SMU offers students opportunity to integrate faith and learning

DALLAS (SMU) — The Faith and Learning Scholars program offered through the SMU Chaplain’s Office allows students to explore the intersection between faith and scholarship.

Now in its second year, the program aims to attract a variety of students with diverse religious backgrounds. The program has three components including a weekly service activity, eight small group interaction seminars with faculty mentors, and individual reading and reflection. Recipients of the scholarship receive a $250 stipend for books and additional materials.

“We are looking forward to engaging more students in the Faith and Learning Scholars Program,” said SMU Chaplain Steve Rankin. “The program is the perfect opportunity for students with a variety of religious beliefs to grow in their faith and integrate their religious development with their scholarly pursuits.”

Nine students have participated in the program to date, including Amie C. Kromis, who points to the program’s weekly meetings as most meaningful for her.

“I’ve found the internal process of processing, marinating, and then digesting my own thoughts and beliefs very rewarding,” Kromis said. “This program has been an excellent supplement to my semester and also aided in the growth of my faith and myself.”

This semester, the seminar portion of the program will focus on the issue of faith and political life. The first four weeks will focus on relevant religious issues to consider on a broader level such as scripture and tradition, and the last four weeks will focus on topical conversations regarding contemporary issues in American political life. In addition to the seminars, the program will have a social media component in the form of a blog, where students will post commentary in response to assigned readings. Seminar faculty leaders in addition to Rankin include Ben Voth, chair of the Division of Communication Studies and director of debate; Justus Hunter, doctoral student in the Department of Religious Studies; Peter Moore, professor of mathematics and Matthew Wilson, associate professor of political science.

All sophomores, juniors and seniors who are interested in growing their faith while engaging in scholarly pursuits are encouraged to apply. To be considered for the program, students must complete an application, which should include two references, an unofficial transcript, a list of extracurricular activity involvement and a 500- to 750-word essay regarding faith and learning.

The deadline for the Spring 2013 program is Thursday, Nov. 1.  For more information visit smu.edu/chaplain/FLS.

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