- Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN - Wiki Commons, Pub. domain
When it comes to Christian colleges and universities, it's important to remember that one size does not fit all. Just as there are variations in how Christians practice their faith, Christians schools also vary quite a bit. When searching for the right fit, here are some factors to consider.
Christian Denomination and Affiliation
One factor to consider is to what denomination a school affiliates itself – and what this affiliation means to the school. In some places, a close affiliation with a denomination means that all or most of the students have been raised in that tradition, but this is not always the case.
Christianity, Faith, and College Life
Another important factor to consider is how Christianity fits in as a part of the everyday lives of students and faculty members. At more conservative schools, students are required to attend chapel services, take courses about Christianity, and participate in other religious activities. At more liberal schools, these may be available on campus, but not required.
Some questions prospective parents and students might ask about Christian life on campus include:
- What kinds of Christian clubs and activities are available?
- Are there certain kinds of Christian clubs and activities that are not allowed?
- Do students participate in charity work?
- Do students participate in missionary activities?
- If chapel is not required, what percentage of students choose to attend?
- How are Christian concepts incorporated into classroom discussions?
- Are there informal ways that students explore their faith, like in private conversations?
Rules, Restrictions, and Covenant Statements
Many Christian schools have stricter rules about student conduct than secular schools. This is especially true at Bible colleges, evangelical schools, and other more conservative institutions. Before choosing a school, be sure you are comfortable with the rules and restrictions – or the lack thereof. It's also important to find out the consequences of violating a rule or restriction.
The types of activities schools have rules and restrictions about include:
- Dress
- Drinking and drug use
- Premarital sex
- Dating and conduct between male and female students
- Homosexuality
- Swearing
- Curfew violations
- Use of music, television, the Internet, and other sources of information and entertainment
- Dancing
In relation to these rules and restrictions, many conservative schools have covenant statements, which are documents that spell out the religious beliefs that guide the school and the behaviors that students (and sometimes faculty members) are expected to follow in accordance with these beliefs. Students usually have to sign the covenant statement before attending the school.
Diversity and Dissent
Another important issue to consider is how diverse a college and university is, especially in relation to religious issues. Some schools have large populations of students who are not Christians, and the Christian students on campus differ in many of their beliefs. On the other hand, some schools have monolithic student bodies when it comes to faith. Liberal schools often have faculty members who are not Christian, while more conservative ones do not.
In relation to this, it's important to get a sense of how dissenting opinions about Christianity are treated on campus. If a student expresses an opinion that conflicts with the beliefs of others, is this kind of dissent welcome? If there is a covenant statement, are students welcome to express disagreement with some of its points? In addition, are there classes on campus about other religions?
Christian College Experiences
For students who are in search of a Christian college or university, it's best to do some research and to visit prospective schools. An important question students might ask themselves is this: are you looking for a school that enforces a specific set of values, or do want you want to experience faith in a more diverse environment where you are encouraged to ask questions? Talk to students and faculty members about how faith is expressed on campus to find out if the school is a match for the experience you seek.
Naomi Rockler-Gladen - Instructional designer and freelance writer, Naomi Rockler-Gladen writes some of Suite101's most read work.
