Meet the University Chaplaincy | July 01, 2025

Hello Jumbos!

This week, we're introducing the University Chaplaincy at Tufts. The multifaith team supports students and the many religious, philosophical, and spiritual identities you bring to our campus community.

A vibrant on-campus hub, University Chaplaincy programs include weekly gatherings, concerts, and lectures, as well as leadership development and service opportunities. Our mission is to:

The University Chaplaincy staff team represents dynamic and diverse traditions: Buddhist, Catholic, Humanist, Jewish, Muslim, and Protestant. Each chaplain is available to support all Tufts students in the fullness of your religious and philosophical identities. You might seek out a conversation with a chaplain if you are exploring spirituality or faith, have questions about your future, or want to check in during a difficult time. (Fun fact: The University Chaplaincy hosts the Illumination Ceremony for incoming students, a beloved Tufts tradition you will experience in your first week at Tufts!)

The University Chaplaincy currently collaborates with 15 chaplaincy- and student-run religious and philosophical communities. You can learn more about these communities and all University Chaplaincy programs through our website as well as our Facebook and Instagram accounts. For more information about how we welcome diverse religious communities on campus, please see our resources page, which includes information about avoiding high control groups.

The University Chaplain Elyse Nelson Winger is also teaching a new class in collaboration with Tisch College for Civic Life, CVS150-02: Religious Diversity, Interfaith Engagement, and Campus Life. Religion shapes university life in ways both obvious and invisible, from the food in the dining halls to the academic calendar! Through real world case studies, site visits around Boston, and insights from guest speakers, you'll reflect on the ways religion and religious diversity have shaped higher education in the United States and uncover the role of youth-led interfaith activism in tackling issues like climate justice and in combating religious bias.

Finally, please take a look at the University's Multifaith Calendar, which offers details about celebrations and observances from 13 world religions. Find out more about a holiday you are unfamiliar with—you soon might meet someone who is celebrating it! Tufts University celebrates and acknowledges the religious and philosophical diversity of its faculty, staff, and students, and you can find more information about religious accommodations policies.

Thanks for continuing to check your New Student Checklist regularly! Following are some of the important deadlines this month: 

July 1: Provide "Invited Viewer" access for others to view or pay your bill when it's available and/or to waive health insurance in SIS (see below for deadline).

July 1: Complete the Academic Integrity Tutorial (AIT module). It takes approximately 45 minutes and is required for all first-year and transfer students. If you haven't completed the tutorial by the deadline, you will have an enrollment hold placed on your account. An enrollment hold will prevent you from changing your class schedule or registering for next semester's classes.

July 1: Upload your photo for your ID card 

July 1: Mandatory Pre-Entrance Health Requirements due

July 31: Waive health insurance (if you already have health insurance that meets Massachusetts state requirements)

 August 1: Send your official AP, IB, and/or A-Levels scores to Tufts

Consider enrolling in optional Tuition Insurance: Tuition Insurance protects financial commitments if you elect to take time away from your studies through a Medical Leave. Enrollment in the Tuition Insurance Plan will be open until the first day of classes, September 2.

No worries! All webinars have been recorded and posted to our Orientation Programs and Communications web page. You'll find an archive of all of this summer's messages there too!

Please contact Student Services at 617-627-2000 or StudentServices@tufts.edu.