CRC
What questions does the term Spirituality provoke? In considering how each person approaches the term itself, Spirituality raises an important technology for relating to and in turn understanding human behavior. Religion and Spiritual practices are still a widely uninterrogated aspect of student identity growth and development. My name is Kalvin Cummings (He/Him), and I am the Assistant Director for Religion and Spiritual Life in the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) and these questions are circulated within the locus of my work. I have been partnering alongside our Campus Chaplains & Religious Advisors, Faculty/Staff, and Community Faith Leaders to advance holistic wellness pertaining to each student’s unique investigation of spirituality. We have also been discerning how best to support students at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) regarding the critical framework of meaning-making practices.
Are Prayer and Reflection Spaces important for students? Do students observe Religious Observances and High Holidays? Do students have the access to observe religio-cultural periods of dietary restrictions on campus? Does this affect academic performance? The Collegiate Religious Center (CRC) offers a haven of campus resources available for all students, faculty, staff, alums, visitors, and friends. The CRC and WPI's team of Campus Chaplains, campus and community partners are deeply invested in the spiritual well-being, growth, and support of all members of the WPI community.
As a person who leads with inquiry, honor, and respect, I welcome all. My hope for this work is to listen to our neighbors and heed timely concerns for the good of shared community.
-Kalvin Cummings (He/Him), Assistant Director for Religion and Spiritual Life
To learn more, check out some of these additional resources:
- A Q&A with Kalvin Cummings
- Answering the Call: Introducing New WPI Campus Chaplains
- WPI's Religious Advisors Understand the Importance of Faith, Community, and Sense of Belonging
- WPI Celebrates Ramadan 2023
- Supporting Muslim Students and Employees During Ramadan 2023
- Kosher Meals Being Made Available In Celebration Of Passover
- The Faith of Others: An Interreligious Dialogue On Religion and Sexuality
- Sunday Service Continues To Offer Spiritual Wellness for Black Students
Stay tuned for more of ODIME’s support networks and programs featured in upcoming announcements!
If you have any questions or simply want to connect, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at kcummings@wpi.edu or just come by the Collegiate Religious Center (CRC) at 19 Schussler Road.
The Collegiate Religious Center (CRC) provides a space to WPI students, faculty, staff, and community members for the purpose of religious exploration, devotions, worship, prayer, education, administration, and fellowship. Our team of Campus Chaplains serve as spiritual advisors for students, and can offer support and guidance irrespective of students' primary religious traditions. As spiritual advisors to the WPI community, Campus Chaplains counteract the inequality of varied expression(s) of religion, spirituality, and any form of meaning-making practice and support student meaning-making expression to tend with systems of oppression as well as any other stressors. This center includes several reservable spaces to suit both spiritual and non-spiritual needs, including a Multifaith Meeting Space, Islamic Prayer Room, and Multifaith Worship Space.
The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) promotes and oversees all student facing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) learning experiences, programs, services, trainings, and initiatives for WPI.