The Current Status of Spirituality-Based Co-Curricular Programming by Student Affairs Practitioners in Higher Education

Abstract

The purpose of this mixed-methodologies study was to explore the current status of spirituality-based co-curricular programming by student affairs practitioners in higher education. The initial information was ascertained by a quantitative survey that was distributed to student affairs professionals. Follow-up qualitative research was conducted with four student affairs practitioners who are currently offering spirituality-based, co-curricular programs on their campuses. The outcome of the research addresses the possibilities and problems associated with providing programs and services that assist colleges and universities in meeting the increasing spirituality needs of their students. There are several separate phenomena within the current field of higher education that validate the significance of this study. But no one has pulled together these, and additional phenomena, to explore current practices, investigate perceived needs, and examine the logistics in implementing spirituality based co-curricular programming. This research provides a "lessons learned" starting point for the student affairs professional who already accepts the need for spirituality-based co-curricular programming by accessing the experiences of practitioners in the field who have gone before them. In addition, the research makes a contribution to the ever-increasing field of student affairs research by adding to the practical significance of student affairs. The research also provides justification for future spirituality based, co-curricular programs.