The Ivy Jungle Network

Campus Ministry Update

August 2009

 Welcome back!  

For many of you, them month the from August 15 through September 15 represents one of breakneck speed:  students are back on campus, you are meeting new people, developing new programs and ideas, praying fervently, and full of excitement for this academic year.  We join you in that energy and know that you are in our prayers as the 2009-2010 academic year begins.

Trends in Campus Ministry, Culture and Higher Education:

 Beloit Mindset List:   It is that time of year again where our friends at Beloit College publish their annual freshman mindset list.   You can read the entire list on our website at http://www.ivyjungle.org/2-9-beloit-mindset-list .  This year's freshmen represent the class of 2013 (14, 15 . . .) and were mostly born in 1991.

Among the highlights:  

• Mike Tyson has always been a felon
• They have never used a card catalog
• Women have always outnumbered men in college
• The European Union has always existed
• Official race classifications have always been illegal in South Africa
• Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Armenia, Latvia, Georgia, Lithuania, and Estonia have always been countries
• Most communities have always had a mega church
• Earvin "Magic" Johnson has always been HIV positive
• Tattoos have always been "in"
• Salsa has always outsold ketchup
• They have never been Saved by the Bell
• There has always been a Cartoon Network
• Bobby Cox has always been manager of the Atlanta Braves
• Someone has always been building something taller than the Willis (Sears) Tower
• Agent Starling has always feared The Silence of the Lambs

(www.beloit.edu/mindset/2013.php)

Top Party School and More:  This year's Princeton Review rankings have Penn State supplanting Florida as the top party school in the nation.   Pomona took the top spot for best classroom experience and Swarthmore for most satisfaction with financial aid.  Davidson College gets the nod for best teachers and Virginia Tech for best food.  Students may party at Penn State, but they are not celebrating their financial aid.  The school ranked behind only New York University for dissatisfaction with financial aid.  (Bloomberg.com July 27 2009)

West Point Tops Forbes Rankings:  For the second year, Forbes magazine and the Center for College Affordability have put together their own list of America's Best Colleges based on the quality of education, student experiences, and affordability.  In their rankings West Point came in first, followed by Princeton, Cal Tech, Williams College and Harvard.  The military academies all scored well, as did many of the schools so often at the top of these lists.  Some however, ranked much lower, such as Duke (104), Cornell (105) and major universities like Illinois (132) and Michigan (200).   Four year graduation rates weigh heavily in the rankings, as well as the average student debt load, which accounts for some of the difference with other lists.  23 of the top 100 schools on this list also score in the top 100 on the college best buys list.  (ABC News August 6, 2009)

Waiting for Sex and Marriage:  Both the AP and Christianity Today  have highlighted the dilemma faced by many Christian young people – wait until marriage for sex as God intends it; wait to get married until you finish school, land a job, explore the world, etc.  In light of this, some Christian groups are promoting marriage for younger adults (i.e. 22 instead of the average 26 for women and 28 for men).   For most young people, waiting until marriage for sex is not happening.   The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health reports that 93% of adults 18-23 in a romantic relationship have some kind of sex.  For Christians that number appears to be around 80%.   In his article in Christianity Today, Mark Regnerus believes that while Christians have put much effort into abstinence campaigns, the church has not done a great job preparing young people for marriage.  He is one calling for a more active role in the church advocating for Christian young people to get married prior to all the pursuits so commonly lumped under one's "20's".  (Stltoday.com August 9, 2009  Christianity Today August 2009 cover story)

Faith and Majors:  Conventional wisdom says that Christians have good reason to fear what happens to students' faith when they embark on higher education.  A study by scholars at the University of Michigan found some interesting connections between faith and studies.  First, the odds of going to college increase for those who attend religious services.    Business and education majors tend to increase their religious involvement.  However, the social sciences and humanities have a negative effect on both student religious attendance and their view of the importance of their faith.  Majoring in biological and physical sciences did not affect religious attendance, although the physical sciences did negatively affect the reported importance of religion among students.   Among students who switch majors, those with strong religious involvement are more likely to switch into fields of education, humanities and biology. The researchers posit the postmodern thinking prevalent in the humanities has a more negative effect than science on faith.  (Inside Higher Ed July 28, 2009)

Majors Getting Greener:   "Green Collar" jobs and student interest in environmental issues are pushing schools to incorporate classes on sustainability into a number of programs.  MBA's have added programs in sustainable business practices; architecture schools classes in green design, and even tech schools have added programs like wind turbine repair.  Arizona State has just graduated its first class from the university's School of Sustainability.   This year, Bucknell will require all students to take at least one course connected to the environment in order to earn a degree.  The Princeton Review says that nearly two-thirds of students say "environmental commitment" would be a factor in their selection of a school. (USA Today August 2, 2009)

