Do Expressions of Personal Faith Have a Place in Formal Ceremonies on Diverse Campuses?

Abstract

Initial findings from the Spirituality in Higher Education project (2005), conducted by the Higher Education Research Institute at UCLA, indicate that many college students are increasingly interested in issues related to spirituality. This trend manifests itself in numerous ways among undergraduates, including their growing desire to search for meaning and purpose in life, to have an enhanced personal prayer life, and to pursue new ways to grow spiritually. Although private spirituality differs from public religious expression in important ways, the research project also finds students' behavior increasing in this latter area, as evidenced in their substantial service to others in need, greater involvement in local faith communities, and other similar activities. Altogether, these results suggest that faculty and administrators can expect to see increased activity related to spirituality and religious expression among students at their institutions.