The memorial footbridge provides a spot for contemplation. (Photo by Sam Brooks '12)
Wilson Chapel is a place for quiet contemplation, religious and spiritual observance, and gathering in community. (Photo by Sam Brooks '12)
The gazebo on Haupt Pond is a quiet place to relax. (Photo by Sam Brooks '12)
Welcome to the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life
New and Prospective Students:
Get Connected: Fill out the interest form here (www.bit.ly/SkidORSL)to get started connecting with religious and spiritual life, clubs, interfaith opportunities, holiday event announcements and more. This form helps us plan for the year and welcome you to campus, allows you to sign up for interest lists, and lets you ask questions like: When are High Holy Days services on campus? What time is Jummah? Can I continue this faith-based service project I started in High School? How do I find a local congregation that is LGBTQIA affirming? And more! We are looking forward to a full year of weekly gatherings, special events, and meaningful connections. Check out the "Religious Life on Campus" section of the website for tradition-specific information or contact us directly with questions. Note that our hours are limited over the summer so questions submitted through the interest form may take more than a week to receive a response. You can also reach out directly by emailing orsl@skidmore.edu. Urgent matters related to student life can also be directed to the Dean of Student's Office.
Fall 2026
Join us for weekly gatherings, quiet moments, community support, interfaith collaboration, and joyous celebrations. Holiday and special event programming this semester will include Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Día de Muertos, Diwali, Advent, Hanukkah, and more! Next semester we look forward to on-campus observances of Ramadan, Ash Wednesday, Holi, Passover, and more! Join us on SkidSync and Instagram, sign up with partner clubs, and watch for posters to receive updates on those events.
We are also here for support and conversation related to topics impacting students' lives - everything from navigating daily life at college to processing national and international events. Know that we are here to connect with our students (and colleagues!) in times of joy, frustration, grief, transition, and all that comes between. Stop by for some tea and a chat and let us know what's on your mind. In addition to our own resources we can help connect you with other advisors on and off campus and with students who might be looking for the same kind of connection or programming you're looking for.
Weekly Schedule
We welcome requests and suggestions! Most gatherings begin during the first and second
week of classes. Updates will be in the descriptions below and on SkidSync when they
are available. Questions? Want to add an event? Let us know: orsl@skidmore.edu. Schedule subject to change. During the academic year individual event listings also
available on SkidSync (Log in to SkidSync with your Skidmore login information for full access to event
listings).
Where are we?
Our offices are on the 2nd floor of Case Center where you can find all of the offices of Campus Life & Engagement (including OSDI - Student Diversity and Inclusion, and Leadership Activities). We are in Case 205 and 206 along the hallway between the ATM and can often be found in the main Campus Life and Engagement office (207). That main office is across the hall from The Wyckoff Center and just upstairs from The Spa and Print Services.
Contact Information: email orsl@skidmore.edu or directly to Parker Diggory, Director of Religious and Spiritual Life: kdiggory@skidmore.edu, or to Martina Zobel, Coordinator of Jewish Student Life: mzobel@skidmore.edu. During the academic year you can also set up an in-person or online meeting with Parker by picking a time here. See our Meet the Staff page for more information.
Mindfulness Program
Meditation, Sound Healing, Yoga, Contemplative Practices, and more. Check out the Skidmore Mindfulness page for more information about the program, including guided meditations and recommendations of additional resources. We welcome student input on programming and scheduling. Over the years many of our meditation leaders and yoga instructors have been current Skidmore students and we're always looking for more student leaders or those interested in gaining experience in leading meditation and related practices.
Clubs and Gatherings
We are grateful for the leadership of our partner student clubs including Hayat, Hillel, the Muslim Students Association and our informal student groups including a weekly Bible Study and carpools to off-campus services. We also host weekly Zen meditation gatherings, biweekly Quaker gatherings, and on-campus Mass a few times each year. During the 2026-2027 academic year we will be hosting weekly Unitarian Universalist services. In addition we partner with cultural and and affinity clubs along with the Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion to support student-led celebrations, interfaith collaboration, and spiritual engagement. Check out the clubs on SkidSync and Instagram or get in touch with us to find out more. You can sign up for clubs via SkidSync (Skidmore login required to sign up and to see all of the offerings) and at Club Fair at the start of each semester. Is your club missing? Want to start a new club or meet-up? Let us know!
Exchange Closet
This wonderful student-initiated resource moved to Scribner Library in Fall 2024. There is also a new website for the Exchange Closet. Campus Life and Engagement is still be involved in helping to support it so feel free to get in touch with our department if you have questions.
The Office of Religious and Spiritual Life (ORSL) provides opportunities for members of the Skidmore community to develop their religious and spiritual lives and to build community within, between, and beyond traditions.
