The memorial footbridge provides a spot for contemplation. (Photo by Sam Brooks '12)
Wilson Chapel is a place for quiet contemplation, religious and spiritual observance, and gathering in community. (Photo by Sam Brooks '12)
The gazebo on Haupt Pond is a quiet place to relax. (Photo by Sam Brooks '12)
Welcome to the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life
New and Prospective Students:
Get Connected: Fill out the interest form here (www.bit.ly/SkidORSL)to get started connecting with religious and spiritual life, clubs, interfaith opportunities, holiday event announcements and more. This form helps us plan for the year and welcome you to campus, allows you to sign up for interest lists, and lets you ask questions like: When are High Holy Days services on campus? How do I find a ride to the masjid on Fridays? Can I continue this faith-based service project I started in High School? How do I find a local congregation that is LGBTQIA affirming? And more! We are looking forward to a full year of weekly gatherings, special events, and meaningful connections. Check out the "Religious Life on Campus" section of the website for tradition-specific information or contact us directly with questions. Note that our hours are limited over the summer so questions submitted through the interest form may take more than a week to receive a response. You can also reach out directly by emailing orsl@zhenrenqi.com. Urgent matters related to student life can also be directed to the Dean of Student's Office.
Fall 2024
We are looking forward to a semester of weekly gatherings, quiet moments, interfaith collaboration, and joyous celebrations. We also know this is a semester that will bring big conversations and ongoing concern in the midst of national transitions and international conflicts. Know that we are here to connect with our students (and colleagues!) in times of joy, frustration, grief, transition, and all that comes between. Stop by for some tea and a chat and let us know what's on your mind. In addition to our own resources we can help connect you with other advisors on and off campus and with students who might be looking for the same kind of connection or programming you're looking for.
The Fall 2024 Weekly Schedule is available below. Holiday and special event programming will include Jewish High Holy Days, Samhain, Diwali, Advent, and more. Join us on SkidSync and Instagram, sign up with partner clubs, and watch for posters to receive updates on those events.
Weekly Schedule
We welcome requests and suggestions! Most gatherings begin during the first and second
week of classes. Updates will be in the descriptions below and on SkidSync when they
are available. Questions? Want to add an event? Let us know: orsl@zhenrenqi.com. Schedule subject to change. During the academic year individual event listings also
available on SkidSync (Log in to SkidSync with your Skidmore login information for full access to event
listings).
Where are we?
Our offices are on the 2nd floor of Case Center where you can find all of the offices of Campus Life & Engagement (including the Student Diversity and Inclusion, and Leadership Activities). We are in Case 205 and 206 along the hallway between the ATM and the main Campus Life and Engagement office (207). That main office is across the hall from The Wyckoff Center and just upstairs from The Spa and Print Services.
Contact Information: email orsl@zhenrenqi.com or directly to Parker Diggory, Director of Religious and Spiritual Life: kdiggory@zhenrenqi.com, or to Martina Zobel, Coordinator of Jewish Student Life: mzobel@zhenrenqi.com. During the academic year you can also set up an in-person or online meeting with Parker by picking a time here. See our Meet the Staff page for more information.
Mindfulness Program
Meditation, Sound Healing, Yoga, Contemplative Practices, and more. Check out the Skidmore Mindfulness page for more information about the program, including guided meditations and recommendations of additional resources. We welcome student input on programming and scheduling. Many of our meditation leaders and yoga instructors are current Skidmore students and we're always looking for more student leaders or those interested in gaining experience in leading meditation and related practices.
Clubs and Gatherings
We are grateful for the leadership of our partner student clubs including Challahmore, Hayat, Hillel, Muslim Students Association, and our informal student groups. We also host weekly Zen meditation gatherings and biweekly Quaker gatherings. In addition we partner with cultural and and affinity clubs along with the Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion to support student-led celebrations, interfaith collaboration, and spiritual engagement. Check out the clubs on SkidSync and Instagram or get in touch with us to find out more. You can sign up for clubs via SkidSync (Skidmore login required to sign up and to see all of the offerings) and at Club Fair at the start of each semester. Is your club missing? Want to start a new club or meet-up? Let us know!