Christian Colleges Going Greener:  Dorm rooms from recycled shipping containers at Lubbock Christian University, a geothermal heating and cooling system at Lipscomb University, recycling efforts at myriads of schools, and a Center for Sustainability at Pepperdine University are just a few of the examples of Christian schools getting greener.   The Council for Christian Colleges and Universities has noted a "large galvanizing movement of creation care with the past five to ten years" among member schools.    A professor at Lipscomb University points to sustainability as a balance of society's need for social justice, economic prosperity, and a healthy natural world.  Values, he says, which align strongly with those of the kingdom.  (Christian Chronicle August 4, 2009)

Gender, Majors and Earning:  The overall gender gap in wages has shrunk over the last 20 years so that average female earnings now at 83% of male earnings, up from 78%.  However, a closer look shows that gap actually growing in certain male dominated fields.   Among college majors, men are more likely to go into areas of business, math, natural sciences and engineering; while women are more likely to go into fields of education, social sciences, arts and humanities.  Advocates for gender equality stress a need for female faculty in male dominated fields to help women move into those areas.  At the same time, they also need men to consider more of the female dominated fields so that they are not so gender skewed as well.  (Inside Higher Ed August 10, 2009)

National Religious Disbursement:  While 54% of the US population self-identifies as non-Catholic Christians, that population is heavily concentrated in the South and nearby states.   By contrast, Catholics are heavily concentrated in the East and Wisconsin and Illinois.  Those with no religious identity find themselves predominantly in the Northeast and Northwest.  Jews are prominent in the Mid-Atlantic states.  (UPI August 9, 2009)

Feeling the Economy:  Seminaries are among the schools feeling a severe pinch in the current economy.  For the average seminary, more than 35% of income comes directly from tuition, with some schools much higher.  Most of the balance has come from endowments – which have been hit hard in the economic downturn.  On average, most also have small student bodies that are unable to maximize economies of scale, meaning that many are facing tough financial times, especially if enrollments decline.   Some seminaries have begun to form partnerships and mergers to offset costs.  Most are looking into online and distance based models to supplement enrollment.   (Inside Higher Ed August 10, 2009)

Parents Paying for College:  Two-thirds of parents still believe they will be able to meet the costs of college, despite the economic downturn.  In a poll by Sallie Mae, most parents believe they will be able meet the costs, however, a higher number are "extremely worried" that their investments and savings will cover the costs for which they were created.  Most parents fear increases in tuition.  (Inside Higher Ed August 20, 2009)

Renting Text Books:  Several companies including Chegg (combination of chicken and the egg) and Book Renter now provide textbooks for rent.  Students can pay to keep the book for a quarter or a semester as needed.   The groups have found a market.  Chegg made more than $10 million in revenue last year. One downside – highlighting and marking in the books are not permitted.  (Inside Higher Ed July 31, 2009)

Measuring Learning in College:   Measuring exactly what a student learns in college can be very difficult, especially since few pre-test /post-test options are available.  However efforts by a number of online universities and two websites that will report student pre-graduation scores from standardized tests will attempt to show which schools do the best job of teaching students, based on results from the Measure of Academic Proficiency and Progress (MAPP) scores.   Some private schools have come together to create a different kind of accountability measure through the University and College Accountability Network (U-CAN), which does not require scores to be posted but offers insights in how students do after college.  (US News and World Report August 4, 2009)

Global Internet Use:   A survey of 12 countries sheds an interesting light on the internet use of teens around the world.  In all regions, most parents think kids spend too much time online.  However, parents estimate teen use of the internet at 21 hours a month, nearly half of the average teen reported total of 39 hours.  China leads the way in believing that the internet is a valuable tool for learning, with 84% believing so and only 16% thinking youth are just wasting time online.  Countries such as India, Italy, France and Japan agree.  Of the surveyed countries, the US and Canada led the way in thinking that kids are mostly wasting time online, with 67% in the US thinking so along with 58% in Canada. (Harris Interactive Trends and Tudes vol. 8 issue 3 July 2009)

Community College on TV:  Community college officials have expressed concern over a new NBC sitcom that will take place at the fictional Greendale Community College.  The producers of "Community" have assured officials that the show will not make fun of the setting, but rather build around the friendships and life experiences, many of them based on the show creator's own community college experience.  (Inside Higher Ed August 7, 2009)

Harvard Clothes Line:  Moving beyond college sweatshirts, Harvard has signed a licensing agreement with a clothing manufacturer to create the preppy "Harvard Yard" line.  Bloomberg has reported that the move may help rebuild the diminished endowment.  They may get there quickly if sales take off; shirts will start at $150. (Inside Higher Ed August 7, 2009)

Don't Get a Job? Sue Your Alma Mater:   A recent graduate of Monroe College in New York has filed a $72,000 lawsuit against her alma mater.  The suit is for the cost of four years of tuition and compensation for stress during her three month job search.  Trina Thompson graduated in May with a 2.7 grade point average.  After three months, she has yet to secure a job with her degree in business administration in information technology.  She asserts that the Office of Career Advancement did not help her enough with securing a full time job.  (cnn.com  August 7, 2009)

*** Jobs, Resources and Events ***

*** Jobs: ***

IJM Director of Student Ministries:  IJM is seeking a Director of Student Ministries to provide leadership and management for student-focused education initiatives. The qualified candidate will be an effective bridge builder, administrator, innovator and manager of people and programs.   For a complete job listing, qualifications and to apply, please visit www.ijm.org/directorofstudentministries 

The mission of International Justice Mission (IJM) is to protect people from violent forces of injustice by securing rescue and restoration for victims and ensuring public justice systems work for the poor.

