In a recent volume of the "Journal of College and Character," Matt Mayhew and Alyssa Rockenbach presented their frameworks by which they have designed and utilized their IDEALS study over the past several years. In this present article, the authors contend that despite their rigorous research, the researchers and measurements oftentimes…

This article problematizes the practice of relying on participant self-identification in research on religious, secular, and spiritual identity (RSSI) within the field of higher education, with particular attention to the implications related to participants who chose non-religious labels. While this practice is commonplace in the field, it is…

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…

Nearly a decade ago, Alyssa Rockenbach, the editor of the "Journal of College & Character's" "Spirituality on Campus" section, issued a call to action. First, she invited scholars to better assess campus spiritual and religious climate. Then, she urged practitioners to redouble their efforts to share and promote best…

This article builds on theories of safe and brave spaces to demonstrate how to transform higher education institutions to be better able to incorporate multivalent forms of diversity. In particular, the article suggests leveraging the civic-oriented methodology of interfaith cooperation (Patel & Meyer, 2011) in order to encourage people to…

Matters of interreligious engagement and worldview orientation are becoming more salient on campuses across the country. All-comers policies, conflicts about the Middle East, and intersections of spirituality with other aspects of identity present challenges for professionals working with students on college campuses. This article will discuss…

This essay examines how Stanford University, secular in its origins, yet with a church at its center, addresses the religious and spiritual concerns of current students, whether from traditional or innovative religious backgrounds. Identified religious and spiritual needs prompt questions about the balance between the spiritual health and…

In a recent volume of the "Journal of College and Character", Peter Magolda (2010) suggested that student administration professionals and campus religious groups should strive to overcome the separation that has been observed between the groups. In the present article, the author contends that good historical, moral, and legal reasons remain for…

Why should institutions of higher education care about interfaith work? In response to the Interfaith Youth Core's August 2010 gathering of campus faculty, staff, and students, a convening on Interfaith Work and Higher Education, the author offers reflections from several young people on the necessity for colleges and universities to engage…