1. Presented
April 20, 2012

2. Committee members:
Hussam Timani- Associate Professor, Religious Studies
Graham Schweig- Professor, Religious Studies
Roberta Rosenberg- Professor, English
Pamela Pringle- Instructor, Luter
Mario Mazzarella- Professor, History
Stephanie Bardwell- Associate Professor, Luter; Senate VP, Chair
Important Facilitators in Actions Undertaken:
Deb Moore- Invaluable Survey assistance
Bill Brauer- Other campus contacts
Cindi Perry- Liaison and communication aid
Bill Connell- Website notice for our Meeting dates and times
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3. 1. Executive Summary of Report
2. Charge to Committee
3. Practices and Processes of AHSCRTD
4. Creation & Administration of Survey
5. Survey Findings
6. Other Campus Practices
7. Recommendations of the Committee on
Several Key Principles & Topics
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4. Committee concept: Getting Started Week 2011
Multiple Issues: Religious and non-religious
perspectives, anti and pro religious
viewpoints, on campus chapel, university
practices at ceremonies, et al
Charge to the Committee by Senate President
Practices and Processes of AHSCRTD
Creation & Administration of Survey
4

5. “Charge: Given the building of the CNU chapel,
the committee will study religious diversity on
campus and student attitudes towards
religious tolerance in order to understand the
ways that CNU's present state of religious
engagement enforces or challenges CNU's
liberal arts mission. The committee will present
a report to the Faculty Senate by the end of the
2011-12 academic year.”
5

6. Open forum
Advance notice of all meetings on Faculty Senate
website
Met at least once each month August-April
between 4-6PM Wednesdays in BTC [ enjoyed
readily available parking convenience]
Others who attended all or part of our meetings
included: campus ministers[6], former and
current students [2], other faculty [1]
Free exchange of ideas
Collaborative Tasks
Consensus on Actions & Outcomes
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7. Survey of Faculty, Administrators, Students
and Staff was initial goal. AHSCRTD asked for
input on creating survey questions from CM;
the AHSCRTD wrote an original survey.
Obtained Faculty list and permission to
administer survey to faculty.
“Wait-listed” on all others; reasons included:
survey fatigue, difficulty to obtain contact
info on staff, timing, etc.
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8. Survey Purpose states:
“This part of the survey was commissioned by
the Faculty Senate Ad Hoc Study Committee on
Religious Tolerance and Diversity [AHSCRTD] to
inquire about the attitudes of the CNU
community upon issues related to religious
tolerance, diversity, our forthcoming university
Chapel and to request suggestions and
comments from our community about these
topics. This survey was created as an opportunity
for expression as well as to gather anecdotal
data about these important issues....”
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9. Statement of Purpose continued...
“...All responses will be treated as
confidential information and reported in
aggregate form only. Members of the study
committee will include the results of this
survey in a report expected to be published to
the Senate in late April 2012 or early May
2012 and results will be available on the
Faculty Senate webpage...”
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10. AHSCRTD created 7 SURVEY statements each
permitting a Likert scale response ranging from
Strongly Agree to Strongly Disagree.
There were 7 discrete options along the Likert scale,
including a central option “Neither Agree nor
Disagree” as a proxy for the Neutral response.
Each of these 7 SURVEY statements also permitted a
comment to be written by the respondent.
ALSO- 5 purely open-ended questions were posed
inviting commentary.
10

11. Survey was formatted into Qualtrics software
working with Deb Moore and was
electronically tested by committee; it was
edited again for improved clarity.
Potential respondents were re-evaluated; Staff,
Students and Administrator permissions were
deferred or temporarily denied. Full faculty
access was obtained and the survey
[combined with 2 others] was emailed out.
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12.  Survey was sent out via email using Qualtrics
software to all faculty* in UAEC database.
 Population [393] of faculty
 Respondents [166] by faculty
 Rate of response [~42%]
 Open dates: January 25-February 8, 2012
 Bundled with two other surveys; one also
commissioned by the Faculty Senate, the other
created by another unrelated group.
*Note: Includes adjuncts
12

