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
Winter Break
Staying on campus or in Saratoga Springs?
Want to attend a Christmas Eve service in town? Looking for a way to connect on Shabbats over break? Wondering how to access Wilson Chapel for Jummah or meditation? While the office is closed (beginning December 16) email orsl@skidmore.edu in advance to connect with these and other religious and spiritual life resources. Transportation and building access can take a day or two to arrange. ORSL will be open limited hours beginning January 8 and back to regular hours January 15.
Heading off campus?
ORSL will host some online community check-in times in January. Schedule details will be announced on SkidSync Instagram.
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? How do I find a ride to the masjid on Fridays? 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.
Spring 2024
Updates coming soon. The weekly schedule will be available in January. See the fall 2023 schedule below for examples of what to expect and be sure to let us know if you'd like to request schedule changes or new programming. Holiday and special event programming will include Ash Wednesday and Lent, Ramadan, Holi, Purim, Eid al Fitr, Holy Week and Easter, Passover,and more.
Fall 2023
Weekly Schedule
Our Fall 2023 is here! More events will be added as student clubs set their schedules. We welcome requests
and suggestions! Most gatherings begin during the first and second week of classes
but be sure to check the descriptions below or the SkidSync listings to be sure. 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).
Special Events and Holidays
These are just some of the programs of the Fall 2023 semester. Remember to contact
your instructors, coaches, and supervisors at the start of the semester if you need
accommodations related to religious observances. More information is on our Holidays and Observances page. Want to receive updates and reminders, suggest additional programming, or help
plan events? Let us know! Fill out the interest form (see above) or email orsl@skidmore.edu.
- Club Fair and welcome events: first weeks of classes with clubs including Challamore, Hillel, Muslim Students
Association, Newman Club, and more. See posters and announcements at the end of August
for details.
- Club Fair: September 8
- ORSL Open House: September 12
- Student Diversity Programs Block Party: September 15
- Rosh Hashanah: September 15-17, services on campus
- Saratoga Peace Week: Begins September 21 including on-campus interfaith Comedy for Peace event on September 28
- Yom Kippur: September 24-25, services on campus
- Sukkot: September 29-October 6, Sukkah on Case Green and events throughout the holiday
- Celebration Weekend: Services and gatherings with families and friends October 20-22
- Día de Los Muertos and Samhain observances: end of October and beginning of November
- Diwali, Tihar, Deepavali: November 12, on-campus celebration dates may vary
- Advent: Including wreath making, begins first weekend in December
- Hanukkah: December 7-15
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 the Student Diversity Programs, and Leadership Activities). We are in Case 205 and 207, across the hall from The Wyckoff Center and just upstairs from The Spa and Print Services. Case 205 is across the hall from the Exchange Closet.
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. Many of our meditation leaders and yoga instructors are 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 Challahmore, Hayat, Hillel, Muslim Students Association, and Newman Club. We also host weekly Zen meditation gatherings and biweekly Quaker gatherings. In addition we partner with cultural and and affinity clubs along with the Office of Student Diversity Programs 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 one? Let us know!
Exchange Closet
Case 206 (down the hall near the ATM on the second floor of Case Center). For more information, including FAQs about the project and a list of currently accepted donations, see the Exchange Closet website.
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
|
Contacting a chaplain or spiritual advisor Connect with the ORSL:
|
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, religious prayers and services, and events that explore
many forms of spiritual and contemplative practice.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, and faculty. Those interested in reserving Wilson Chapel for outside use, including weddings, should consult the External Facilities Rental information from the Skidmore College Scheduling Office. |
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
Starts September 11. 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
TUESDAYS
Starts September 6th. Hang out, take a break, study, meditate, pray, just be. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons (and any time the chapel is open and not otherwise reserved). Most afternoons hosted by ORSL student staff. 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
Starts September 6th. Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. 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
Tuesday yoga begins September 12. Led by trained yoga instructor and Skidmore student Maddie Friend. 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.
Contact: orsl@skidmore.edu
Newman Club weekly gatherings usually alternate between general meetings with fellowship (and often games and the occasional guest speaker!) and student-led Catholic Bible Study. See Newman Club on SkidSync for more information. All students welcome. Contact: orsl@skidmore.edu
WEDNESDAYS
Begins September 6. 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 or need a link for online gathering? Email Holley Hodgins, hhodgins@skidmore.edu
THURSDAYS
Starts September 6. Hang out, take a break, study, meditate, pray, just be. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons (and any time the chapel is open and not otherwise reserved). Most afternoons hosted by ORSL student staff. 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
Starts September 6th. Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. 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. 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
Note new time! Now starting at 5:15 pm. Thursday afternoon yoga begins September 7th. A centering and nurturing flow. Led by ORSL staff member Martina Zobel, an advanced yoga therapist (who also happens to be our Coordinator of Jewish Student Life!). Mats 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.
contact: orsl@skidmore.edu
FRIDAYS
Wilson Chapel is reserved every Friday 11:30am – 2:30 pm for Muslim prayers. Students can drop in to use the space or organize gatherings for Dhur and Jummah. Want to join a scheduled gathering or start your own? Get in touch with ORSL (orsl@skidmore.edu or stop by Case 205) or sign up with the Muslim Students Association (MSA) on SkidSync. Prayer rugs are available on shelves in the hallway to the right of the entrance.
Additional Prayer times and spaces: 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
Friday yoga begins October 6. Led by trained yoga instructor and Skidmore student Maddie Friend. 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.
Contact: orsl@skidmore.edu
Student-led egalitarian services to welcome Shabbat on Friday evenings. All are welcome. *Location subject to change. Sign up with Hilel or ORSL 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). Contact: mzobel@skidmore.edu
SATURDAYS
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 2023 dates will include September 9, October 14, November 18, and December 9. Gatherings often continue with game nights or music jams. See announcements from Hillel and Jewish Student Life for details. Contact: mzobel@skidmore.edu
SUNDAYS
Students attend services at a number of local congregations. Contact orsl@skidmore.edu for more information and see Newman Club on SkidSync for specifics about attending Catholic Mass. 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.
Fall 2023 dates:
September 17
October 1, 15, 29
November 12, 16
December 10
We gather for fellowship and unprogrammed worship, hosted by partnership with members of local Friends Meetings. Open to students, staff, faculty, guests, and local community members Contact: orsl@skidmore.edu
Sunday yoga begins September 10. Led by trained yoga instructor and Skidmore student Maddie Friend. 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.
Contact: 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 office hours or stop by Wilson Chapel during open hours.
Schedule subject to change. See SkidSync or contact us for information or to find out about additional opportunities and local services.
