In a survey of 46 colleges and universities, a researcher found a high percentage of students longing for spiritual direction from classes and professors.
Obviously, these people have never been to Seattle University or any other Jesuit liberal arts college. At SU, the CORE, or required classes, include two theology courses and three philosophy courses in which professors encourage the discussion and development of "faith" and "wisdom". Granted, once the student is required to take the class it is up to them what they put in or get out of taking the course.
However, take it from me, you couldn't graduate from Seattle U without a healthy dose of dialogue about faith or spirituality, even if you wanted to. In addition, SU already promotes service learning and utilizes it in many classes as a tool of developing "whole" students.
Perhaps Mr. Astin, the researcher, should have looked at a few Jesuit Universities before stating that "most college students searching for the meaning of life are not getting direction from many of their professors."
Respond to this posting