University of Michigan - Michiganensian Yearbook (Ann Arbor, MI)

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man ' s great The University of Michigan brings to- gether a multitude of people from a multi- tude of backgrounds. This is especially ap- parent when it comes to the over-view of religion on the Ann Arbor campus. If there is any word that typifies the religious scene here, it is exploration . The unique atmos- phere of the campus offers a wide range of exposure to religious experiences. The stu- dent is able to examine his own true values from within this diverse, liberal atmosphere. Religion is available in its more traditional forms but also exists here in Ann Arbor in more contemporary, modern conditions as typified by the religious communal exper- ience, and by the greater interest in Eastern and occult religions. With regard to specific proportional statis- tics on how many students participate in which religions, numbers are somewhat ambiguous. U of M ' s Office of Ethics and Religion tries to coordinate a Religious Census every year but the response is quite limited. The small response is attributed more to a resistance against any bureau- cratic collection of data rather than lack of interest in religion. But even with limited data, it is obvious that there is a tremendous variety in the types of religious experiences present in Ann Arbor. Religious organizations can maintain con- tact with the University through its office of Ethics and Religion. This office coordinates a wide range of services for both these organ-

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A campus of over thirty-five thousand can ' t help but appear to be overwhelming- especially to the individual coming from a smaller, less diverse environment. The tremendous size of the student body at the University of Michigan is something to which all students must adjust in one form or another. Fortunately, U of M provides for a wide range of minority groups that are an integral part of the Ann Arbor campus. One of the major issues involving minority groups and the University ' s policies is minor- ity enrollment. Government intervention and student activists over the past decade have enforced a minority enrollment quota system which ultimately works for the minorities. Once a minority student finds himself at the University of Michigan, he is not ignored. A variety of minority advocate groups have offices in the Michigan Union which provide a wide range of services from counseling, to scholarship information, to getting acquainted with University proced- ures. In addition to racial and ethnic minorities, there are also many social minority organiza- tions. Disabled Advocates, Gay Awareness groups and Women ' s Organizations also have facilities in the Union. One of the primary functions of these groups is to serve as an The ultimate purpose . . . is to adjust to the demands of the Univer- sity . . . and to reinforce individuality and person- al growth. BBB everybody looks for mainstream information service to the rest of the Univer- sity that normally does not become involved with their activities. For example, the Gay Awareness groups spend a great deal of time going into classrooms and lecture halls to promote better understanding of the individ- uals in their organization. Some of the special minority services can be found in Trotter House, which acts to assist black students during their stay here at the University. Trotter House provides the black student with a sense of belonging. The International Center similarly provides a warm atmosphere for foreign students. In addition to the usual counseling services offered by these organizations, the Inter- national Center coordinates various activities -fairs, dinners, dances-that involve foreign students with the rest of the University Community. The Center also sets up special conversation sessions to help foreign stu- dents with the English language. The ultimate purpose of these minority organizations is two-fold. First-to enable the minority student to adjust to the demands of the University-be they of an academic or more personal nature-and second-to rein- force tne individuality and personal growth of the student from within his own back- ground. 89

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expectations izations and for students as individuals. Counseling, Conferences, extra-curricular act- ivities, educational information all are offered by this Office. Generally speaking, it serves as a communication service to the entire University community. For those who are interested in obtaining information about courses in religion, there is also an Interdepartmental Department of Religious Affairs. Although there is no spe- cific Department of Religion at the Univer- sity, this office coordinates all of the related courses in religion which are offered by other departments. The student does have the opportunity to become a religious studies major. The kinds of religious activities that take place on campus range from traditional services to dinner get-togethers, from com- munal households to political participation in various causes, or to just plain public aware- ness activities of an entertaining nature. For example, a familiar sight on the Diag in the Fall and Spring is the Hare Krishna organ- ization, chanting and dancing to its creed. It would be impossible to mention the over twenty-five religious and spiritual organiza- tions that exist here in Ann Arbor. But let it suffice to say that these various groups all are thriving and will continue to grow as the student body continues its search of religious experience. As we explore our own individ- uality, the quest for our own religious experience will continue as well.