13. Responses to Initial 7 Statements follow in seven
slides. Pie charts ID the item, depict n value,
state the mean and note Standard Deviation.
Pie chart color scheme key:
Gradient shades of BLUE for Strongly Agree,
Agree and Somewhat Agree values.
Grey depicts neutral response.
Gradient shades of RED for Strongly Disagree,
Disagree and Somewhat Disagree values.
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14. Statement #1. The campus community is comfortable with the
degree of religious diversity on campus
Strongly Agree
Agree
Somewhat Agree
Neutral
Somewhat Disagree
Disagree
Stongly Disagree
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15. Statement #2. CNU encourages sensitivity to religious practices and
holidays [holy days] of various religions and understanding diversity
Strongly Agree
Agree
Somewhat Agree
Neutral
Somewhat Disagree
Disagree
Stongly Disagree
15

16. Statement # 3. There should be a gathering place or dedicated space
for ministers and chaplains
Strongly Agree
Agree
Somewhat Agree
Neutral
Somewhat Disagree
Disagree
Stongly Disagree
16

17. Statement # 4. The CNU campus community treats all religious
traditions equally
Strongly Agree
Agree
Somewhat Agree
Neutral
Somewhat Disagree
Disagree
Stongly Disagree
17

18. Statement #5. I am comfortable with a chapel being housed on a
state university campus
Strongly Agree
Agree
Somewhat Agree
Neutral
Somewhat Disagree
Disagree
Stongly Disagree
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19. Statement # 6. I am concerned about religious references in
benedictions, invocations or in the selection process of the religious
representative at significant university events (ex.
Graduation, Honor Code invocation)
Strongly Agree
Agree
Somewhat Agree
Neutral
Somewhat Disagree
Disagree
Stongly Disagree
19

20. Statement # 7. The Chapel can be of service to the CNU community
and be well integrated into our University mission
Strongly Agree
Agree
Somewhat Agree
Neutral
Somewhat Disagree
Disagree
Stongly Disagree
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21. QUESTION # 1: “The campus community is comfortable with the
degree of religious diversity on campus.” Comments
Positive or offers “The campus diversity mirrors religious diversity of this area
2 of the state”
positive view or
observation
Non-committal “I’m reluctant to speak for anyone else”
5
Critical or offers “Very strong Christian focus that can disenfranchise
12 students of other religions”
negative criticism
Not relevant to “This is an awful question-how can I answer for the
3 community. Isn’t that the purpose of a survey? And what
question or objects to
can we do about religious diversity anyway? Recruit
question posed
religious minorities? Accept fewer Christians? Bias is
showing through on this question.”
TOTAL # COMMENTS
22
21

22. QUESTION # 2: CNU encourages sensitivity to religious practices and
holidays [holy days] of various religions, and understands diversity.
Positive or offers “The Provost’s Office has issued memos
positive view or
3 reminding faculty to allow students to miss
observation class without penalty for religious
observances, such as the Jewish high holy
days” and
“I can only say that I haven’t noticed any
insensitivity by the administration”
Non-committal “I hope so”
2
Critical or offers “Basic lack of awareness is the problem”
negative criticism
5
Not relevant to “Is that even serious? what other non
question or objects to
1 judeo [sic] christian holidays do we have off?”
question posed
TOTAL # COMMENTS
11
22

23. QUESTION #3 There should be a gathering place or dedicated space
for campus ministers and chaplains.
Positive or offers “Colleges are academic institutions. As such they should encourage
Positive view or
5 understanding of the multitude of religions practiced around the world.
observation The professors who perform those rituals should have a place to
perform them properly.”
I am religiously unaffiliated, yet value the many traditions and faiths
and their spiritual leaders. We’re going to have a Chapel, but itinerant
chaplains as things stand. Of course they should have a space.”
Critical or offers I Strongly Disagree. This is a State University, religious practices should
negative criticism 5 be neither encouraged or discouraged.”
Not relevant to “Loaded question: if we have on staff campus ministers (how about
question or objects 2 rabbis?) and chaplains, why would we say no to a gathering space for
to question posed them?”
TOTAL #
COMMENTS 12
23

