University Park

Center for Ethics and Religious Affairs intensifies focus on ethical development

University Park, Pa. -- The ethics statement of Penn State's Center for Ethics and Religious Affairs (CERA) notes that the center is "charged with providing a venue and programs for the ethical, spiritual and character development of the University community."

According to CERA Interim Director Bob Smith, the center will continue to facilitate the religious part of its name, while intensifying its focus on ethics.

"We had been focusing primarily on religion, but we're definitely expanding into ethical issues and promoting character development. It's one of our charges from the University," Smith said. "We've increased our number of religious groups. But we're welcoming ethics clubs and philosophy clubs as members of the center. They have similar interests. And we're expanding space and services to students. We're using more of our facility here. Certain areas used to be off limits. They aren't any longer."

Based in the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center, CERA has seen an influx of students and student groups.

"We're getting more groups every year and more and more students participating," Smith noted. "We're due for a Pulse survey in the spring again. Other Pulse surveys have shown significant increases in students saying they are religious or spiritual. There was a big increase from 2001 to 2004. And group numbers are increasing.

"More and more students are definitely looking at us as a good resource. What's tremendous is that we have parents come in here (for various reasons) and see what it is and if it's a place where they want their kids to be."

CERA's ethics statement reads in part:

"The Center for Ethics and Religious Affairs . . . recognizes that a successful community results only through trust, mutual respect and the struggle that sharing sometimes requires, as individuals are invited beyond the familiar and across boundaries. There we can all find and celebrate our differences and, in doing so, can live with greater understanding, meaning and peace. We will work together and guarantee the dignity of those with whom we work."

Visit http://www.sa.psu.edu/cera/ for the full mission statement and to learn more about CERA.

"Students are at that point in their lives where for the first time, they have to make a tremendous number of decisions on their own," Smith said. "A lot of those decisions cause stress and anxiety. If they have a solid foundation in ethical decision making, it helps immensely. They can develop themselves as individuals.

"When they leave college, studies are showing that perspective employers are looking for any sign of ethical development and background. It's a huge focus right now. We're putting together a proposal to have a certificate in ethical development. Students would receive a certificate of participation for so many hours of programs that focus on ethics. You could use it in business, sports, job interviews. There's a whole list we've put together for curriculum. Students can walk out with a certificate of ethical leadership skills."

In addition to the ethics emphasis, Smith said just being involved with the groups who take advantage of services and programs at the center can help students adhere to a University-wide initiative.

"The other nice thing is, we have campus initiatives looking at issues of alcohol use," Smith added. "With religious organizations, statistics show those involved in religion are less likely to binge drink or abuse alcohol. It has a positive effect on reducing alcohol abuse."

Last Updated March 19, 2009

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