Empirical research supports the need for colleges and universities to support students who are exploring their own religious, spiritual, or secular development as an integral part of student belonging, wellness and broader DEI efforts on campus. Currently, there is more we can do to enrich student understanding of what it means to live in a religiously pluralistic society and to support them as they navigate their personal explorations toward or away from religious, spiritual, and secular perspectives.
Addressing these gaps will require professional development, programming and consultation around matters such as academic accommodations for religious holidays and facilities that support student, faculty and staff expressions of faith. During DEI 2.0, the U-M will institutionalize a Secular, Spiritual, Religious and Interfaith (SSRI) campus-wide initiative that supports cross-unit collaborations and strengthens institutional partnerships. As a first step in creating a positive climate for students, faculty and staff from all faith backgrounds, as well as those who do not belong to any faith community, in year 1, the university will appoint a cross-campus working group to begin planning, management and coordination of the initiative.
Responsible Unit(s): The Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and the Division of Student Life