24. QUESTION # i: “On the CNU campus, what is the role of faith-based
organizations, such as interfaith ministry, intervarsity, Hillel, in campus life?”
Comments
Positive or offers “The role is to improve the spiritual lives of students.
65
positive view or Academics does wonders for the mind, but very little to
observation nourish the soul.”
Non-committal “This question should be really directed to students–not
11
appropriate for faculty–since much if not all of campus life is
driven by 4700+ students–and very little by 250+ faculty.”
Critical or offers “I feel that faith-based organizations should not be highlighted
7
negative criticism as one of CNU’s strong points. Especially when recruiting
future CNU students in the scientific/evolutionary programs.”
Not relevant or No example
5
objects to question
posed
TOTAL # 88
COMMENTS
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25. QUESTION # ii: “How should use of the chapel be determined?”-Comments
Relevant responses “By committee” 22 responses
74
addressing “use” of “By regular scheduling practices” 18 responses
the chapel “For any event, religious or secular” 12 responses
“All religions equally served” 11 responses
“First come first served” 5 responses
“Faith groups given priority” 3 responses
“Exclusively religious use” 3 responses
Non-committal “I don’t know”
4
Critical or offers “it would be my hope that the building would be
3
negative criticism renamed and repurposed for general campus use
unrelated to religious expression” and also, “not at all.”
Not relevant to
3
question or objects
to question posed
TOTAL # COMMENTS
85
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26. QUESTION # iii: By whom should the use of the chapel be
determined?-Comments.
Most popular Responsive “By university committee”
Suggestion- similar
25
concepts
Popular response “Scheduling Office”
16
Popular response “Administrative support person”
12
Popular response “Campus ministers/ministry.”
8
Miscellaneous responses “Independent administrator not subject to outside
20
pressure”, “First come first served”, “Whoever wants
to get married at a University.”
Humorous or Facetious “A bean counter.”
responses
5
TOTAL #
COMMENTS
86
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27. QUESTION # iv: As we anticipate the opening of the chapel, what are the
potential educational opportunities for the campus community? Comments
Popular religious or “A place to go in times of trial, confusion, seeking; a sanctuary of quiet serenity; one-on-
18 one and small group conferences pertaining to spiritual matters; and exposure to less
spiritual suggestions
familiar points of view, practices and rites.”
What CNU should “There are*sic+ a wealth of opportunities if the chapel is truly used as an interfaith space.
17 Opportunities dwindle if the CNU community views the chapel as more available or
encourage
welcome to only one or two faiths. If it is an open and inviting space to all perspectives,
students can be encouraged to engage in critical thinking and dialogue about these
various perspectives.”
Comparison with “Chapel at my undergrad state supported institution was used for concerts, visiting
5 speakers, organization installations, and other non-religious activities. I am sure that
other universities people could reserve the space for religious ceremonies, weddings and possibly funerals. I
hope CNU has an open policy like that-open for non-religious as well as religious
activities.”
Educational “There are wonderful opportunities for both interfaith and sectarian
14 education and religious observance. But who will decide on use of the chapel
Opportunities
when competing groups require the space at the same time. Also, no official
activities should be held in the Chapel- the rights of the non-religious student
must be observed too.”
Objection posed “The chapel should have no educational role and should never be a place that
12 students or faculty or anyone is required or expected to visit.”
TOTAL #
66
COMMENTS
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28. QUESTION # v: What else should the Ad Hoc Study Committee on Religious
Tolerance and Diversity consider? Comments.
“Religious intolerance by those who despise the religious freedoms of others”.
Wide range of concerns 32 “Separation of church and state”.
and suggestions – these “I do not believe that Christmas celebrations and Bible Study groups at the President’s home are
appropriate at a public university”.
include perceived
“That polytheistic religions (not Christianity, Judaism or Islam) have an equal right to use the chapel if they
objectionable practices, wish to do so”.
political correctness “Let’s stop being afraid of acknowledging the importance of God and religion in the lives of the majority”.
