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Religious Diversity

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All Are Welcome

As a Catholic, Marianist university, UD strives to be a place where people of all religious traditions live, learn and deepen their faith. Many faith traditions are represented in the University of Dayton campus community. This diversity of faith expression enriches the community and offers a great witness of solidarity among people from different religious perspectives to the campus and the world. 

To support your faith journey, our Campus Ministry staff can provide support and resources, as well as connect you with local faith communities and congregations. In addition, the Center for Social Concern provides opportunities for students to connect faith to action through volunteer, service, community engagement and advocacy opportunities.

Interfaith Engagement

There are many ways to connect with other students across a spectrum of world religions at UD.

Interfaith Student Council

The Interfaith Student Council strives to advocate and work toward the inclusion, respect and belonging for people of all faith and religious perspectives at the University of Dayton. Rooted in our Marianist charism, we recognize the need for people to practice their faith authentically. Through our pillars of advocacy, religious literacy, and social justice and community engagement, we aim to empower a plurality of perspectives and experiences that reflect the community of love, understanding and peace we hope to create.

To get involved in the Interfaith Student Council, contact Ethan Smith, campus minister for religious diversity.

Multifaith Support

Buddhist
Overview

In seeking to support the growing population of Buddhist students on campus, Campus Ministry maintains connections with local sanghas/temples and partners with students and organizations on programs and events to celebrate Buddhist life on campus, including the Burmese Student Association.

Student Organizations

There are currently no Buddhist student organizations at this time. If you are interested in starting a Buddhist student organization, please contact Ethan Smith in Campus Ministry for support.

Contact

If you have questions, are looking to connect with a worship community off campus, or need other support, contact:

Ethan Smith
Campus Minister for Religious Diversity
esmith1@udayton.edu

Christian (Protestant and Evangelical)
Overview

Christians from various denominations and backgrounds are a part of the UD community. Through Interdenominational Christian ministry, we seek to help prepare students to know, love and serve Jesus in their daily life on campus and beyond. We strive to honor the background and perspective of all who wish to worship Christ.

Join us for Bible study, worship, retreats and other faith community experiences.

Student Organizations

Current Protestant or non-denominational Christian student organizations include: Cru, Chi Alpha, PENSA Connect, Faith and Fitness, and Young Life.

Contact

If you have questions, are looking to connect with a worship community off campus, or need other support, contact:

Ethan Smith
Campus Minister for Religious Diversity
esmith1@udayton.edu

Hindu
Overview

A vibrant Hindu ministry gathers weekly in a campus mandir to perform puja and to celebrate holy days throughout the year. Hindu ministry is led by a Hindu ministry student intern.

Student Organizations

Hindu YUVA is the faith based student organization that welcomes students to form relationships and community in the Hindu tradition.

Local Temples

Locations listed are for convenience, they are not affiliated with or endorsed by the University.

Hindu Temple of Dayton
www.daytontemple.com | 937-429-4455
2615 Temple Lane, Beavercreek, OH 45431

Hindu Temple of Cincinnati
www.cincinnatitemple.com | 513-528-3714
4920 Klatte Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45244

Contact

If you have questions, are looking to connect with a worship community off campus, or need other support, contact:

Ethan Smith
Campus Minister for Religious Diversity
esmith1@udayton.edu

Jewish

Overview

In seeking to support students of all faiths, Campus Ministry maintains connections with local synagogues and supports Jewish students.

Dining

There are currently no kosher-certified dining options available on campus. All dining locations have vegetarian options available; however, they are not strictly dedicated vegetarian and therefore some cross-contamination may occur.

Student Organizations

UD does not currently have a Jewish student organization. If you are interested in starting a new student organization or in gathering with other Jewish students, please contact Ethan Smith in Campus Ministry.

Campus Connections

Jewish faculty and staff provide hospitality and resources for students during high holidays and more. To get connected, contact Dr. Sam Dorf or Dr. Masha Kisel.

Resources

The Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton offers a variety of resources, including special grants, loans and scholarships.

Local Synagogues

More information coming soon. Locations listed are for convenience, they are not affiliated with or endorsed by the university.

