Campus Services and Resources

Religious involvement at Allegheny is voluntary. The college encourages students to examine their spiritual lives, but it is by no means mandatory. Allegheny believes in educating the whole person: body, mind and spirit. The Wesleyan tradition emphasizes the role of free will and using one's intellect in matters of faith.

Religious Organizations on Campus

Students who are Jewish, Christian or Muslim and who want to join a synagogue, church or the Islamic society can simply look up the appropriate addresses and telephone numbers in the campus directory provided upon arrival to the College or during orientation.

In addition to regular opportunities for worship and celebration, Allegheny students can also participate in the activities of several religious life groups that meet regularly for fellowship and programming. Each group is led by a team of students and advised by a member of the Religious Life staff. These groups are:

(a) Sojourners Christian Fellowship (mainline Protestant and Wesleyan tradition)

Sojourners-as members are called-are a community of students committed to an open and honest exploration of issues affecting faith and life. They seek to build bridges within and between faith communities. Their activities include Bible and book study, weekly chapel service, spiritual life retreats and Thursday Dinner meetings. They are community-service oriented.

(b)Allegheny Newman (Roman Catholic tradition)

Allegheny Newman provides opportunities for Roman Catholic students to gather for study and fellowship on weekly basis, and offers retreats and other special opportunities. Their activities also include Newman Nights and community service.

(c)Allegheny Christian Outreach (Evangelical Reformed tradition)

A.C.O.'s fellowship stresses the importance of whole life discipleship. It encourages students to pursue academic excellence while integrating their faith and studies, and seeks to express the harmony and diversity among God's people. Its activities include Friday night fellowship, Bible studies, praise, worship, and community service.

(d)Allegheny Hillel (Jewish tradition)

Allegheny Hillel provides opportunities for Jewish students to celebrate High Holidays and Passover, as well as other festivals of the religious calendar. The Hillel House provides a space for worship, fellowship, meals, study, celebration, and a place to explore Jewish culture.

(e)Allegheny Islamic Awareness Society (Muslim tradition)

The purpose of IAS is to enhance the religious experience of Allegheny College students by promoting Islamic awareness and organizing religious activities. It seeks to promote a cordial relationship between Muslim and non-Muslim members of the Allegheny Community. IAS also intends to strengthen the faith and unity of Muslim students. There is a Muslim prayer room on Campus.

*You can contact the religious life office in Reis Hall to know when and where these events are taking place.

The Religious Life Councilprovides a forum for the various religious life groups to come together to plan programming, discuss issues that arise in the life of the campus, and think expansively about the role of religious life at Allegheny. It consists of students representing the above listed religious groups and other religious traditions.

< Campus Diversity Organizations | Student Life >

Updated on 4-28-06*

*The information on this page changes frequently. To ensure that the information you receive on this page is current, please note when the information was last updated. Thank You.