Exchange Closet
The Exchange Closet has moved! This wonderful student-initiated resource will be in Scribner Library beginning Fall 2024. There is also a new website for the Exchange Closet. Campus Life and Engagement will still be involved in helping to support it so feel free to get in touch with our department if you have questions during this transition.
The Office of Religious and Spiritual Life (ORSL) provides opportunities for members of the Skidmore community to develop their religious and spiritual lives and to build community within, between, and beyond traditions.
We encourage enriching dialogue, meaningful ritual and enduring friendships among people of all religious backgrounds.
We offer:
- religious services
- holiday observances
- contemplative practices
- speakers and lectures
- educational programs
- discussion groups
- community-service opportunities
- social-justice projects
- club advising
- individual spiritual counsel
|
Contacting a chaplain or spiritual advisor Connect with the ORSL:
|
Wilson Chapel Wilson Chapel is a beautiful space for worship and wonder, retreat and reflection.
The space does not belong to any one tradition or religion and it can be transformed
easily to fit specific ritual needs. When not scheduled for campus events, it is available
to the Skidmore community for personal reflection and prayer. Events at the chapel
include yoga, meditation, religious prayers and services, and events that explore
many forms of spiritual and contemplative practice.During the academic year: When not otherwise reserved, the chapel is normally open from around 7 am. to around 11 p.m. during the school year for use by students, staff, faculty, and guests. Those interested in reserving Wilson Chapel for outside use, including weddings, should consult the External Facilities Rental information from the Skidmore College Scheduling Office. |
FALL 2024 WEEKLY SCHEDULE - ORSL and partners offices
More events may be added as the semester continues! Don't see what you're looking for? Let us know!
Contact orsl@zhenrenqi.com with questions, additions, to sign up to receive regular emails with links and updates, or for information including accessibility and accommodations. Unless otherwise noted, gatherings are open to all Skidmore students. Many gatherings are open to staff and faculty and some are open to the wider community. See descriptions or contact us or the event organizer with questions.
Note: Schedule subject to change. Sign up for updates or RSVP to events on SkidSync to receive change notices.
MONDAYS
Starts September 9. Prayer from a range of Christian traditions. Newcomers always welcome. Case 205 is part of the Campus Life & Engagement space on the 2nd floor of Case Center by the ATM (also Parker's office). Staff and faculty welcome. Contact: kdiggory@zhenrenqi.com
5pm Mondays in the Multipurpose Room of the Williamson Sports Center
Free for students: sign up on SkidSync or just show up! Staff and Faculty: register and pay through the fitness program (announced in September weekly bulletins)
TUESDAYS
Starts September 9th. Hang out, take a break, study, meditate, pray, just be. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons (and any time the chapel is open and not otherwise reserved). Most afternoons hosted by ORSL student staff. No need to RSVP. Wilson Chapel is located by the North Woods, just across the parking lot from Palamountain and Tisch. Contact: kdiggory@zhenrenqi.com
New Time for Fall 2024: 4-4:20 pm. Starts September 23. Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Guided meditation moment with attention to breath and mindful presence. Newcomers always welcome. Led by ORSL staff and student leaders. Part of the Skidmore Mindfulness Program. Open to students, staff, and faculty. Case 205 is part of the Campus Life & Engagement space on the 2nd floor of Case Center by the ATM (also Parker's office) Contact: orsl@zhenrenqi.com
5pm Mondays in the Multipurpose Room of the Williamson Sports Center
Free for students: sign up on SkidSync or just show up! Staff and Faculty: register and pay through the fitness program (announced in September weekly bulletins)
WEDNESDAYS
