Tufts University Chaplaincy

Goddard Chapel
3 The Green
Medford, MA 02155
Phone: 617/627-3427
Web address: http://chaplaincy.tufts.edu/
Email: lynn.cooper@tufts.edu

Contact Person:

Lynn Cooper

Organization Description:

Site Unavailable AY 24-25.

The Tufts University Chaplaincy is a dynamic hub supporting religious, spiritual, ethical, and cultural life for all members of the Tufts community on all of Tufts' campuses. We provide spiritual care, support religious and philosophical communities, educate about spiritual and ethical issues in society and the world, and promote multifaith engagement. Reporting to the President, the University Chaplain leads the University Chaplaincy team, which currently includes chaplains serving the following communities: Africana, Buddhist, Catholic, Hindu, Humanist, Jewish, Muslim, and Protestant; program, administrative, and music staff; and student workers. The University Chaplaincy works with roughly 15 campus religious and philosophical communities that offer many weekly gatherings and special programs. Beyond its work in supporting these communities, the University Chaplaincy offers interfaith programming and services for the whole university including: the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts, the Tufts health sciences campuses in Boston, and the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts in Grafton. The department also manages the care and use of Goddard Chapel, the Interfaith Center, and additional campus prayer and meditation spaces.

Opportunities for Student Involvement:

Reporting to the Associate Director the University Chaplaincy, the University Chaplaincy Intern (Field Education Student) will assist with University Chaplaincy programs and services, seeking to increase campus involvement in spiritual, ethical, and interfaith life and to advance its integration within the university community. The Chaplaincy Intern will gain hands-on experience in university chaplaincy work and collaborate with a diverse population of chaplains, students, faculty, and staff in support of Tufts' academic mission in the area of spiritual, ethical, and interfaith life. The Tufts University Chaplaincy generally seeks applications from students who will further diversify our team in terms of spiritual traditions or other backgrounds, or who have an interest in undertaking a special initiative—such as a focus on religion and ecology, race and racial justice, the arts, ethics and sexuality, and religion and social justice. Together, the Associate Director and the University Chaplaincy Intern will craft the internship experience, which may include opportunities to learn skills in planning vigils and celebrations, educational programs and workshops, service and social justice projects, and arts and musical initiatives. The internship may include designing retreats, trainings, exhibits, field trips, breaks trips, and/or conferences. The University Chaplaincy Intern will assist in outreach efforts to various university constituencies and help to build intersectional relationships with campus and community partners. The University Chaplaincy Intern may assist with communications and administration, mentoring student leaders and workers, and providing limited spiritual care. In doing so, they will gain a broad understanding of university chaplaincy. This opportunity offers the 350-400 hours required for a supervised field education unit (or approximately 10-12 hours per week inclusive of weekly supervision, travel, and preparation for 32 weeks). To provide the best exposure to the breadth of university chaplaincy work, this position is designed to follow the Tufts academic year, which runs from late August to mid-December and mid-January to mid-May. The internship may require evening, weekend, and holiday religious work/service. Availability and prompt responsiveness by phone and email are of great importance. Ideally vacations/time away should be scheduled during Tufts' academic recesses.

Commute/Transportation Information:

The new Tufts T stop (Green Line) on Boston Avenue provides a convenient connection to both Goddard Chapel and the Interfaith Center. During the academic year, Tufts operates a shuttle service between Davis Square (a Red Line T stop) and our Medford/Somerville campus. Tufts also operates a shuttle from our Medford/Somerville campus to the SMFA at Tufts in downtown Boston. The shuttles can be tracked on the web or by mobile phone.

Arts of Ministry Competencies Offered:

  • Administration and Program Development
  • Pastoral Care and Counseling
  • Preaching and Worship
  • Public Leadership, Community Organizing, and Planning
  • Racial Justice and Healing
  • Religious Education and Spiritual Development

Supervision:

TThe University Chaplaincy Intern will schedule a weekly one-on-one supervision meeting with the Associate Director of the University Chaplaincy. A key day for availability is Wednesday as this is when the entire Chaplaincy team is on campus. Priority will be given to candidates who are able to be present for half or full days on Wednesday. In addition, it is hoped that the University Chaplaincy Intern will be able to attend some Chaplaincy Team meetings which take place Wednesday mornings.

Additional Information:

  • Number of Students: 1
  • Total Compensation: $6000.00
  • Type of Compensation: Work Study
  • Additional Notes: Some experience in spiritual/pastoral care through course work and/or practicum preferred. Please send a letter of interest to Lynn.Cooper@tufts.edu. Opportunity for second unit in summer session.

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