The role of religion and spirituality in academic advising

Brief Background

• Results of a 2011 survey carried by Brigham Young University

• By and large most participants were affiliated with a public college or university

• The majority of participants reported to have earned a master’s degree

Fundamental Questions

• Is spirituality key for tuning in to the student experience?

• How should advisors deal with students who regard spirituality/religion as integral to important decision making (academic and career)

Results indicated

• The academy should play a role in facilitating spiritual exploration and discussion

• Students may not feel comfortable discussing the spiritual or religious aspects of their lives

• Assumption/fear to violate the principle of separation between church and state, institutional policies, or even campus cultural norms

• Career advisors may not feel free to engage with students as they explore the spiritual side of decision-making

• Advisors may feel as though they lack the necessary background and training

Moving forward

• By and large, 85% of academic advisors reported to be comfortable with religious and spiritual topics in an advisement session

• Reported that their comfort stemmed from their own religious or spiritual background

• Others noted that they did not feel qualified to engage students in these area, that such topics are too private, or that they are not religious themselves.

Conclusion

• Advisors will undoubtedly encounter those for whom religion and spirituality are integral to their sense of self, occupation, and future direction.

• Religious diversity in training and clinical research has gained wide acceptance

• Student affairs professionals responded proactively that the academy should take a role or at least respect the nexus of the spiritual and the academic