Transitions
This chapter focuses on systems that congregations can put into place that will help maintain a strong campus ministry through the transitions of college life and the challenges of primarily lay led programs. Poor transitions are unusually common in campus ministry and deserve special attention particularly from the congregation when possible. Good transitions are the signs of a healthy campus ministry which will benefit your congregation through recognition, inspire lay people to deeper ownership, and provide a critical ministry to hundreds of people seeking liberal religion during their college years.The challenges posed by campus ministry are diverse with several worth longer mention:
Matriculation
While campus ministry is not exclusive to the four year traditional college, this is the most common type formed. As most students graduate (or matriculate) within four or five years, usually only two of those years are as active members in a campus ministry. The “time” that people are involved is limited. In developing your leadership you can be mindful to matriculation and carefully address with the group who is leaving when. This ongoing knowledge will help your group balance leaders who are incoming, ongoing and outgoing.
Study Abroad
Students, particularly Unitarian Universalist (UU) students, may take advantage of programs which allow them to study internationally or even domestically for a term, a year or longer. While the departure of one student leader can have a huge impact on a campus ministry, they are often back in the fold quickly. One key is to be able to stay in touch with the study abroad students and be ready to integrate them back into the campus ministry. This usually happens during the third or junior year of a four year undergraduate program.
Freshman Year
There is already a powerful life transition that many people experience when they enter college. Many are entering a phase of life where they are independent and away from home for the first time. This change can produce anxiety and stress, which may be difficult for people to handle, especially if they feel or are alone. Sometimes freshman will over-commit and burn-out on all the opportunities available. Through the tabling outreach work (the best regular outreach you can do!), you will generally make contact with freshman, most of whom will be looking to get connected and may be signing up with everything that looks interesting. Newer campus ministries tend to be primarily freshman and sophomores, with the vision of building a stronger group with representation from all classes (and ages). Sustainable campus ministries will be mindful to the freshman year experience but not place undue expectations on the freshman class.
Senior Year
Having the involvement of seniors in campus ministry is a gift that many campus ministries lack. Seniors may have academic requirements that take over their lives in order for them to graduate, including senior thesis, senior seminar and fulfilling classes within their degree. One key with seniors is to discern what ways they can be involved with campus ministry such as occasional leadership, mentoring, group leading and such, while being conscious of the approaching end of their academic career.
Graduate Students
There is an interesting mix of graduate students in UU campus ministry. Some of our campus ministries are primarily graduate students, tending to be smaller, primarily intellectual-discussion based. These groups are important, however often struggle with welcoming the undergraduate more traditional age community. Larger and more sustainable campus ministries also have a handful of graduate student involvement, although in this case they too lack a community and express a sense of isolation. With the other group dynamics, it is important to be aware of the gifts and place these students can bring to your campus ministry. The three best things you can do are to facilitate relevant ministry for graduate students, allow them to share their unique skills, and to foster a community of graduate student peers as able. Avoid the trap of forcing everyone into the same mold and nurture small group ministry – graduate students are often a great resource in starting something like this up.
Transition Issues
Congregation
Having church-based lay leadership is essential. Make sure to have key information about the campus ministry maintained by the church, in a file with the church administrator, Director of Religious Education (DRE), or other affiliated staff member.
Student Commitment
Generally speaking, most students will be able to commit for just under a year. It is fair to work towards multiple year leadership commitments, but often people will burn out or want to change gears to experience something new.
Transition Ceremony
Successful transitions in leadership are done in public, with clear appreciations and official "passing the baton" acknowledgements. Consider inviting key allies from the congregation to participate in this activity, creating a ritual that may be used each year. These activities can be as short as thirty minutes, and will help bring closure and clearly define the change that is occurring with the group.
Leadership Terms
Set terms for your leaders at which point they may renew, change jobs, or retire. Set meeting dates for when transitioning will happen at least three months in advance.
Old-New Meeting
Ask people to write at least one page about the vision for their position and the activities they perform. Encourage the people transitioning in and out to meet one on one or in small groups with one another outside the regular meetings of your group to debrief, ask questions and become familiar with the leadership roles and expectations.
Last updated on Friday, April 18, 2008.
