University Chaplaincy Policy On Religious And Spiritual Groups And Organizations At Tufts University

The Office of the University Chaplain includes the University Chaplain, who reports directly to the University President, and four Chaplains, who are appointed by the Office of the University Chaplain and who represent the Catholic, Jewish, Muslim and Protestant faiths on campus. These Chaplains are primarily funded by their own entities and not by Tufts University.

The Office of the University Chaplain will approve and clear all religious and spiritual groups and organizations who are seeking recognition at Tufts. These approved groups and organizations will be granted the benefits of using Goddard Chapel for their services/meetings and may also request the use of other University properties and resources as needed.

The Office of the University Chaplain will work closely with the Chaplains on all matters pertaining to student religious groups and organizations who petition to become recognized by Tufts as official student groups/organizations. The various Chaplains will relate to these groups in an advisory capacity; i.e., Catholic groups to Catholic Chaplain; Jewish groups to Jewish Chaplain, etc.; all other groups that do not fall within the specific Chaplains' auspices will be handled by the University Chaplain; i.e., Baha'i, Buddhist, Eastern Orthodox and Hindu faiths.

The Office of the University Chaplain will officially recognize all religious and spiritual groups who meet the following criteria:

• There is a need that is not being met by established and recognized religious/spiritual groups already on campus. No duplication will be allowed.
• The new group has to fully accept and abide by the University policy of nondiscrimination.
• The new group has to welcome and allow non-members/followers/believers to attend all meetings, services, or gatherings.
• The new group will not attempt to convert and engage in the act of "winning people over" or challenging the belief or lack thereof of any member of the Tufts University family.
• The "Understanding Cults " brochure of the Office of the University Chaplain must be followed at all times. These brochures are readily available at Goddard Chapel.

Please call the Office of the University Chaplain, (617) 627-3427, for further assistance.