Guidelines and Procedures for Membership

Preamble

Multifaith Chaplain Services is a department of Student and Ancillary Services at the University of Victoria. The mandate of the Multifaith Chaplaincy is defined through a Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Victoria and the religious communities participating in the Multifaith Chaplaincy (cf Memorandum of Understanding, revised February 22, 2000). The Multifaith Chaplain Services Advisory Committee is the forum by which the President of the University (through the Executive Director of Student and Ancillary Services), the Chaplains and the participating religious communities are advised and assisted in carrying out the purposes, objectives, obligations and responsibilities outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding. The Advisory Committee consists of representatives of each of the participating religious communities, members of the faculty or staff appointed by the President, students appointed by the President, the Chaplains and the Executive Director of Student and Ancillary Services (cf Terms of Reference, Advisory Committee).

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to define criteria for membership of religious communities in the Multifaith Chaplain Services. It also provides a process for the appointment of Chaplains nominated by their religious communities.

Criteria for Membership in the Multifaith Chaplain Services

Religious communities participating in the Multifaith Chaplaincy shall meet these criteria:

The religious community will:

1. Support the Mission Statement of the UVic Multifaith Chaplain Services.
2. Subscribe to the Memorandum of Understanding.
3. Provide religious service (spiritual care, religious development, ritual, study opportunities) to an identifiable religious group on campus not already serviced by a representative of this religious group on the Chaplain's Team. (Amendment of Feb 22, 2000 ).
4. Be a Provincial body (or their appointed authority) for the purpose of nominating Chaplains to the Multifaith Chaplain's Team.
5. Nominate for appointment a Chaplain to serve as a representative of the religious community on the Chaplain's Team.
6. Ensure participation of the Chaplain in the activities of the Chaplain's Team.
7. Ensure the Chaplain's regular presence and availability in the Chaplain's Office.
8. Provide financial support for the Multifaith Chaplain's Office, based on the principle of ability to pay, as determined by the contributing religious community.

Application Process for Membership

1. A religious community expresses in writing to the Executive Director of Student and Ancillary Services its desire and reasons for membership in the Chaplaincy and the name and qualifications of the religious community's nominee for Chaplain.
2. The Executive Director meets with the Chaplains to assess the religious community's application according to the above criteria for membership. The assessment may involve communication and/or meetings with representatives ofthe applying religious community to seek further information or clarification.
3. If the assessment is favourable and the Executive Director and the Chaplains reach consensus on recommending admission of the religious community into the Chaplaincy, the Executive Director receives for recommendation the application for membership. The Executive Director may then proceed to initiate the process for appointment of the Chaplain nominee.
4. The Executive Director brings the recommendation for membership before a meeting of the Interfaith Chaplaincy Advisory Committee for its confirmation.
5. The Executive Director informs the religious community and Chaplain nominee of the decision.

Appointment of Chaplains

1. A current or applying religious community nominates in writing a candidate for the position of Chaplain.
2. The Executive Director of Student and Ancillary Services and the Chaplains interview the prospective candidate.
3. Upon favourable interview(s), the Executive Director receives for recommendation the Chaplain nomination.
4. The Executive Director brings the recommendation before a meeting of the Advisory Committee for confirmation.
5. The Executive Director informs the religious community and the Chaplain nominee of the decision.

Withdrawal from Chaplaincy

1. A religious community wishing to withdraw from the Chaplaincy informs the Executive Director of Student and Ancillary Services of its decision.
2. A meeting is called of the Executive Director, the religious community in question and a representative of the Chaplaincy Team to make recommendations to the Chaplains Advisory Committee.
3. A meeting of the Multifaith Chaplain's Advisory Committee will be called to discuss the implications and take such action as deemed appropriate.