concerns, free expression “The question about concern for religious references and representatives at University functions and
concerns, establishment ceremonies should be given more attention. If these functions are mandatory, and many of them are for
faculty and students, a diversity of perspectives should be represented OR any religious association avoided
concerns, and others.
whatsoever. The extent to which any particular religion is promoted at a state institution is concerning
overall.”
Satisfied 5 “The topics you are looking into seem adequate.”
“I think keeping the Chapel non-denominational and open to all should be the goal of the committee”.
Offers suggestion – or 12 “Making such a space available to the CNU community is not an endorsement of any particular religion. I do not oppose
Asks question the implicit endorsement of religion itself as part of a student’s wellbeing any more than I do building a rec center.(You
don’t have to go.) The minority that rejects religion should not exercise a veto over the majority (or Plurality) that
Wide range of topics embraces some form of spirituality. And given the role of religion in public affairs across the globe, we would dedicate
space for confronting these issues directly, and not through shrouded or snarky asides in a classroom.”
“Drop the label of “chapel”. Find another name. Spiritual Center or House of Reflection or Center for Inner Peace or
Temple. No more prayer/benediction for university events (graduation, etc.). Where do the agnostics and atheists go?”
Suggestion related to “How will the maintenance and monthly expenses the building incurs be paid for if it is a
3 privately funded enterprise? Will state funds pay for the electric and water bills?”
policy
TOTAL #
COMMENTS
52
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29.  St. Paul's Chapel - the chapel of Columbia University, NY
 Memorial Chapel - a non-denominational building on the campus
of the University of Maryland, College Park
 Wren Chapel - the oldest University chapel in the United States
and located on the campus of the College of William & Mary,
Williamsburg, VA.
 Heinz Memorial Chapel -of the University of Pittsburgh
 Sage Chapel -at Cornell University
 University of Seattle has several chapels. “Chapel of Saint Ignatius is the
principal Roman Catholic chapel of Seattle University. Immaculate
Conception Chapel is primarily for personal prayer and liturgies for small
groups. The Ecumenical Chapel is primarily for the celebration of Christian
and ecumenical worship. The Multifaith Prayer Room is primarily for
prayer and religious services for Buddhist, Hindi, Jewish, Muslim and other
members of the Seattle University community.
 Virginia Tech War Memorial and Memorial Chapel
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30. 1. Study facilities use [e.g. Chapels] on other
campuses [public and private] to maximize
satisfaction of all constituencies –
We have included sample policies from other
schools in full report.
2. Sponsor annual seminars/forums on topics
suggested by faculty in their comments.
We have suggested sample topics in full
report.
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31. 3. Adopt KEY PRINCIPLES and promote concepts of
voluntariness, educational uses, interfaith programs
and policies on use and scheduling of the chapel.
We have included simple explanations of these Key Principles as
well as sample policies on scheduling from other schools in full
report.
4. On occasion, conduct periodic anonymous, voluntary
inquiry about how we as a university treat
religion, diversity, faith and other topics which are
highly sensitive to students and faculty- and which
topics are private and personal, but nonetheless affect
the university’s educational culture.
We have suggested sample topics in full report.
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32. 5. Initiate opportunities to respond to
concerns voiced in Survey
We have identified essential issues raised by faculty
in the survey and this is included in full report.
6. Senate consider addressing the
recommendations of the committee in a
long term plan to promote key principles.
We have suggested Senate opportunities in
the full report.
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33.  As a committee we were made aware of many
points of view and many passionate thoughts on
this complex set of topics.
 We are pleased the faculty survey was executed;
we could not have managed additional inquiry
via surveys of other campus groups.
 We expect the experiences at other university
campuses will helpfully inform our future
experiences.
 The committee thanks all who participated in
the search for information, the survey and the
meetings; and for voicing your individual views.
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