Meet the Office of Religious and Philosophical Life (RPL) | July 14, 2026

Hello Jumbos!

This week, we're introducing the Office of Religious and Philosophical Life (RPL) at Tufts. The multifaith team of chaplains and staff supports students and the many religious, philosophical, and spiritual identities you bring to our campus community. We host weekly religious observances, regular meals, book clubs, concerts, and service opportunities—plus our chaplains are always available for a conversation and a cup of tea or coffee!

The Office of Religious and Philosophical Life (RPL) embraces pluralism by supporting many diverse communities on our campus: Buddhist, Muslim, Humanist, Hindu, Catholic, non-denominational Christian, Protestant, Orthodox Christian, Sikh, and Jewish. All of our communities are open to every student to explore during your time at Tufts.

The Office of Religious and Philosophical Life also works closely with Tufts Hillel; to learn more about how any student can be involved, please check out their website.

RPL hosts weekly gatherings and programs, offers interfaith student leadership and service opportunities, and works with the 15 student-led groups thriving on our campus.

If you would like to get information about any of our communities, please share your email through the interest forms below! You will receive a welcome email from the communities you are interested in. You can request information from any communities. You can also reach out directly to anyone on our team or complete the confidential "Contact a Chaplain" form to be contacted by a chaplain directly.

A major part of our mission is providing confidential spiritual care to Tufts students. If you are facing a hard decision, dealing with grief, or just not feeling like yourself, Tufts chaplains are here for you. At Tufts, chaplains are the following:

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.

The beloved Tufts tradition, the Illumination Ceremony, is hosted by the Office of Religious and Philosophical Life! You'll have yours during Orientation this year.

Look for the Pax et Lux Winter Holiday Celebration this December!

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 8.

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.