The Office of Religious and Spiritual Life prepares Smith students to live and lead effectively in a world where religion matters.
We support religious expression, encourage multi-faith dialogue and raise spiritual and ethical concerns for the campus at large. We sponsor programs of interfaith learning and dialogue, provide community service opportunities, and encourage students to take time for quiet and reflection. We are available for guidance and help in times of need.
Interfaith Learning and Religious Literacy
Campus life at Smith brings students into contact with other students and faculty of many faiths and beliefs. There is a rich potential for an education outside the classroom in the many streams of belief and practice found in the campus community. We encourage respectful dialogue and sharing of ideas, as well as working together, breaking bread together and joining in each other's holidays and worship. Among programs where students can connect are: the Religious Life Council; Soup, Salad and Soul; Family Weekend interfaith service; sunrise hikes; interfaith tea; short-term service projects; interfaith sundae; and religious life liaisons.
Spirituality, Ethics & Leadership
Spirituality relates to a person's fundamental values, moral commitments and the quality of one's relationships to others, including the earth—how we make meaning of our lives. These are critical factors in effective, ethical leadership and personal integrity. We work in collaboration with the Center for Work and Life and the Office of Student Engagement to create programs which foster this connection for student leaders.
Social Justice
Smith has a strong history of fostering activism and community service for social justice. We support students in formulating responses to moral and political issues of our times through the Community Service Office (CSO) and by funding attendance at conferences and retreats.
Finding Balance
Each of us has the instinctive need to find balance in our lives, to develop contentment of mind and to nurture the spirit. The Office of Religious and Spiritual Life provides numerous opportunities and experiences to help you find balance in the midst of your busy schedules, daily challenges and academic undertakings.
Ethics and Moral Values
You will regularly encounter situations and circumstances that require you to exhibit personal integrity and strong character. The Office of Religious and Spiritual Life offers workshops, panel discussions, programs and trainings that examine our values, decision-making and ideas around ethics and moral leadership on campus and in the world.
Community Service
The Community Service Office (CSO) supports student engagement in meaningful voluntary service that meets community-identified needs. It also fosters leadership, provides opportunities for reflection and learning, and models collaboration and partnership with local organizations. Smith alumnae demonstrate a lifelong commitment to voluntary community engagement.
Spiritual Wellness and Self-Exploration
A healthy, balanced life includes opportunities to take quiet time and to explore one's inner life. We encourage each student to take the time you need to develop peace of mind and to nourish the soul. Many of our programs—such as sunrise hikes, reflective writing workshops, Christmas Vespers, Monday meditation, Escape to Nature, and Holy Day observances of various faiths—are designed to encourage a lifelong capacity for taking time out to delve within.
Retreats
The spiritual retreat is an ancient tradition in many cultures. Time and space for prayer, reflection and renewal can be deeply meaningful—for a day or a weekend or a week. Our office helps students to locate off-campus retreat centers and to apply for funds to participate, either individually or as a group. Our staff-led program, Escape to Nature, invites you to renew and revitalize your life through the inspiration found in nature.
Fellowships and Field Placements
Smith offers two fellowships in interfaith leadership, one post-graduate and one post-baccalaureate. The fellows work with the dean to develop and explore innovative approaches to interfaith cooperation in higher education. For more information, contact Dean Walters.
