A recent study by retired UCLA professors, Alexander and Helen Astin, includes a few key findings suggesting that students are less likely to attend religious services the longer they are in college; however, the study also suggests that college students increasingly desire to explore the meaning and purpose of life, to be more caring, to understand more about diverse world cultures, and to develop an ecumenical worldview.

Among findings:

•74.3% of juniors said “helping others in difficulty” was “very important” or “essential,” compared with 62.1% of freshmen.

•66.6% of juniors said “reducing pain and suffering in the world” was “very important” or “essential,” compared with 54.6% of freshmen.

•54.4% of juniors said they were committed to “improving my understanding of other countries and cultures,” compared with 52.0% of freshmen.

•63.8% of juniors said they supported “improving the human condition,” compared with 53.4% of freshmen.

Despite the rising awareness among students of all ages about globalization and the strong influence of world religions, as well as a continuing, if not increasing, spiritual hunger among students, the Astins argue that higher education increasingly neglects the “inner” development of students. In addition, the Astins point out, college professors fail to encourage exploration of these issues or their personal affect. In turn, it may be the college experience itself that leads to the secularization of campuses, not the disinterest of students.

The next stage of the Astins’ research will explore how colleges can best encourage exploration of spirituality; supporters agree that college campuses need to adapt to the world situation in order to stay relevant.

(USA Today, 12/30)

How do you feel about “spiritual” students attending “secular” universities? Have you found techniques and practices that have helped students engage well with a globalized world and people of other worldviews?