Welcome to Tufts

Dear New Tufts Student,

On behalf of the University Chaplaincy, welcome to Tufts. The University Chaplaincy is a dynamic hub supporting religious, spiritual, ethical, and cultural life for the whole Tufts community. We are a place to explore or deepen in your religious or philosophical identity, to find balance in your academic life through spiritual activities and retreats, to build meaningful community and leadership skills, and to seek support in times of need and with life in general. We look forward to meeting and welcoming you.

The University Chaplaincy main office is located in Goddard Chapel on The Green. We encourage you to stop into Goddard for a hot or cold drink, to chat with our chaplains and staff, or to spend some quiet time praying, meditating, or relaxing. Goddard Chapel has been the spiritual heart of the Tufts campus since it was built in 1883, and it is a historic, iconic, and beloved space for prayer, meditation, music, and community events. My office is in Goddard Chapel and you are always welcome to stop in and say hello.

Other facilities connected with the University Chaplaincy include the Granoff Family Hillel Center—one of the finest Jewish campus life centers in the country, which enhances life for all of us at Tufts—and the Interfaith Center (IFC), where Tufts’ Africana, Buddhist, Catholic, Humanist, Muslim, and Protestant chaplains have offices. The IFC is also used for many gatherings including prayer and meditation, workshops and retreats, and holiday celebrations. We also have two Prayer Rooms that are open to all on the Medford/Somerville campus. Beyond getting involved in our several chaplaincies, there are many campus religious and philosophical communities you can explore. And if you do not find a spiritual community or program you are seeking among our existing offerings, we are here to help you find it.

We encourage you to read the enclosed brochure which presents some of the offerings connected with the University Chaplaincy, and also visit our website at https://chaplaincy.tufts.edu and follow us on Facebook at “Tufts University Chaplaincy” and on Twitter at @tuftschaplaincy. This will keep you up to date on the many exciting programs and services we offer to help enhance your life at Tufts. Enclosed, please also find a schedule of spiritual life programs during Orientation. You are welcome at them all.

We look forward to getting to know you soon and to supporting you on your exciting journey ahead.

Peace and light,

The Reverend Greg McGonigle

University Chaplain

617.627.3427; greg.mcgonigle@tufts.edu

P.S.—If you have not yet completed your Spiritual Interest Survey sent to you by email, please do so—whatever your background and interests are. This information helps us to create vibrant spiritual and philosophical programs for you and the whole campus. We look forward to hearing from you soon.