Religion and spirituality student Resources

The question of how people orient around religion differently, or interact with one another, whether that be based on conflict or cooperation, will be one of the most engaging questions of the 21st century.  ~Eboo Patel

College Policies and Resources

Accommodations for Religious Observances

As stated in Policy 5.03.01, Absences Due to Religious Observances, in the Parkland College Policies and Procedures Manual:

  • Parkland College recognizes and values the diverse religious beliefs of its constituents and practices shared responsibility in the event a religious observance conflicts with scheduled class work or assignments. Students who inform instructors well in advance of an intended absence for a religious observance will not be penalized. The instructor will make reasonable accommodations for students in these situations; these may include altering dates of examinations and assignments, permitting a student to attend another section of the same course for a class period, or similar remedies. Instructors are not responsible for teaching material again. Instructors should inform students of these expectations at the beginning of the semester so that arrangements can be made accordingly. Grievances pertaining to the Religious Observances policy shall be handled according to Policy 8.15 Student Grievances.

The Religious Observance Accommodation Request form should be submitted by the end of the second week of the course. 

Multipurpose Meditation Space 

The meditation space, located in the Office of Student Life and Wellness (U111), is dedicated to those members of the Parkland College campus community who seek a quiet place to reflect, meditate or pray. This room may not be reserved and is accessible during Student Life regular business hours Monday and Thursday from 8 am to 6 pm and Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. Please visit the Office of Student Life and Wellness in Room U111 and check in at the front desk; a secured space will be made available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

  • Use of the meditation space is on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Please keep speaking, chanting, music, and other activities that might disturb others to a minimum.
  • General eating is not permitted. Food or drinks for meditation, or prayer purpose are appropriate.
  • Personal items should not be left in the space as it is available for use whenever the meditation space is open.
  • Problems with this room are to be reported to the Student Life front desk.
  • Requests can be made for usage of the space with a wash station for students who need to perform a ritual cleansing prior to their religious practice.

Student Organizations

Student Life maintains a list of student organizations that are currently active, as well as ones that have existed in the past but have become inactive. If you do not find one that meets your religious or spiritual needs, contact Student Life for information on starting a new one.

Community Resources

Champaign-Urbana is home to numerous religious organizations that represent a diversity of beliefs. The resources listed here, in no particular order, provide useful tools for finding particular organizations, but are not complete lists. 

Christian Churches

The News-Gazette maintains a list of local churches that represent a variety of Christian denominations.

Catholic Churches

The Catholic Diocese of Peoria maintains a searchable database of parishes, including the Champaign-Urbana area. 

Non-Christian Religious Services and Christian Churches with Non-English Services

Visit Champaign County maintains a list of non-Christian religious organizations in Champaign County, as well as Christian churches in Champaign-Urbana that offer services in languages other than English.