Princeton University seeks to promote the presence of a vigorous and diverse religious community on campus, to foster interfaith dialogue, understanding and co-operation within that community, and to encourage its active participation in the public discourse of the University. To this end, Princeton University welcomes the presence of a wide range of denominational and non-denominational ministries reflecting all faiths and religious traditions.

Recognized campus chaplains work closely with the Office of Religious Life to serve the pastoral needs of students, faculty and staff, to strengthen the faith communities they represent, and to model mutual respect, love of learning and care for the common good. In return, the University offers campus chaplains an acknowledged place within the University community, while honoring their relative autonomy as agents of the religious organizations to which they report.

This arrangement presupposes the University’s ability to ensure that the qualifications and actions of its campus chaplains reflect the highest professional standards for religious leaders in their own communities, that the religious organizations to which they report are in a position to provide adequate accreditation and supervision, and that the University’s own standards are met. With this in mind, the Office of Religious Life employs the following guidelines for the recognition of campus chaplains.

All applications for recognition originate from a religious council, church or other religious body. The University does not consider applications from individuals. The sending agency submits its application in writing to the Dean of the Chapel and of Religious Life, along with a resumé of the individual it is nominating, a written commitment to pay his or her salary as campus chaplain, and evidence of medical insurance. Recognition is conferred by the Dean, in consultation with the Vice-President for Campus Life.

To be recognized as a campus chaplain, one shall normally be:

• Nominated and endorsed by a national or regional religious organization prepared to supervise and assume ultimate responsibility for his or her activity
• Ordained and in good standing with an ordaining body and/or professionally trained for religious work
• Experienced in campus ministry or related areas (e.g., youth work, congregational ministry, teaching, etc.)
• Committed to ecumenical and interfaith co-operation
• Equipped and eager to participate in the intellectual life of an academic community
• Able to provide character references and willing to submit to a background check

In addition, no campus chaplain may function in the absence of a corresponding student religious organization duly established and registered with the University, either through the Office of Undergraduate Students, the Graduate College, or the Office of Religious Life.

Normally, recognized campus chaplains are expected to work full-time.

To maintain recognition as a campus chaplain, one is expected to:

• Attend regular meetings of the Princeton Affiliated Chaplains
• Provide an annual report to the Dean, including evidence of continuing sponsorship by the authorizing body
• Inform the Dean when hiring interns or other staff members
• Participate, whenever possible, in University interfaith services
• Be guided by the policies and procedures of the Office of Religious Life
• Support and adhere to the University’s policies and procedures as set forth in  Rights, Rules and Responsibilities

Interns and support staff operate on campus only with the permission of the Dean and under the direct supervision of the Dean or of a recognized campus chaplain, who is responsible for their activity.

The University provides recognized campus chaplains with a University identification card, access to the University libraries and fitness center, and a University e-mail account.  While recognition does not entitle campus chaplain to office space (although the Office of Religious Life attempts to provide such space when possible), they may reserve and use University space for regular gatherings and special events at no cost and without special permission.

Recognized campus chaplains function within the jurisdiction of the Office of Religious Life, which may revoke the privileges of any campus chaplain who fails to live up to the requirements outlined above.

At the discretion of the Dean, auxiliary status may be conferred on chaplains providing a limited and well-defined service to a particular religious student group (e. g., a weekly Bible study or group meditation session). Auxiliary ministers do not enjoy the privileges of recognized campus chaplains, and are not members of the Princeton Affiliated Chaplains.