Office of Religious and
Spiritual Life

The Office of Religious and Spiritual Life offers a range of educational programs, individual and institutional advocacy, interfaith dialogue, and other bridge-building activities designed to foster an informed, caring and supportive campus community for students of all backgrounds and beliefs, and to promote a greater sense of meaning and purpose in students' lives.

We also serve as the liaison between the University and the private religious organizations and advisers who provide pastoral counseling and other religious services for our students (see "Religious Affairs Committee" below).

Please visit our new office in the Student Union, Room 308. (Turn left as you're facing the Ballroom; we're at the end of the hall, next to the Dukes Room.). Visitors are always welcome!!

Founded in Fall 2010, the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life has built on the foundation laid by its precursor, the Office of Jewish Affairs, to foster mutual understanding and respect among students of all religious backgrounds (whether religiously observant or not); to promote dialogue; and to provide appropriate support for and heighten awareness of the diverse religious and spiritual traditions which are present on our campus.

Organizationally, we're part of Student Activities & Involvement, in the Center for Student Development (within Student Affairs and Campus Life).

For an interesting overview of our work and philosophy, read the feature-length interview with OR&SL director Larry Goldbaum on the Character Clearinghouse website ("In the Heart of the Action: Persons of Purpose in the Profession," May 2012)

Religious organizations, advisers, and other resources

University policies relating to religious observance

Calendars of religious holidays

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Religious Affairs Committee...

"Representing the religious community
and serving the soul of the campus"

The Religious Affairs Committee represents the religious advisers (ministers, priests, rabbis, etc) who are affiliated with various private religious and spiritual organizations serving the UMass Amherst community.

The Religious Affairs Committee's mission is to support the religious and spiritual life of the community, and to promote healthy discourse between people from diverse religious backgrounds and beliefs.

The committee is an independent entity which functions under the auspices of the Center for Student Development (CSD) and the Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs & Campus Life. The Office of Religious and Spiritual Life serves as the liaison between the Religious Affairs Committee and the University administration.