Chapter 19: Campus Life

Santa Clara students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities as part of their total development. The primary educational objective in supporting student activities and organizations is to foster a community that is enriched by men and women of diverse backgrounds, wherein freedom of inquiry and expression enjoys high priority.

The following sections describe various aspects of student life and services.

Center for Spirituality and Faith (CSF)

CSF supports the spiritual wellness of all students at Santa Clara University. Because we are grounded in the Catholic, Jesuit tradition, we welcome people of all faiths, religions, spiritual identities, and those seeking a relationship and connection with creation, community, and self.  -  The team is committed to building a campus community and supporting the full humanity of all people by fostering spirituality, wellness, and belonging. In addition to six full-time spiritual leaders and guides, the office includes student ministry interns, spirituality facilitators in the residence halls, and desk assistants who foster hospitality. 

What does CSF have to offer?

• Worship: During the academic year, we sponsor three Sunday liturgies in the Mission Church, daily noon Mass, and annual Masses celebrating the University’s Catholic and Jesuit traditions. Throughout the year, the campus community is invited to participate in Misas en Español, the sacrament of reconciliation, and prayer services across campus to mark holidays both religious and secular across all faith denominations.
• Interfaith Ministry: This ministry supports a wide variety of cultural identity and faith-based student-led organizations.  We also have intercultural celebrations in observance of events such as Día de los Muertos, Simbang Gabi, Las Posadas, la Virgen de Guadalupe, and Lunar New Year, as well as intercultural liturgies for heritage months. In addition, CSF facilitates and participates in Mosaic events, which are multicultural and multifaith gatherings of students. Mosaic gatherings include monthly dinners, wellness events, campus-wide socials, and sacred space tours. 
• Retreats: Santa Clara students are offered a number of retreat experiences over the course of the academic year.
• Spirituality and reflection groups: CSF-organized Ignatian Life Communities are opportunities for students to explore spiritual practice and identity in small groups of their peers.  Other opportunities include weekly Breaking Open the Word (reflection on the lectionary readings).  Individuals and groups seeking support to form reflection groups are encouraged to come to Campus Ministry for assistance. 
• LGBTQ+ Ministry: Our office celebrates, respects, supports, and cares for SCU’s LGBTQ+ community. Through joining advocacy efforts for LGBTQ+ policies and programs, hosting community dinners, and partnering with the Rainbow Resource Center, we strive to provide our queer students a place of belonging and compassion.  Additionally, we lead an annual delegation of students to attend IgnatianQ, a conference for LGBTQ+ students from Jesuit universities to “create community, develop spirituality, and build humanity.” This conference has inspired the Ignatian Life Community  Spiritual Queeries, a small group for queer students who are curious about the mysteries of the universe. 
• Social justice awareness and action: CSF works hand-in-hand with the Ignatian Center toCampus Ministry provides students with a variety of opportunities to live out a faith that does justice. Some key focus areas include participation in the annual Ignatian Family Teach-in for Justice and service opportunities with local community organizations including, for example, Santa Maria Urban Ministry, Sunday Friends, Sacred Heart Community Center, and the Center for Farmworker Families. 
• Faith-based clubs: In partnership with the Center for Student Involvement, CSFampus Ministry aids in the mentoring and support of all faith-based registered student organizations, including, for example, the Muslim Student Association, Students for Life, the Jewish Student Union, College Catholics,  and the Sikh Student Association. 
• Sacred spaces: Throughout campus, there are spaces for prayer, meditation, and reflection, such as the Mission Church, the Multifaith Sanctuary in St. Joseph’s Hall, and the Meditation Room in Benson. All are welcome to find a place of rest in these sacred spaces.

Is CSF for everyone?

Yes! College is a particularly rich time for learning about ourselves and our world and for practicing what it means to live our commitments of faith and justice in the world. Campus Ministry welcomes all SCU community members to deepen their faith identities and spiritual practices, regardless of their tradition or personal stance.

“To be a whole person—to live fully—one must develop an interior life that allows them to hear the voice of the Spirit and the cry of the poor. This spiritual dimension is not a separate compartment of our existence; it is the source that gives meaning to our studies, our work, and our relationships.” Fr. Arturo Sosa, S.J, Superior General of the Society of Jesus, 2017.

Student Health, Counseling, and Well-Being

Student Health, Counseling, and Well-Being promotes a holistic approach to students’ physical, emotional, psychological, and interpersonal well-being. The Center’s counseling and well-being staff are available when students believe that their well-being is being compromised in any way. Through Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), the Wellness Center, Santa Clara University Emergency Medical Services (SCU EMS), and Student Health Insurance there are a variety of health and wellness resources to support students as they navigate the academic rigors at Santa Clara University. An overview of campus well-being offerings can be found at scu.edu/well-being.

Counseling and Psychological Services

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is staffed with a diverse team of licensed psychologists, therapists, graduate-level psychological trainees, and mental health professionals dedicated to promoting students’ well-being through short-term therapy, crisis support, groups & workshops, and more. The multidisciplinary team is committed to the values of multiculturalism and social justice, and are dedicated to providing mental health services that are open to and accepting of every student we serve.

CAPS providers strive to promote, enhance, and support students’ emotional and interpersonal well-being through a range of mental health services offered within a safe and confidential environment. In counseling, students work on a wide range of psychosocial and developmental issues such as depression, anxiety, interpersonal problems, disturbed sleep, eating behaviors, identity development, acculturation, academic motivation, homesickness, family concerns, intimacy, and sexuality. CAPS appointments are free of charge. Psychological services are also available through CAPS 24/7, inclusive of a 24/7 support line. Students can learn more at scu.edu/bewell/caps/caps247.

Wellness Center

The Wellness Center promotes holistic student development through peer-to-peer engagement and individualized services. All are welcome to use the Wellness Center as a respite from the hectic pace of their days or to be in community with others. Students can decompress with mindfulness tools and enjoy amenities promoting mindfulness and self-care. Students will receive guidance and accompaniment, equipping them to make informed decisions that align with their unique journeys and get support for their well-being through the Eight Dimensions of Well-Being. To learn more visit scu.edu/wellness/.

SCU Emergency Medical Services

SCU Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is a student-run organization operating under the guidance and licenses of the medical professionals from Student Medical Services. These students are known as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and offer emergency medical services to SCU students from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. during fall, winter, and spring quarters.

Student Health Insurance

All students are required to maintain health insurance coverage while enrolled at the University. Students will be charged and enrolled for the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) unless they submit an online waiver and the waiver is approved by the deadline. Additional information can be found at scu.edu/bewell/insurance.