University of Rochester

Our Policies

chapel against deep blue sky The University is a multi-faith community and our policies and procedures honor the spirit of this diversity. We are listing below some policies that help maintain respect for particular differences of faith and beliefs comprising such a dynamic community.

Registration of Religious Groups

The University has long-standing relationships with four covenanting communities: Catholic Newman Community, Hillel, Muslim Student Association (MSA), and the Protestant Chapel Community/University of Rochester Christian Fellowship. Each community has chaplains in place.

Different groups that fall under these umbrellas are asked to work with the University designated chaplains. The University also works with new groups as well as continuing to explore the possibility of developing their chaplaincies. In addition, a number of student led groups have developed on campus. These groups are required to register as a student organization. “The How-to Book” available in the Wilson Commons Student Activities Office provides additional information, but the following information is helpful in understanding this process. The Director and Administrator of the Interfaith Chapel is assigned to work with these religious groups.

A. Purpose of Registration

All student organizations must be registered with the Student Activities Office. The purpose of the registration is to keep accurate records of the names of officers and to keep groups in closer contact with appropriate University offices. Each year the deadline for returning the registration form is September 30th. The privileges listed on the University Rules and Regulations for Student Organizations will be suspended for any groups not registering by that time. Only groups registered by September 30th will be included in the listing of organizations. Participation in Activities Fairs will be limited to registered groups.

B. University Rules and Regulations for Student Organizations

The University of Rochester supports and encourages the creation of student organizations established to meet the cultural, social, intellectual, vocational, spiritual, and physical needs of its campus population. All undergraduate student organizations are required to register with the Student Activities Office. The following privileges are provided to registered groups:

Use of University facilities.
Eligibility to sponsor and promote activities on campus; eligibility to distribute literature, flyers, posters, banners, and organizational printed materials.
Eligibility to solicit funds on campus through programs and approved fundraising activities.
Use of University services and resources.
Eligibility to receive assistance and advice from staff of the Student Activities Office.
Eligibility to be listed in University publications.
Consideration for receipt of awards and honors presented to student organizations and their members.
Use of a mailbox in Ruth Merrill Center.
Eligibility to participate in the Student Activities Fair.

Registered student organizations must comply with the rules and regulations listed on the following pages. Failure to comply may result in the suspension or termination of the registration status of the student organization. A suspended/terminated organization is ineligible for these privileges.

Religious Holidays

College policy and practice are that classes not be dismissed on religious holidays. It is expected, however, that students will not be penalized in any way for observing religious holidays. Instructors are asked not to schedule examinations in conflict with such holidays. (See Religious Holidays.) New York State Education Law provides that students who choose not to attend classes or take exams on certain days because of their religious beliefs will be given an equivalent opportunity to make up the work requirements or exams they miss without penalties.

Religious Recruitment

(Excerpts from: A Guide to Making Safe Judgments About Groups on Campus)

While you are a student on this campus many organizations may ask you to join them. The great majority of these groups are well meaning and constructive, whether they are religious, self-improvement, service, social or political in nature. In addition, there are many individuals and groups on campus who would like to share their “ideas” with you. Often these ideas include values and beliefs they hold about the world around them. They may approach you after class, on your hall, in front of Wilson Commons, or elsewhere. In addition to sharing with you the answers they have found to life’s questions, they may seek to enlist your time, energy and resources in endeavors they believe to be worthwhile. In short, they may ask you to join their groups and make substantial contributions of time and money to their causes.

Although it is healthy for groups to further their causes and recruit new members, some groups use recruiting tactics that are deceitful, manipulative and coercive. The following questions are designed to help you assess a group that seeks your commitment. The question could apply not only when you are being recruited, but also after you have been involved for some time.

Questions to ask of yourself:
What commitments of time, money and other resources will they expect from me?
Would I be assigned recruiting or financial quotas?
Would they discourage me from associating with family and friends?
What will I gain from being a member of this group? How does that fit with my own goals and ideas?

Does the group...
encourage you to continue your studies, to succeed academically and to graduate or does the group say that its activities are more important than school?
answer the questions that you ask, or are you told that repeatedly that the answers will come later?
discourage discussion of its beliefs, either with other members or with your family or friends?
want its members to give up traditions and beliefs?
require absolute obedience and devotion to its leader?
allow members to have quiet times alone or time with other friends outside the group?
predict tragedy will befall anyone who leaves the group?

If you responded yes to any of these questions, you may want to discuss this with the resource individuals listed below:

Cary Jensen, Interim Director of Religious & Spiritual Life: 275-8422
International Student Office: 275-2864
University Counseling Center: 275-2361