For many students, the Center for Religious and Spiritual Life (CRSL) conjures up an image of the Helen Hills Hills Chapel. But the CRSL is more than that striking white steeple–it’s a subsidiary of the Office for Equity and Inclusion that offers a wide variety of resources to the student body, regardless of religious affiliation.
The CRSL provides regular programming for various religious traditions, spaces for prayer and reflection, and full time staff who support specific religious communities. Kim Alston, the Programs and Communications manager, is also the Muslim Student Advisor, so among other responsibilities she supports weekly programming for Muslim students such as Jummah (Friday prayer) and Tajweed (the study of reciting the Quran).
Alston is also working towards a certification in Islamic Chaplaincy, for which she is doing field work on increasing the significance of religious identity within diversity, equity and inclusion. She has held focus groups with students as a part of this work, and says that one of the big takeaways was that students want more opportunities for religious discussions.
One example of discussion-based programming at the CRSL she mentioned is Soup, Salad, Soul, a “drop-in, drop-out community where we talk about different topics suggested by student facilitators”, according Jackie Altman ‘25, “it’s a very welcoming space, where you feel comfortable to share even though you might not know everyone”. Altman and Ava Brookshier ‘23 are the two student chefs who plan, shop for, and prepare the soups and salads every week. Altman’s favorite parts of the job this semester have been getting to plan cohesive meals, and sharing home-cooked food with other students.
Soup, Salad, Soul meets every Friday over lunch, and all of the food is plant-based. The program has concluded for the semester–the last theme was goodbyes (how do we say goodbye to important people, places, or experiences?) and will pick up again in the spring.
Soup, Salad, Soul is only one of many secular and interfaith opportunities at the CRSL. Other opportunities include meditations, mindfulness programs, and Interfaith Lunch. The CRSL also supports various student organizations, including but not limited to Blackapella, Animal Advocates, and Smith Stitchers.
If you want guidance on how to get involved, “come down and see us!” says Alston, “come on in or send us an email–it can be any of us, and we will direct you to the right person.” Student spaces in the Chapel will also be open this reading period for snacking, study, relaxation, and reflection.
