OUC Programs
Columbia University Interfaith Fellows Program is a new initiative of the Office of the University Chaplain. The Interfaith Fellows Program will support ten students interested in interfaith programming at Columbia University. Interfaith Fellows will develop programming to engage faith communities in their schools at Columbia University on issues of faith and spirituality.
Common Meal provides students, faculty, senior administrators, and New York City community leaders with a venue to discuss a specific topic or an emerging issue affecting the Columbia Community over a meal. Common Meal meets on regularly scheduled Wednesday evenings and other times as needed. Recent Common Meals included United Against Hate, Free Speech on the University Campus: a discussion with Provost Brinkley, the Seder Plate and its Symbolism, and African Diasporic Women of Faith.
Faith Vision Service commemorates the lifework of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by encouraging students, faculty and staff to share how faith informs their vision of justice, and how that vision influences their vocation and service.
Film Series screens independent documentaries, feature films and foreign films which examine issues of faith/spirituality, social justice and identity. Columbia University faculty or invited guests lead discussions afterwards. Recently screened films included Prince Among Slaves, Osama (Afghanistan), Water (India), Brother Outsider.
Music at St. Paul's showcases a wide variety of sacred and secular performances in St. Paul's Chapel featuring New York City artists. Programs have included classical performances from Juilliard, Korean drumming, Cantors, and jazz ensembles. Children with their parents are especially welcome.
People of the Book invites people of faith and seekers to explore different representations of the same figure throughout the Abrahamic traditions. Using sacred texts, this inter-religious dialogue fosters understanding while respecting distinctions.
Sacred Dance explores ways that faith traditions incorporate movement and dance to deepen spiritual experiences in a workshop format. Experienced instructors teach attendees the movements and their significance. A short time for discussion and reflection follows. Recent workshops included Odissi (Hindism), Calligraphy- a physical meditation (Zen Buddhism), and Zikr (Islam).
Tea Time with OUC is an informal weekly interfaith dialogue. Columbia University staff, students and faculty gather over tea to discuss how we live our respective faiths in today's world. Discussion topics included: growing up with two faith traditions, attitudes about death and dying, and finding a spiritual home in NYC.
The Kraft Family Fund Intercultural and Interfaith Awareness Fund supports collaborative efforts between recognized student groups at Columbia University to promote intercultural and interfaith understanding on campus during the academic year. Applications are accepted in the fall and spring semesters. Email KraftFund@columbia.edu for more information.
The Kraft Family Fund Intercultural and Interfaith Awareness Fund is no longer accepting applications for Spring 2010.
The Office of the University Chaplain Co-Sponsorship Fund is available to recognized Columbia University undergraduate, graduate, and professional student groups whose programs explore issues of religion, spirituality, race, ethnicity, sexual identity, gender, social justice or community service. First time innovative programs are especially encouraged. Email commonmeal@columbia.edu for more information.
The Office of the University Chaplain is accepting applications for co-sponsorship from recognized student groups for Spring 20009. The deadline for application submission is Noon on Monday, February 8, 2010. View the application.