FAMU Wesley Assessment Report (Submitted by Latricia Edwards Scriven, 4/2015)

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1 (Submitted by Latricia Edwards Scriven, 4/2015) Forget about what s happened, don t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I m about to do something brand new. It s bursting out! Don t you see it? There it is! I m making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands. Wild animals will say Thank you! the coyotes and he buzzards Because I provided water in the desert, rivers through the sun-baked earth, Drinking water for the people I chose, the people I made especially for myself, a people custom-made to praise me. ~ Isaiah 43: 18-21, The Message ASSESSMENT OVERVIEW Over the past several months, I have had the wonderful opportunity to consult with several individuals concerning the FAMU Wesley Foundation about their varied experiences, historical memory, and knowledge of campus ministry. The journey has been insightful, rewarding, and foundational to my assertion that the time is ripe for the re-launching of a Wesley Foundation on the FAMU campus. I have connected with past board members, Wesley Foundation directors, students, FAMU administration, faculty, and staff, and others. Some of these individuals include (but are not limited to): Dr. William Hudson (FAMU Vice-President of Student Affairs) Mr. Marvin Green (FAMU Director of Student Affairs) Mr. Cecile Washington (Assistant Dir. of Career Development, former FAMU Wesley Board Member) Rev. Dr. Harold Lewis (Dir. of Justice and Multicultural Ministries) Rev. Nathan Adams (BHECM, former FAMU Wesley Board Member) Ms. Kim Davis (FAMU faculty member, former FAMU Wesley Board Member, FAMU alumna) Rev. Vance Rains (former Director, BHECM) Ms. Cynthia Sucher (BHECM) Mr. Willie A. Miller, II (BHECM, FAMU Alumnus)

2 Rev. Sheila Bates (GBHEM/Collegiate Ministry Office, Director of Student Faith and Leadership Formation, Alabama-West Conference, former Director of Tuskegee Wesley Foundation) Rev. Kevin Kosh (Alcorn State Wesley Foundation, Director) Rev. Mike Toluba (FSU Wesley Foundation, Director) Ms. Chandra Snell (FAMU professor, currently pursuing UMC Candidacy) Pastor Barbara Owunli (Pastor, New Life UMC, Tallahassee) Rev. Fert Richardson (former FAMU Wesley Board Member) FAMU students Via brief and extensive conversations with these as well as other individuals, I have learned that there have been past triumphs as well as tremendous opportunities for growth and change. There have been great experiences, and, as with many things, not-so-great experiences. Yet, one of the things that has remained a thread throughout each conversation is the individual and collective desire to see FAMU Wesley make its return. From a student perspective, I have learned that student are ready for visible spiritual activity to take place on the campus. Many of them have expressed their personal desire for a place to explore their theological perspectives while forming a community of faith with others. Students have expressed that they would love a place to connect with someone who will listen to them without judgment and who will be present with them in times of need. And, while some are looking to grown in spiritual leadership, others are simply looking for a place to just hang out with other Christians. In their excitement, the students even came up with a name: FAMU Impact! (to which I added, A Wesley Foundation). The ground is fertile for the Lord to do a new thing! Overall, what has been made crystal clear during this time of information gathering and assessment is that the FAMU administration is very supportive of bringing the Wesley Foundation back to the campus of FAMU. Per the Vice President of Student Affairs (who was active in FSU Wesley while a student there), FAMU Wesley would certainly fit in to the school s Page 2

3 goal of providing diverse activities for students while filling the need for organized spiritual activity. Additionally, not only has the university provided favorable feedback about the potential re-launch of FAMU Wesley, but every person with whom I have spoken has been equally supportive and enthusiastic. This is, indeed, great news! It is my belief that religious life and spiritual formation are key components to the growth and flourishing of young adults, particularly of college students. Thus, to fully prepare these students for the world involves not only academic and career support, but it involves equipping them with the spiritual foundation necessary to live a life connected to God and in service to humanity. The fullness of preparation encompasses the providing of emotional support, pastoral care and guidance, nurture, and Christian love. This is the need, and this is what FAMU Wesley can offer. WHY INVEST? The big question to be answered is, Why should the UMC invest in re-launching FAMU Wesley now? The answer: Most importantly, this is a great opportunity to share the life and ministry of Christ with the campus. Many students are unfamiliar with the United Methodist Church. Re-launching FAMU Wesley would be a wonderful way to introduce them to the UMC. The Church needs young adults to serve and lead if it is to survive. Re-launching FAMU Wesley would assist students in discerning their call to ministry. Having an active Wesley Foundation on the campus would provide a vehicle by which new relationships can be formed with the UMC, FAMU, and the community. Wesley students as well as the entire FAMU campus would be strengthened through service, mission, and outreach opportunities. Page 3