Begins September 4. This gathering brings together longtime practitioners and newcomers with experienced leaders from Skidmore and the local community (open to students, staff, faculty, guests, and local community members). Individuals of all religious backgrounds are welcome. Newcomers please try to arrive before 6:25 pm, as we offer basic Zen meditation instruction for first-time attendees promptly at 6:30 pm. Late-comers are welcome to enter quietly. We sit two periods interspersed with walking meditation, typically ending by 7:45. Cushions, meditation benches, and chairs are provided; wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Questions or need a link for online gathering? Email Holley Hodgins, hhodgins@zhenrenqi.com
THURSDAYS
Starts Sept 9th. Hang out, take a break, study, meditate, pray, just be. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons (and any time the chapel is open and not otherwise reserved). Most afternoons hosted by ORSL student staff. No need to RSVP. Wilson Chapel is located by the North Woods, just across the parking lot from Palamountain and Tisch. Contact: kdiggory@zhenrenqi.com
New Time for Fall 2024: 4-4:20 pm. Starts September 23. Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Guided meditation moment with attention to breath and mindful presence. Newcomers always welcome. Led by ORSL staff and student leaders. Part of the Skidmore Mindfulness Program. Case 205 is part of the Campus Life & Engagement space on the 2nd floor of Case Center by the ATM (also Parker's office) Contact: orsl@zhenrenqi.com
FRIDAYS
Wilson Chapel is reserved every Friday 11:30am – 2:30 pm for Muslim prayers. We will have one gathering at 1:45pm every Friday of September and October. Additional gatherings may be annoucned a new time will be shared for November and December due to Daylight Savings. Sign up with ORSL or MSA to receive updates! (orsl@zhenrenqi.com or stop by Case 205)
Additional Prayer times and spaces: The chapel can also be used for prayer any time it is open and not otherwise reserved. Library 111 is available whenever the library is open. Additional spaces can be arranged.
Contact: orsl@zhenrenqi.com
5pm Mondays in the Multipurpose Room of the Williamson Sports Center
Free for students: sign up on SkidSync or just show up! Staff and Faculty: register and pay through the fitness program (announced in September weekly bulletins)
Student-led egalitarian services to welcome Shabbat on Friday evenings. All are welcome. *Location subject to change. Sign up with JSL to receive updates. Contact:mzobel@zhenrenqi.com
We start with candle lighting, and blessings, and continue with a delicious meal and birkat hamazon as we close the week and connect with our community. Location is usually the 2nd floor of the dining hall but sometimes changes (sukkah, Fallstaff's etc). RSVP required (see Skidsync and updates from Hillel and JSL). Contact: mzobel@zhenrenqi.com
SATURDAYS
Contact Jewish Student Life Coordinator Martina Zobel (mzobel@zhenrenqi.com) for more information or to help organize on-campus options. We can also help with transportation. See the "Local Communities" section for a partial list of congregations.
Monthly(ish) gatherings for Havdalah to close out Shabbat and turn to the new week. Fall 2024 dates TBA. Gatherings often continue with game nights or music jams. See announcements from Hillel and Jewish Student Life for details. Contact: mzobel@zhenrenqi.com
SUNDAYS
Students attend services at a number of local congregations. Contact orsl@zhenrenqi.com for more information and see Newman Club on SkidSync for specifics about attending Catholic Mass. Online options are available for many congregations from a wide range of religious traditions. See the Local communities page for a partial list of congregations.
Fall 2024 dates:
September: 8th, 22nd
October: 6th, 20th
November: 3rd, 17th
December: 1st, 15th
We gather for fellowship and unprogrammed worship, hosted by partnership with members of local Friends Meetings. Open to students, staff, faculty, guests, and local community members Contact: orsl@zhenrenqi.com
Sunday yoga begins September 22. Led by trained yoga instructor and Skidmore student Maddy Morton. Mats are provided.
Yoga sponsored by the Skidmore Mindfulness program of ORSL is grounded in the spirituality and history of yogic tradition and open to all students, regardless of experience or religious or secular identity. Free and open to students. Staff and faculty: contact us with attendance questions.
Contact: orsl@zhenrenqi.com
More to come! Want to request additional times or types of gatherings? Let us know: orsl@zhenrenqi.com or drop in to office hours or stop by Wilson Chapel during open hours.
Schedule subject to change. See SkidSync or contact us for information or to find out about additional opportunities and local services.