*** Resources: ***

** Join the Ivy Jungle Network Group on Facebook**  http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=13424091882

This month – links to some Campus Ministry Blogs – join the discussion!

Back to School with Hearts and Minds Books:  Those who have been around the Ivy Jungle for a while know how big of fans we are of Byron Borger and Hearts and Minds Books.  Byron's latest blog special features a couple of back to school titles – check it out at:

http://www.heartsandmindsbooks.com/booknotes/back_to_college_package_with_s/

The Jesus Test:  Robert Barge has written a book designed to invite the reader to spend 30 days considering the possibility that Jesus Christ really is who he claims he is.  The book consists of 30 writings, each focused on aspect of who Christ is and what it means to follow him.  From Jesus to Peace, to Justice to Compassion, to Brokenness, the topics give the reader the chance to explore and encounter Jesus for who he is.   Dr. Philip Briggs, Distinguished Professor of Collegiate and Student Ministry emeritus at Southwestern Baptist Seminary praises the book saying, "Barge intersperses these brief daily references to current music, movies and cultural items that will whet your appetite.  The brevity of the "days" and interesting test suggestions cover the gamut of subjects that trigger students' minds . . .Some ideas will humor you and others will cause you to pause ." "Hopefully you will read all 30 days. It is destined to change your life."  Order the book from an online retailer or visit http://www.whereverministries.org/  for more information.

Resources from ProActive Faith for your campus ministry:         

 God Moments In Timewill challenge your students to live a life in such a way that God can open doors of opportunity in their life that will change the direction of their live or impact eternity. Each chapter has five discussion questions, which makes this book great for small groups. Order 20 copies or more for the bulk price of $5.00 each

CRUNCH Time:   A five-session evangelism resource written for students on the collegiate campus. This resource is newly packaged on one CD-ROM. You will be able to print as many copies of the booklets as you need for your students and leaders.

Crisis Moments Seminars will train your students how to respond to a crisis (Biblical Response to a Crisis, Death, Hospitalization, Personal Loss, Evangelism through a Crisis). This seminar is great to a retreat setting.

Join our Facebook Group ProActive Faith Group @ http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=30097018073

Visit our website www.proactivefaith.org to discover how these resources will impact the lives of your students and their campus.  You can also call our office.

Office: (405) 607-0722
Toll-Free: 1-877-607-0722 

Free shipping when you enter ivy jungle in the discount code box. After you place your order you will receive a personal call from our office to confirm your order before any charges are made to your credit card.

Why Faith Makes Sense: Reasons You can Believe God is Real helps students see the rational behind the Christian faith. Author Will Davis Jr., who also wrote the Pray Big book series, explains why Christians don't have to stop thinking in order to believe. The book uses biblical teaching, story telling, and humor to show students how much it makes sense to believe in God, and how a person literally has to stop thinking to reject God. Why Faith Makes Sense addresses such topics as the mystery of God, the revelation of God through nature, evolution and humanism, the Bible, and the exclusivity of Christ. It's the perfect tool for Bible studies and small groups, skeptics' discussion groups and even apologetics classes. To learn more and to read an excerpt, go to willdavisjr.com. Why Faith Makes Sense is available at Amazon.com, Revell Books, Barnes and Noble, and Christianbooks.com.

***Events ***

40 Days of Prayer for Campus Ministry:   August 17 marked the beginning of 40 days of prayer for campus ministry, initiated by the folks at College Union.   This group, out of the United Methodist Church and an alliance of Wesley Foundations acourng the country, invites you to join them in prayer for the campus.   Creighton Alexander asks ministers from around the country to join him and hundreds of others in 40 Days of Prayer for our campus ministries from August 17^th – September 25^th, 2009. 
"As millions of students pour back onto our nation's campuses, we will pour out our hearts to God to move anew among our Wesley Foundations, United Methodist related colleges, and local church ministries.  Over 700 people who heard their call to ministry through a United Methodist campus ministry have joined a Facebook group (United Methodist Campus Ministry – Raising Up Christian Leaders) to pray for our mission to this generation of college students, staff, and faculty.  On behalf of the women and men who serve on our nation's campuses – I invite you to join us in praying for God to do a new thing among our campus ministries this fall."

A prayer guide will be compiled be published on August 10th, 2009 at www.collegeunion.org/prayer that can be downloaded to share with your church, Sunday School class, small group, or leadership team.

 Rev. Creighton Alexander is the pastor of young adults at New City/Central UMC in Kansas City, MO and Director of Campus Ministry in the Missouri Annual Conference.  He is a Denman Fellow currently working on a PhD at the University of Kansas in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. Together with Ashlee Alley, he serves as the coeditor for www.collegeunion.org. 

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