1. The role of religion and spirituality in academic advising

2. Brief Background Results of a 2011 survey carried by Brigham Young University By and large most participants were affiliated with a public college or university The majority of participants reported to have earned a master’s degree

3. Fundamental Questions Is spirituality key for tuning in to the student experience? How should advisors deal with students who regard spirituality/religion as integral to important decision making (academic and career)

4. Results indicated The academy should play a role in facilitating spiritual exploration and discussion Students may not feel comfortable discussing the spiritual or religious aspects of their lives Assumption/fear to violate the principle of separation between church and state, institutional policies, or even campus cultural norms Career advisors may not feel free to engage with students as they explore the spiritual side of decision-making Advisors may feel as though they lack the necessary background and training

5. Moving forward By and large, 85% of academic advisors reported to be comfortable with religious and spiritual topics in an advisement session Reported that their comfort stemmed from their own religious or spiritual background Others noted that they did not feel qualified to engage students in these area, that such topics are too private, or that they are not religious themselves.

6. Conclusion Advisors will undoubtedly encounter those for whom religion and spirituality are integral to their sense of self, occupation, and future direction. Religious diversity in training and clinical research has gained wide acceptance Student affairs professionals responded proactively that the academy should take a role or at least respect the nexus of the spiritual and the academic