The deeper yearnings of the heart are of paramount concern to AU's chaplains. We are Baha'i, Buddhist, Catholic, Jewish, Hindu, Latter-day Saints, Muslim, various strands of Protestant and Unitarian and we all exercise particular callings for wholeness of spirit and health of body. Together we embody some of the diversity of AU and address our leadership to a community that includes but is not limited to: the focusing discipline of Ramadan, the rich tapestry of the Torah, the celebration of the Eucharist, the soaring cadence of the Gospel, the shining insights of feminine spirituality, the contemplative chant of the Vedic blessing, and the centering silence of Buddhist meditation.

AU is committed to a full and diverse expression of religious life. The Kay Center is easily distinguished by its impressive flame adorning the roof. The building's very conception and construction embody the spirit of a broad interfaith approach to prayer, meditation and worship. The artisan who designed the stained glass windows wrote that they "are intended to symbolize the great themes which have occupied the thoughts of people of all religious traditions. The five facade windows represent the creation of the world. The two side windows on the left... scientific victories... and on the right the unconquerable spiritual immensities."

Click here for a calendar of major religious holy days for the 2007-2008 academic year.

Table Talk Lunch Series

The Table Talk Lunch Series scheduled in the fall and spring semesters, brings Washington-based and AU speakers to lead panel discussions on pressing social concerns such as poverty, discrimination, economics, justice, racism, and human rights. Buffet lunch is provided. A donation of $5 each is requested from faculty and staff to help offeset the cost of the program. Free to students. Reservation is required 48 hours before the scheduled event. RSVP to 202-885-3320 or email kslc@american.edu. (Table Talk Lunch Series is sponsored by the Office of the University Chaplain.)

Speaker Series

The Office of the University Chaplain regularly cosponsors with other academic offices and departments a series of lectures and discussions on current events and issues of social justice, faith and politics.

Commemorative Celebrations

The Spring of 2007 marked the 40th anniversary of the construction of the Kay Spiritual Life Center. To commemorate this event, the Kay Center hosted a dedication and sponsored other events.

Residence Hall Programs

The Kay Center chaplains provide residence hall programs, offering their perspectives and expertise to students on issues of spirituality, religion, ethics, and general wellness.

Scholarships

As a courtesy to the Churches associated with the Pan-Methodist Commission, American University offers 50% United Methodist Ministerial Tuition Remission scholarship to dependent children of clergy under appointment and serving full-time certain churches. More information can be found at the Methodist Tuition Remission page.

TDR and Market Place

The sharing of meals is a vital part of many religious traditions. Each week, chaplains offer an open invitation to students to join them for lunch and dinner in the Terrace Dining Room and the Market Place.

In the Classroom

Almost all academic disciplines focus on religious issues in some aspect. Kay-sponsored scholarly lectures and discussions give the academic experience broader historical, cultural, and ethical perspectives.

Community Action and Social Justice Coalition

The student run office of Community Action and Social Justice serves as a resource for AU students working for responsible social change. While the group is not affiliated with a particular faith, CASJC recognizes that a call to compassionate community action often is rooted in religious and spiritual values. The CASJC is now under the auspices of Student Activities.