The University has a wide array of religious student organizations. They can be identified by visiting the student engagement website and searching under religious organizations. http://studentorgs.gwu.edu/directory/ (search under category 'religious')
Places of Worship for most religious denominations are located near campus or a short drive away.
The George Washington University's Institute for Spirituality and Health (GWish) is a university-charted institute. Our mission:
GWish is working toward a more compassionate system of healthcare by restoring the heart and humanity of medicine through research, education and policy work focused on bringing increased attention to the spiritual needs of patients, families and healthcare professionals.
GWish Programs Include:
- Education: Curricular initiatives in spirituality and health
- Research: Effects of spirituality and spiritual wellbeing on health
- Clinical Care: Innovative Whole Person Care clinical models, retreats for healthcare professionals and students
- Policy: Guidelines in Whole Person Care, Compassionate Care, nationally and internationally
Definition of Spirituality:
Spirituality is the aspect of humanity that refers to the way individuals seek and express meaning and purpose, and the way they experience their connectedness to the moment, to self, to others, to nature, and to the significant or sacred.
Spirituality, broadly defined, impacts the health and wellbeing of patients and healthcare professionals. Spirituality is the basis of clinician's vocation to serve others. It also is the way clinicians, medical students and other find meaning in what they do, find a sense of coherence, and how they can achieve their full potential. GWish offers resources in building one's inner strength or resiliency that can help one deal with the stresses of daily and professional life.
Wellness Model:
- Physical: Exercise instruction, lunchtime/afternoon walks, nutrition/cooking/weight management, evidence base information on nutrients, supplements etc.
- Emotional: Emotional wellbeing, ability to find support in time of need, ability to express a wide range of emotions
- Intellectual: Balancing work with personal interests; fostering healthy living
- Spiritual: Meaning and a sense of connection, Religious, cultural respect; diversity, sense of authenticity, human flourishing, practices such as mindfulness, tai chi, yoga and other resources that might help individuals
- Social: Community building premised on shared values of respect and dignity, volunteerism and caring valued as part of the workplace
- Financial: planning for the future, values based, philanthropy