Religious Activities and Spiritual Values April 1999
Purpose
Highlights
Findings
Purpose The goal of this survey was to explore Penn State student experiences with religious activities and spiritual values.
Highlights A majority (60%) of students were satisfied with the degree to which diversity of religious and spiritual values are respected by the University community. Students report that religious and spiritual values are important for establishment of a caring community but less important for their own development.
Participation Rate N = 650 (65%) agreed to participate N = 355 (35%) did not agree to participate
Findings
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Academic Integrity
A majority of students agreed that the Penn State community respects a diverse range of religious and spiritual values on campus.
Fewer of the minority students (46%) than of the non-minority students (68%) were satisfied with the degree to which the campus community respected a diverse range of religious and spiritual values.** Most students reported that religious and spiritual values were important in the development of the community environment.
Students also saw a relationship between religious and spiritual values and selfdevelopment.
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Academic Integrity
A majority of students said they currently are affiliated with a specific religious or spiritual organization such as a church, temple, synagogue, mosque or other group. 58% 42%
were affiliated were not affiliated
A third of the respondents (36%) thought students were comfortable expressing their religious beliefs on campus. Slightly less than half (45%) thought students would be uncertain and a fifth (19%) thought students would be uncomfortable in expressing their beliefs. More males (25%) than females (13%) were uncomfortable expressing their beliefs on campus.** (Statistically significant at the .01** level)
More students were involved with religious or spiritual activities at home than while at college.
Significantly more of those 'not involved' at home were 'not involved' at college.***
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Academic Integrity
More minority (15%) than non-minority (6%) students said they were involved with a religious organization on campus.** Minority students were less satisfied than non-minority students with the number and range of religious and spiritual activities and services available on campus.***
(Statistically significant at the .01** or .001*** level)
Students recognized the impact of their religious experiences prior to coming to college on the level of their current involvement. Factors Influencing Decision to Be Involved in Religious Activities on Campus 43% 36% 30% 25% 18% 17% 17% 17% 9%
experiences before coming to college family involvement in religion current schedule desire to be with others of same religious orientation current friends awareness of opportunities choice of programs available transportation roommates
Almost half the students did not attend any religious or spiritual events this academic year. The more involved students reported themselves to be while at school, the more activities they attended.***
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Academic Integrity
Few students reported being aware of services and programs offered by the Center for Ethics and Religious Affairs. 35% 29% 14% 10% 6%
flyers and posters Collegian ads information on the web e-mail listserv messages printed brochures and information
Students offered suggestions for increasing awareness of programs and activities sponsored by the Center for Ethics and Religious Affairs.
Individuals mentioned: having religious groups more visible in the HUB; more publicity for events and location of building; identifying students' religions and sending them information; having staff 'go out' and talk with students. Other suggestions included: ● ● ● ●
more funding advertise on the Penn State TV channel articles in the Collegian internet/web page for students
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Academic Integrity
(Statistically significant at the .05,* .01** or .001*** level)
Revised on 07/17/00 U. Ed. STA 99-175
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