Editor’s note: The following column was written by Elizabeth Sink, a Communication Studies master teaching instructor.
The Multifaith & Belief Initiatives at CSU aim to focus greater attention on diverse spiritual, religious and secular (non-religious) belief identities by educating, programming, celebrating, providing spiritual well-being resources and promoting constructive engagement across belief differences.
Learn more
For more information, visit multifaithandbelief.colostate.edu. For questions, email elizabeth.sink@colostate.edu.
The programs and resources housed under this initiative are intended to model how CSU’s Principles of Community and commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ) should intentionally include a person’s spiritual, religious and secular identities. In our religiously diverse society, prioritizing religious and belief pluralism offers students professional and civic competencies that position them well to be society’s next leaders.
Find your community
One of the goals of this initiative is to help students find their people. Increasing evidence shows that addressing the mental-health, spiritual, and meaning-making dimensions of development during college leads to an increase in students’ sense of belonging. If you are looking for a faith or spiritual community, you can browse student organizations on RamLink, CSU’s student organization database. Search “Organizations” and use the filter “Faith, Belief, Spiritual and Religious,” to see over 30 faith-based student organizations spanning a variety of belief identities.
Another way to find a faith or spiritual community is by attending the CSU Involvement Expo. A wide variety of Faith, Belief, Spiritual and Religious organizations will be present on Tuesday, Aug. 29, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the LSC Plaza. A variety of groups will set up displays and have members or staff on-site talking to visitors one-on-one about their organization, highlighting upcoming meetings and events, and making connections.
Learn more about your community
Check out CSU’s Faith, Belief and Religious Observances Calendar View the Calendar
This calendar was created to highlight the wide diversity of holiday, belief and faith traditions being celebrated by CSU students, faculty and staff and in our community. It serves as an evolving resource to meet the needs of faith and belief literacy on CSU’s campus.
Expand your community
This fall there will be several belief-inclusive events that all CSU students — those of all faiths, traditions and beliefs, as well as those of no faith – are welcome to join. Check out the website for more events and details. Food for Thought will be our first event of the semester.
Represent your community
Join the Multifaith and Belief Student Council. This group promotes understanding, appreciation, constructive dialogue and cooperative relationships across diverse religious, spiritual and secular (non-religious) identities. We are a student organization designated with ASCSU representation, advocating for student religious, spiritual and secular interests. The group encourages new members and those potentially interested in being Senators. Contact for more information: mfbstudentcouncilcsu@gmail.com
Find out more
Check out the website for more information on the following and much more:
- CSU’s Faith, Belief and Religious Accommodation Resources.The purpose of this policy is to establish practices for accommodating students when religious holidays and observances may conflict with scheduled academic events such as classes, labs and examinations, and for accommodating employees when observances may conflict with work obligations. View the process here.
- CSU’s Spiritual Care Services. There are many resources at CSU and in the community that can support your spiritual health. If you are recovering from trauma, dealing with grief, or are having a challenging experience with a spiritual community, CSU Counseling Services might be the best place for you. If you are exploring your own sense of purpose and meaning spiritually, or looking to connect with community, please view CSU Spiritual Care Services.
- CSU Prayer and Reflection Spaces. These rooms have been made available for the University community and visitors to meditate, pray, and otherwise spend time in quiet reflection. View Reflection Room and Space Directory.