We encourage enriching dialogue, meaningful ritual and enduring friendships among people of all religious backgrounds.
We offer:
- religious services
- holiday observances
- contemplative practices
- speakers and lectures
- educational programs
- discussion groups
- community-service opportunities
- social-justice projects
- club advising
- individual spiritual counsel
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Contacting a chaplain or spiritual advisor Connect with the ORSL:
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Wilson Chapel Wilson Chapel is a beautiful space for worship and wonder, retreat and reflection.
The space does not belong to any one tradition or religion and it can be transformed
easily to fit specific ritual needs. When not scheduled for campus events, it is available
to the Skidmore community for personal reflection and prayer. Events at the chapel
include yoga, meditation, Jummah prayers, Shabbat services, Bible Study, Mass, Quaker
services, Unitarian Universalist services, and more! During the academic year: When not otherwise reserved, the chapel is normally open from around 7 am. to around 11 p.m. during the school year for use by students, staff, faculty, and guests. Those interested in reserving Wilson Chapel for outside use, including weddings, should consult the External Facilities Rental information from the Skidmore College Scheduling Office. During the summer Wilson Chapel is one of the locations for Camp Northwoods. |
Fall 2026 WEEKLY SCHEDULE - ORSL and partners offices
More details will be added as the semester continues! Don't see what you're looking for? Let us know!
Schedules still TBD for: on-campus Catholic Mass, Cafe Ivrit, and more. Want to help set the schedule? Let us know your preferiences!
Contact orsl@skidmore.edu with questions, additions, to sign up to receive regular emails with links and updates, or for information including accessibility and accommodations. Unless otherwise noted, gatherings are open to all Skidmore students. Many gatherings are open to staff and faculty and some are open to the wider community. See descriptions or contact us or the event organizer with questions.
Note: Schedule subject to change. Sign up for updates or RSVP to events on SkidSync to receive change notices.
MONDAYS
Begins September 14. Prayer from a range of Christian traditions. Newcomers always welcome. Case 205 is part of the Campus Life & Engagement space on the 2nd floor of Case Center by the ATM (also Parker's office). Staff and faculty welcome. Contact: kdiggory@skidmore.edu
Begins September 14. Hang out, take a break, study, meditate, pray, just be. Brought to you by ORSL student staff. The chapel is also available for drop-in use any time the chapel is open and not otherwise reserved. No need to RSVP. Wilson Chapel is located by the North Woods, just across the parking lot from Palamountain and Tisch.
Contact: kdiggory@skidmore.edu
TUESDAYS
Begining September 10. For Fall 2026: time may change based on student input and days can be added so please let us know your preferences! Current plan: Every Tuesday and Thursday at noon. Guided meditation moment with attention to breath and mindful presence. Newcomers always welcome. Led by ORSL staff and student leaders. Part of the Skidmore Mindfulness Program. Open to students, staff, and faculty. Case 205 is part of the Campus Life & Engagement space on the 2nd floor of Case Center by the ATM (also Parker's office) Contact: orsl@skidmore.edu
Begins September 14. Hang out, take a break, study, meditate, pray, just be. Brought to you by ORSL student staff. The chapel is also available for drop-in use any time the chapel is open and not otherwise reserved. No need to RSVP. Wilson Chapel is located by the North Woods, just across the parking lot from Palamountain and Tisch.
Contact: kdiggory@skidmore.edu
WEDNESDAYS
Begins September 14. Hang out, take a break, study, meditate, pray, just be. Brought to you by ORSL student staff. The chapel is also available for drop-in use any time the chapel is open and not otherwise reserved. No need to RSVP. Wilson Chapel is located by the North Woods, just across the parking lot from Palamountain and Tisch.
Begins September 9. This gathering brings together longtime practitioners and newcomers with experienced leaders from Skidmore and the local community (open to students, staff, faculty, guests, and local community members). Individuals of all religious backgrounds are welcome. Newcomers please try to arrive before 6:25 pm, as we offer basic Zen meditation instruction for first-time attendees promptly at 6:30 pm. Late-comers are welcome to enter quietly. We sit two periods interspersed with walking meditation, typically ending by 7:45. Cushions, meditation benches, and chairs are provided; wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Questions: Email Holley Hodgins, hhodgins@skidmore.edu
THURSDAYS
Beginning September 10. For Fall 2026: time may change based on student input and days can be added so please let us know your preferences! Current plan: Every Tuesday and Thursday at noon. Guided meditation moment with attention to breath and mindful presence. Newcomers always welcome. Led by ORSL staff and student leaders. Part of the Skidmore Mindfulness Program. Open to students, staff, and faculty. Case 205 is part of the Campus Life & Engagement space on the 2nd floor of Case Center by the ATM (also Parker's office) Contact: orsl@skidmore.edu
Drop-in hours every Thursday in the Wyckoff Center hosted by the Office of Religious
and Spiritual Life (ORSL) and the Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion (OSDI)
Connect and sahre what's on your mind:
The impact of current events
Identity and belonging at Skidmore
Strategies for Care and Wellness
Tea, Snacks, Coloring pages, fidgets, and the chance to just take a break if you need it.
