Appalachian Spiritual Life Association
As we move forward as a Division, it is important for us as professionals to recognize that freedom of religion and spiritual expression is just as essential as freedom of speech.
During Welcome Weekend in August, prior to Club Fest, the Student Union opens early for the Appalachian Spiritual Life Fair where hundreds of Appalachian students come to the Union to seek out places and spaces in our community to grow in their faith and to continue or begin their spiritual journey. This event is open to all spiritually based organizations in our community, Christian or not. Often this event leads to an invite to food and fellowship at a local church or meeting space.
As Universities struggle with the great debate of should we or should we not be engaging with the spiritual or religious development of our students I believe our friends in Counseling and Wellness and Prevention would say yes. We know that the spiritual and religious beliefs and spiritual practices of our students plays a role in their psychological and physical well-being. We also know that moral development occurs while students are learning and growing on our campus and that for many their faith based practices aids in their growth and understanding in this area.
Taken from the Appalachian State Wellness and Prevention website:
Spiritual Wellness is the intersection of an individual’s values and beliefs that provides them with an understanding of their purpose in life.
In the late 1980’s, our Dean of Students at that time Ms. Barbara Daye, met with a small group of Campus Ministers to talk about ways to support students and to address concerns students were experiencing on our campus. Today the Appalachian Spiritual Life Association (ASLA) exists to provide a safe and nurturing environment for the spiritual growth and development of students on the Appalachian campus, to foster relationships among spiritual leaders and to serve as a resource to the University. This groups meets monthly on their own and each semester with a representative from the Office of the Dean of Students.
Should you have questions or would like to know more about ASLA contact Jim Musser at [email protected] or Judy Haas at [email protected].