Beth Abraham Synagogue (Conservative)
www.bethabrahamdayton.org | 937-293-9520
305 Sugar Camp Circle, Dayton, OH 45409

Beth Jacob Congregation (Orthodox)
www.bethjacobcong.org | 937-274-2149
7020 North Main Street, Dayton, OH 45415

Temple Beth Or (Reform)
www.templebethor.com | 937-435-3400
5275 Marshall Road, Dayton, OH 45429

Temple Israel (Reform)
www.tidayton.org | 937-496-0050
130 Riverside Drive, Dayton, OH 45405

Contact

If you have questions, are looking to connect with a worship community off campus, or need other support, contact:

Ethan Smith
Campus Minister for Religious Diversity
esmith1@udayton.edu

Muslim

Overview

In seeking to support students of all faiths, Campus Ministry maintains connections with local mosques and supports the Muslim Student Association in their efforts to celebrate Muslim life on campus.

Muslim Student Association

The Muslim Student Association is a diverse group of Muslims on campus coming together to promote peace and interreligious dialogue. They strive to make a positive impact in the community by hosting lectures, group discussions, charity events, and much more, to highlight the Muslim perspective at the University of Dayton. Contact the Muslim Student Association at msa@udayton.edu or visit their Facebook page. You can also contact Bridget Ebbert, the Campus Ministry advisor for the group.

Muslim Prayer Room

A fully functioning prayer room with Quran, Wudu area and Women's area is located in the Rike Center.

Jummah

On Fridays at 1:30 p.m., students meet in the Rike Center, Rooms 205 (men) and 207 (women) for Jummah prayer.

Dining

There are halal dining options available at Virginia W. Kettering Hall. All dining locations have vegetarian options available, however they are not strictly dedicated vegetarian and therefore some cross-contamination may occur.

Local Mosques

Locations listed are for convenience, they are not affiliated with or endorsed by the University.

Dayton Mercy Society (Sunni)
www.daytonmercy.com | 937-530-4006 
Maue Road, Miamisburg, OH 45342

Islamic Society of Greater Dayton (Sunni)
www.isgd.org | 937-228-1503
Al Rahman Masjid 26 Josie Street, Dayton, OH 45403

Al Huda Masjid
731 South Alpha Bellbrook Road, Beavercreek, OH 45305

Contact

If you have questions, are looking to connect with a worship community off campus, or need other support, contact:

Ethan Smith
Campus Minister for Religious Diversity
esmith1@udayton.edu

Sikh

Indian Students Association

The Indian Students Association partners with Campus Ministry for important religious holidays and other events.

Dining

There are halal dining options available at Virginia W. Kettering Hall. All dining locations have vegetarian options available; however, they are not strictly dedicated vegetarian and therefore some cross-contamination may occur.

Local Gurdwaras

Locations listed are for convenience, they are not affiliated with or endorsed by the University.

Sikh Society of Dayton
Dayton Gurudwara Sahib
https://www.facebook.com/SikhSocietyOfDayton/ | 937-237-9092
2320 Harshman Road, Dayton, OH 45424

Contact

If you have questions, are looking to connect with a worship community off campus, or need other support, contact:

Ethan Smith
Campus Minister for Religious Diversity
esmith1@udayton.edu
Religious Holidays and Accommodations

Religious Holidays

Typical holy days for religious traditions represented at UD include:

  • Muslim: Id al-Adha, Id al-fitr, Ramadan 
  • Jewish:  Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, first 2 days and last 2 days of Passover
  • Catholic/Christian: Christmas, Good Friday, Easter Sunday
  • Hindu: Diwali, Holi, Navaratri
  • Buddhist: Vesak
  • Orthodox Christian: Orthodox Easter, Orthodox Christmas
  • Asian traditions:  Lunar New Year/Spring Festival
  • Baha'i: Multiple days including Ayyam-i-Ha or Intercalary Days and NawRuz

This list is not inclusive of all days that members of our diverse community may wish to observe. In addition, some observances vary by the lunar calendar or by cultural tradition.

A more detailed list of holy days and common observances can be found in Porches. If there is an important holiday that you wish to add to this list, please contact Ethan Smith, campus minister for religious diversity.

Religious Accommodations

Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to observe their faith traditions during their time at the University of Dayton. Authentic observance of religious traditions may require reasonable accommodation to classroom or workplace schedules, environment, or in the way tasks or assignments are customarily completed.

All are expected to make every effort to be supportive of those who make reasonable requests for accommodation based on sincerely held religious beliefs and practices in order to respect the rights of faculty, staff, and students to observe religious traditions and to support the diversity of faith expression in the campus community. The individual and/or office receiving such request shall accept without question the sincerity of a requestor’s religious or spiritual belief.

Current students, faculty and staff can find additional information in Porches about how to request religious accommodations.

If you have questions, contact Ethan Smith, campus minister for religious diversity.

 
Contact Campus Ministry
300 College Park
Dayton, Ohio 45469 - 0408
937-229-3339
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