Spirituality and Contemporary Higher Education

Abstract

Though religion played a central role in the founding of U.S. higher education, over the centuries, its influence was diluted by competing secular emphases. In recent decades, religion has seen a resurgence in academic and co-curricular attention on campuses. In addition, a spirituality not based on religion has gained increasing attention. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the phenomenon of spirituality in contemporary higher education. The author discusses the recent appearance of spiritualty on campus, relates what research says about the potential benefits of and challenges in addressing spirituality in higher education, and examines some of the ways in which it is being addressed on U.S. college campuses.

Cultivating Success for Latinx Undergraduates: Integrating Cultural Spirituality within Higher Education

“…Within higher education settings , inquiry or conversations about religion and spirituality are frequently avoided or deemed outside the scope of educational analyses (Lindholm, 2007); yet, it is a nuanced and necessary area of exploration as today’s college students are increasingly spiritually-oriented yet generally less engaged in religious activities (Nuñez & Foubert, 2016; Waggoner, 2017). In fact, the transition to college is often considered an exploratory and developmental time in which young adults abandon religious practices.…”

“…Increasingly, the role of spirituality is a core component of college students’ experiences, college adjustment (Kneipp, Kelly, & Cyphers, 2009), psychological and physical well-being (Higher Education Research Institute, 2007; Waggoner, 2017), and academic success (Lindholm & Astin, 2008). Yet, the positioning of spirituality as a cultural process for students, in particular Latinx undergraduates, is not a common practice.…”

Towards a spirituality-based platform in tourism higher education

“…The growing global interest surrounding spirituality and its inclusion in higher education has led to scholarly contributions from across various disciplines such as geography, business, healthcare, and environmental sciences . Academic discourse on the integral role of spirituality in adult education and adult development theory has permeated research publications, conferences, and books (Carr & Haldane, 2003;Illes & Zsolnai, 2015;Waggoner, 2016;Wane, Manyimo, & Ritskes, 2011). Scholarly work has originated from many regions across the globe Watson, de Souza & Trousdale, 2015) advocating support for the inclusion of spirituality in higher education.…”

Intentional Design of the College Sophomore Year

“…What am I called to do with my life? Students are seeking a deeper sense of spiritual connection in their lives (Astin, Astin, & Lindholm, ; Waggoner, ), and the discernment process provides access to these questions. Designing for discernment will require that faculty and staff welcome the process that students are entering.…”