Religious Life

Students, faculty, and staff work collaboratively and in intellectually robust ways to integrate their religious and ethical commitments with their academic pursuits.

Our Communities

Many of our students actively engage with their beliefs and faiths through student-led religious organizations. These groups support education and acceptance with frequent interfaith initiatives and events.

Policy on the Observance of Religious Holidays

Buddhist Community

A student makes an offering to Buddhist monks.

The Colgate Buddhist community is a student-run organization focusing on Buddhist thought and how busy college students can integrate the teachings into their lives.

Buddhist Life

Catholic Community

The Newman Community on campus organized a Model Papal Conclave involving a "College of Cardinals" who gathered to choose a new pope through a series of voting and discussion. The event was open to all regardless of religious orientation.

We are dedicated to the principles of worship of the Holy Trinity, service and hospitality to the needy, education and intellectual formation, and community building activities.

Catholic Life

Hindu Community

Colgate students participate in the annual Holi Celebration on Whitnall Field.

The Hindu Student Association provides an opportunity for students to observe their religion and also provides the community a chance to learn more about Hinduism.

Hindu Life

Jewish Community

Students are celebrating Sukkot, the Jewish harvest festival, in a sukkah, which is a temporary structure that they built on the Quad.

Jewish life at Colgate is student-led. It is a pluralistic, egalitarian, student-led organization that encourages students to engage in ritual, social, intellectual, and justice activities.

Jewish Life

Muslim Community

Members of the Interfaith study group tour traveling in Istanbul take in the sights from the top of their hotel overlooking the Blue Mosque.

The Muslim Student Association (MSA) acts as a hub for Muslim students on campus by providing a close community of peers. They host lunches, discussions, and gather for Jummah prayer.

Muslim Life

Protestant Community

University Church students often take trips to local attractions, such as Endless Trails in Hubbardsville, NY for a Reformation Day carriage ride and hot chocolate.

University Church continues the ecumenical work and the pursuit of truth envisioned by Colgate's founders. We are dedicated to sustaining a strong Christian community on campus.

Protestant Life

Follow us on Facebook. You can also sign up to receive the weekly newsletter of your favorite organization. Contact us for details.

Alumni donations enable our student groups to flourish. From religious services to conferences, our active religious life owes a great deal to alumni who want to give back. Click the button below, and designate your gift for a specific religious group or for the Chaplains' Office. Thank you.

Make a Gift

Alumni, faculty, and staff may host a wedding on campus during the summer months. Visit Colgate's wedding page for more details.

Contact the Office of Summer Programs at 315-228-7760 or summerprograms@colgate.edu.

The Office of the Chaplains can help you and your family plan a memorial service for a loved one. The chaplains can perform the service, or simply be here for support. To inquire, contact us at chaplainsoffice@colgate.edu or 315-228-7682.

The Colgate Memorial Chapel is home to the Office of the Chaplains, and is central to religious life on campus. The main Chapel is used for Catholic Mass and University Church Worship on Sundays, as well as for large audience events such as Gospel Fest and Baccalaureate. Click here to learn more

In addition to the Office of the Chaplains, the Garden Level offers another smaller interfaith Chapel called Judd Chapel, a reception room, a kitchen, practice rooms, and a small library. To reserve the main Chapel, please contact Lorraine Joseph in the Music Department. For reservations in the Garden Level, contact Alisha Duclos.