U of C religious students seek change

Conversation around religious diversity at the U of C has increased in volume over the past few years, and students will soon approach the school’s administration to see what on-campus improvements can be made.

Having recently concluded the second annual Religious Diversity Week — a series of student-run events and panel discussions encouraging religious pluralism on campus — religious club leadership were seeking a way to raise their voice about changes they wish to see made at the U of C.

In response to these concerns, the Faith and Spirituality Centre is in the process of compiling a report that will include recommendations on how the university should allocate its funding to better accommodate religious students.

While the 2014 diversity week inspired discussion concerning campus services as well, this report will be the first effort to request policy changes and funding from the university’s provost office.

Adriana Tulissi, co-ordinator of the Faith and Spirituality Centre, has compiled the report with an emphasis on student input.

“Regardless of whether there are 200 religious students on campus, or 2,000, the university benefits from listening to different perspectives,” Tulissi said.

“Bridging the secular society with those who are religious is critical if we hope to open up the conversation.”

Susan Barker, vice-provost of student experience, plans to thoroughly review Tulissi’s report upon its completion. If any changes are made as a result of the recommendations, the relevant funding will be allocated through her office.

“We try to have a deeper understanding of the faiths and world views that our diverse student body has,” Barker said.

“This report will be a great opportunity for us to hear from our community where we might not be adequately providing for their needs.”

A summit was held on campus March 28 to answer the question ‘ What Does a Pluralistic Campus Look Like?’ Students attending the summit spoke candidly about the issues that affect their abilities to express their religious identity while enrolled.

The diversity of chaplains on campus, the availability of designated prayer spaces, funding to create inter-religious positions on campus, and the variety of food options for halal and kosher diets were only a few of the issues discussed during the summit.

Kelly Johnson, a Pentecostal chaplain who has worked at the university for more than 25 years, has witnessed a shift in relations between religious students in the past decade.

“We’ve become more respect- ful of the beliefs of others over the years,” Johnson said. “It’s not exclusive to any one group to feel concern for the world.”

Tinu Ruparell, interim department head of religious studies at the U of C, has observed a knowledge gap among some students and their understanding of the religions that are present on campus.

“It’s not rare to be ignorant of the religion sitting next to you,” Ruparell said. “I hope Religious Diversity Week becomes a regular fixture on the calendar for religious and secular students alike.”

Aqil Dhanani, president of the Calgary Ismaili Students’ Association, stresses that the opportunity for various religions to inter-relate on campus will be affected less by the administration and more by students themselves.

“It’s great that the university allows religious clubs to express themselves,” Dhanani said. “However, it’s up to the students to use those opportunities to their fullest extent.”

There are currently 22 religious student clubs registered on campus, representing a number of faiths.