Let us know what you need from the space!
Contact: kdiggory@skidmore.edu
Begins September 14. Hang out, take a break, study, meditate, pray, just be. Brought to you by ORSL student staff. The chapel is also available for drop-in use any time the chapel is open and not otherwise reserved. No need to RSVP. Wilson Chapel is located by the North Woods, just across the parking lot from Palamountain and Tisch.
FRIDAYS
MSA and ORSL host a Jummah gathering on Fridays at Wilson Chapel. Time may change during the semester. Check Skidsync or MSA messages for updates.
Wilson Chapel is reserved every Friday 11:30am – 2:30 pm for Muslim prayers. Sign up with ORSL or MSA to receive updates! (orsl@skidmore.edu or stop by Case 205)
Additional Prayer times and spaces: There is a new prayer space in the new Community Commons in JoTo. It is open 24-hours to all students and includes wudu facilities. The chapel can also be used for prayer any time it is open and not otherwise reserved. Library 111 is available whenever the library is open. Additional spaces can be arranged.
Contact: orsl@skidmore.edu
Student-led egalitarian services to welcome Shabbat on Friday evenings. All are welcome. *Location subject to change and additional gatherings may be added. **Note that the first Friday of the semester is also the start of Rosh Hashanah so see Skisync listings for events that evening.
Sign up with JSL to receive updates. Contact:mzobel@skidmore.edu
We start with candle lighting, and blessings, and continue with a delicious meal and birkat hamazon as we close the week and connect with our community. *Location is usually the 2nd floor of the dining hall but sometimes changes (sukkah, Fallstaff's etc). RSVP required (see Skidsync and updates from Hillel and JSL).
**Note that the first Friday of the semester is also the start of Rosh Hashanah so see Skisync listings for events that evening.
Additional gatherings may be added. Be sure to sign up for updates. Contact: mzobel@skidmore.edu or orsl@skidmore.edu
8pm Fridays at Wilson Chapel* (*check Skidsync listings for any changes to location and times). - This is a student-led gathering and all students are welcome. Some weeks are Praise & Worship nights, some are more focused on Bible study and discussion. See Skidsync for more information.
SATURDAYS
On-campus services will occur select Saturdays during the academic year in partnership with local congregations. Contact Jewish Student Life Coordinator Martina Zobel. (mzobel@skidmore.edu) for more information or to help organize on-campus options. We can also help with transportation. See the "Local Communities" section for a partial list of congregations.
Monthly(ish) gatherings for Havdalah to close out Shabbat and turn to the new week. Fall 2026 dates TBA. Gatherings often continue with game nights or music jams. See SkidSync and announcements from Hillel and Jewish Student Life for details. Contact: mzobel@skidmore.edu
SUNDAYS
Students attend services at a number of local congregations, many accessible bythe CDTA Flex system! Contact orsl@skidmore.edu for more information. Online options are available for many congregations from a wide range of religious traditions. See the Local communities page for a partial list of congregations.
A special offering for the 2026-27 school year! Services are hosted on campus by ORSL and led by the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga Springs.
Open to all students, staff, faculty and guests. Campus contact: kdiggory@skidmore.edu
Fall 2026 dates:
September 13, 27
October 11, 25
November 8, 22
December 6
We gather for fellowship and unprogrammed worship, hosted in partnership with members of local Friends Meetings. Open to students, staff, faculty, guests, and local community members Contact: orsl@skidmore.edu
6-7pm on Sundays at Wilson Chapel beginning September 27. Led by trained yoga instructor and advanced yoga therapist (and ORSL staff!) Martina Zobel. Mats are provided.
Yoga sponsored by the Skidmore Mindfulness program of ORSL is grounded in the spirituality and history of yogic tradition and open to all students, regardless of experience or religious or secular identity. Free and open to students. Staff and faculty: contact us with attendance questions.
Contact: mzobel@skidmore.edu or orsl@skidmore.edu
More to come! Want to request additional times or types of gatherings? Let us know: orsl@skidmore.edu or drop in to our offices (Case 205-206) or stop by Wilson Chapel during hosted open hours.
Schedule subject to change. See SkidSync or contact us for information or to find out about additional opportunities and local services.
