The world today is most deeply divided, not between religions, but between those in each religious tradition who hold their faith in a close-fisted and narrow way and those in each religious tradition who hold their faith in an open-handed and generous way.  It is the difference between those who feel their faith to be secure only by building walls and those who feel firmly grounded in faith by virtue of deep roots.  This division today affects people of all religious traditions and it should be addressed as a common concern.  --Diana Eck, Harvard Pluralism Project

DePaul is a diverse and religiously pluralist environment within a dynamically interfaith world. The DePaul University Student Interfaith Scholars (SIS) are students who help support a stronger and more visible interfaith culture at DePaul and lead interfaith student activities.

Under the sponsorship and direction of University Ministry, the scholarship is granted to qualified students committed to:

• Supporting religious and spiritual diversity on campus
• Gaining expertise in interfaith dialogue, social justice, and leadership
• Encouraging people in their own religious/spiritual traditions and engaging them in being respectful and open to learning and sharing with those of other traditions
• Helping build bridges among existing Student Religious Organizations (SROs) through outreach and service on the Student Interfaith Council (SIC)

SIS LEADERSHIP APPROACH
Interfaith Education:  The SIS commits to the study of interfaith education by participating in educational opportunities and through reading and research that will enhance her/his understanding and appreciation for interfaith work and ministry.  Past activities include interfaith field trips and panel discussions.

Interfaith Leadership:The SIS commits to the development of leadership skills by participating in training and networking opportunities that facilitate her/his interfaith leadership skills in interfaith work and ministry.  Scholars lead the Student Interfaith Council, act as resources to DePaul’s Center for Inter-religious Engagement and lead programs and dialogues.

Interfaith Peer Programming: The SIS commits to interfaith peer programming by envisioning, planning, implementing and assessing 1 significant interfaith program per quarter and hosting weekly interfaith dialogues as well as collaborating on other programs as appropriate.  Past programs include the Taste of Faith, Holy Ice Cream Social/Dialogue, and the Art of Supplication.

Interfaith Dialogue: The SIS supports and leads interfaith dialogue and participates in the Four Ways of Dialogue embraced by DePaul: The Dialogue of Life (socializing and hospitality), Dialogue of Action (service), Dialogue of Religious Experience (prayer and worship), and the Dialogue of Theological Exchange.  Scholars’ dialogical activities include interfaith hospitality and dinners, facilitating interfaith dialogue/discussions, and attending other faith’s prayer and worship services.

SUPERVISION, COACHING AND MENTORSHIP 
The SIS is under the direct supervision and mentorship of a full time University Ministry Chaplain.  The commitment involves regular meetings that allow the SIS to find mentorship, direction in processing her/his experience and assistance in planning, implementation and assessment of specific interfaith student outreach. 

SCHOLARSHIP COMPENSATION
The SIS receives a $1,500 scholarship for the Academic Year ($500 per quarter).

TIME COMMITMENT and NEXT STEPS TO APPLY FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP
The SIS is committed to a work week of 8-10 hours.  Clease contact Katie Brick at cbrick@depaul.edu for a detailed description of the time commitment, and to discuss this opportunity further if you are interested in pursuing it.