The Office of the Chaplain and Religious Life is one of the best kept secrets at SMU. Located in a corner suite on the third floor of Hughes Trigg, it is very likely that you have never walked into their physical office, but you will be hard pressed to attend SMU and not cross paths. Many universities and colleges relegate the chaplain’s office to campus weddings, student and faculty funerals and the prayer before campus assemblies, but at SMU the mission of the “chaplaincy includes the support and nurture of faith development and ethical growth of all members of the SMU Community through reflection, study, both corporate and private worship, critical discourse, prayerful social action and community service.”

If you have participated in The Civil Rights Pilgrimage or the Human Rights Education Program then you have been served by this office, for they are proud sponsor of both. The work of all para-church or student-led campus ministries comes through this department. And if you live in one of the on-campus dorms, you probably have a resident community chaplain that works where you live.

Though the work of the Office of the Chaplain and Religious Life is often behind the scenes, it is part of this school’s lifeblood. The staff is personal, professional and present in order that students, faculty and staff may make the most of their time here at SMU. Here are ten ways where you can allow this office to serve you. 

1. Personal Emergencies – You know those odd, miscellaneous situations that are hard to name but seem to affect your day to day life? The chaplain’s office is really good at helping you assess what might be bothering you. Dr. Judy Hennenberger, Ms. Betty McHone and Rev. Ed Wolfe know the SMU experience and can offer you worlds of insight.  

2.  University Service of Worship – The Chaplain’s office officiates three creative and participatory services a year: Ash Wednesday, Service of Memory and Welcome Students. Each of these services provide moments of rest, relaxation and reflection in the midst of the business of the school year. The office can also direct you to a variety of local faith communities to help meet your needs.

4. Resident Community Chaplains – “The Resident Community Chaplains” (RCC) program comes out of The Office of the Chaplain and Religious Life, and works alongside Residence Life and Student Housing to provide support and resources to RAs, CAs, Hall Directors and residents who seek their guidance. The RCC program was created at SMU to serve as a resource to the residence hall staff working under the department of Residence Life and Student Housing.

    RCCs desire to listen to staff and students with a neutral and compassionate perspective. They can help provide guidance in areas of ethics, hospitality, self-understanding, spiritual direction, social activism, vocational discernment, resident issues as well as personal issues. They are also available for help with community programs and workshops.

5.  Meaning-Making – Do you ever wonder what makes life meaningful? That question is precisely the interest of The Office of the Chaplain and Religious Life. The staff is always here to dialogue with you about ways in which you can live it up. The creative staff can help you with vocational clarity, self-realization and figuring out how to just “be.”

6. World view Crumbling- Is that liberal arts class rocking the foundation upon which your life is built? Contact any of the RCC’s and they can help see you through.

7. Marriage Counseling/Relationship Advice – One of the keys to successful relationships is being pro-active and dealing with problems, not waiting for problems to find you. If you’re in a serious relationship and want to make sure that you process together in a positive and healthy manner, make an appointment with one of the chaplains for a marriage counseling session.  

8. Family Issues – You may not live with them, but their problems still somehow live with you. Maybe you’re suffering from a bout of homesickness. The team of RCCs include a current undergraduate, current graduate students, trained staff, singled people and married folks and are hear to help you learn how best to make peace with your family. 

The chaplain’s office is located in Suite 316 of the Hughes Trigg Student Center on campus, and you can find more information about them at http://www.smu.edu/chaplain.

Richard Newton is a student at the Perkins School of Theology. He can be reached for comment at [email protected].