heard him speak before - you need to. He talked once about this concept of "Crazy Eights." Basically, it's the insane emotional rollercoaster that we send ourselves through over and over and over because we let our feelings run our lives instead of taking control of how we feel. Ask those men to join the Fraternity. Go over and sit at a table with people you don't know and get to know them (Step one of the five step recruitment model). Challenge yourself to do something great. Don't let fear run your life or dictate the decisions you make.