Northern Kentucky University seeks to promote the presence of a vigorous and diverse religious community on campus, to foster interfaith dialogue, understanding and co operation within that community, and to encourage its active participation in the public discourse of the University. To this end, NKU welcomes the presence of a wide range of denominational and nondenominational ministries reflecting all faiths and religious traditions.
Recognized campus ministers work closely with the Dean of Students Office and the division of Student Affairs to serve the pastoral needs of students, faculty, and staff, to strengthen the faith communities they represent, and to model mutual respect, love of learning and care for the common good. In return, the University offers campus ministers an acknowledged place within the University community, while honoring their relative autonomy as agents of the religious organizations to which they report.
This arrangement presupposes the University’s ability to ensure that the qualifications and actions of its campus ministers reflect the highest professional standards for religious leaders in their own communities, that the religious organizations to which they report are in a position to provide adequate accreditation and supervision, and that the University’s own standards are met. With this in mind, the Dean of Students employs the following guidelines for the recognition of campus ministers:
All applications for recognition must originate from a religious council, church or other religious body or organization. The University does not consider applications from individuals. The sending agency submits its application in writing to the Dean of Students along with a resume of the individual it is nominating, and a letter of application for recognition (see below). The Dean, in consultation with the VicePresident of Student Affairs, confers recognition.
To be recognized as a campus minister, one shall be:
In addition, no campus minister may function in the function of a corresponding student religious organization duly established and registered with the University through the Office of Student Life.
To maintain recognition as a campus minister, one shall:
A recognized campus minister may
In order to promote the presence of a vigorous and diverse religious voice and community on campus, and to provide opportunities for campus ministers to serve the needs of students, faculty and staff, the following benefits are provided to all recognized campus ministers.
Recognized campus ministers function within the jurisdiction of the Dean of Students and the division of Student Affairs, which may revoke the privileges of any campus minister who fails to live up to the requirements outlined above.
The following questions must be answered in full and in writing and returned to the Dean of Students office for consideration as a campus minister:
The campus minister agrees to indemnify Northern Kentucky University, the Board of Regents, its agents and employees, against any and all claims made by individuals arising out of a relationship with any registered campus minister.
This agreement shall be reviewed in person periodically by both parties in order to maintain a clearly defined and close working relationship between NKU and the recognized “campus minister/ministry.” Such an evaluation shall occur at least one time per year. Part of this review for initial qualification and continuing eligibility as a campus minister may include a complete record and background check.