4 The university is supportive of the ministry and has already discussed places on campus to host activities. Students have expressed a desire to be active in campus ministry. I have held meetings with about ten students who would love to assist in getting the ministry started. One student has already shown her capacity to lead by messaging the incoming student body (FAMU 19) to poll for their interest. The students have already begun thinking about outreach and inreach activities to do on campus to grow the ministry. Pastoral Care is very needed on the campus. Not only have I seen the need, but I have addressed the need by serving in this capacity with several students during my short time at the school. In a school of over 10,000 students, there are currently only 3 licensed counselors available in the counseling center. The students would benefit from a ministry presence to fill the gap. Carrying out the assessment study as had the unexpected byproduct of getting students enthusiastic about campus ministry. We need funds to continue a movement that is already naturally taking place on the campus in light of this assessment study. The time is right! RECOMMEDATIONS 1. Start strategically. Take the time to build student interest during the next year and allow students to co-develop the mission, vision, and goals for the new ministry. This would allow for more ownership and buy-in on the part of the students. 2. Form an Advisory Council. Rather than a full FAMU Wesley Board, begin with an Advisory Council made up of individuals including community members, faculty, staff, students, and clergy who have a passion for ministry and for college students. These individual should (1) commit to a full year of serving on the council, (2) be willing to give time and input into the re-launching of FAMU Wesley, (3) be a pool from which FAMU Wesley Board members are selected and/or recommended. 3. Begin with one to two part-time staff persons for the next year to allow time for the ministry to grow while understanding and identifying the true needs of the institution. This would also allow time to advertise for a full-time director for FAMU Wesley to begin Fall Page 4

5 Worksheet for Launching a New United Methodist Campus Ministry New Start: FAMU Wesley Foundation (Re-Launch) College(s)/University(ies): Florida A&M University City(ies): Tallahassee District(s): North West District Please provide information for the following areas: It is recommended that meetings be held with university administrators in Student Affairs or other offices with oversight for on-campus housing, Greek Life, Counseling Center, Religious Life and Multi-Cultural Affairs. 1. The unique missional opportunities and needs of the campus: There is currently very little visible spiritual activity happening on the campus of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. While several students attend local churches on Sunday mornings, few of them are actively involved in the ministries. Moreover, there is much room for mid-week spiritual formation and guidance on a more personal level. Thus, there is a great need on the campus to provide a place of spiritual exploration and formation, and evangelism. Moreover, for the over 10,000 students currently enrolled at FAMU, there are only 3 licensed counselors on the campus who are available to assist with their distresses and issues. In my direct involvement with these students, I have found that the providing of pastoral care is much needed. 2. Student demographics of the university or college: a. Total Enrollment: 10, 229 b. Living on-campus: 2,000 c. Undergrads: 8,000 d. Grad Students: 1,700 e. International Students: Number and size of other denominational campus ministries: Information not available in Student Affairs. The only known denominational ministry is a Baptist Campus Ministry housed near the set where students hang out on Friday afternoons. The size of the ministry is unknown. 4. Student life plan of the university or college: Only available as Mission/Vision/Core Values Page 5

6 MISSION STATEMENT - The mission of the Division of Student Affairs is to deliver studentcentered services and programs which create a safe and healthy campus climate that attracts and retains motivated students. With a dedicated and professional staff through collaboration with global partners, we promote the holistic development of a diverse student body to assume productive citizenship. VISION_STATEMENT - The Division of Student Affairs will provide exemplary student support services to the campus community where all students will be motivated to be successful. They will be given various academic, social and technological opportunities that ensure their success at the university and the community. CORE_VALUES Caring Community Honor Integrity Leadership Student Centered Learning Quality 5. Long-range development plan of the campus, fiscal and facility needs: Plan in-progress. Currently, Student Union Renovations are being explored by SGA and the Director of Student Services. 6. Support and cooperation of nearby United Methodist churches and district(s): Nearby UM churches are in support of re-launching FAMU Wesley. In particular, New Life UMC, is ready to support the students and to get them involved in the newly formed Young Adult Sunday and Sonday (YASS!). Several students have already been invited to participate in YASS and have found the church to be welcoming and hospitable. Many of the FAMU students that attend on occasion do so at the invitation of a professor. Pastor Barbara Onwunli has expressed the desire to provide a place for students to worship and to share their ministry gifts. 7. Other items that may impact the campus ministry s ability to fulfill the mission of the church on campus: At this time, the Director of Student Services seems very open to the possibility of finding space on campus. We will be in further communication on this as the conference moves toward a more concrete decision. 8. Why does this college or university need a United Methodist campus ministry? (See Why Invest? ) Page 6