The Appointment of Tertiary Chaplains on Campuses in Victoria

The CCTI is the official multi-faith agency responsible for accrediting chaplains for service in all higher education institutions in Victoria. It comprises members of the following faith bodies: the Anglican Church; the Roman Catholic Church; the Uniting Church; the Churches of Christ Conference in Victoria & Tasmania (Melbourne); the Lutheran Church; the Presbyterian Church; the Greek Orthodox Church; the Salvation Army; the Reformed Churches of Australia; the Baptist Union; the Jewish Community Council of Victoria; and, the Islamic Council of Victoria.

The CCTI has been placing and supporting chaplains on tertiary campuses since its inception in the 1950's. In 1993 it ceased direct funding for chaplain appointments; this now occurs via each faith body. As the accrediting body for chaplains, the Council enters into a close relationship with each nominating faith body; inter-church councils and chaplaincy committees; and, the tertiary institutions.

Queries regarding Chaplaincy appointments should firstly be directed to the relevant Council member from the applicant's faith body. The CCTI Secretary should then receive written details regarding any proposed chaplain placements in the semester prior to any appointment. After a successful interview the CCTI shall write to the Vice-Chancellor of the relevant institution notifying of the accreditation. Chaplains may then consult with the University's Student Services Director regarding their work on campus.

The work of a tertiary chaplain is usually much less structured than for religious leaders of local faith communities where the organization and conduct of public worship, teaching, and pastoral care assume major importance. It also differs from the work of a school-based chaplain, given that there is usually no regular class teaching. Universities are large, complex multi-campus global educational communities - with many potential networks for spiritual, pastoral, cultural and teaching-learning activities. So, much of the chaplain's work is via networks for ongoing conversation with individuals and small groups for study and discussion; addressing meetings or engaging in public dialogue at university-based conferences and teaching/tutorial seminars. Some chaplains are also engaged in research and adjunct teaching of significance to faith groups and the university alike.

Chaplains may occasionally/regularly offer worship and prayer services for students and staff who seek them. They also provide regular counseling, spiritual direction/mentoring and friendship. Chaplains need to have a deep and enduring interest in students and staff, to respect the ideals of academic study, teaching and research, and be aware of (and where possible) involved in student and staff concerns. While it is expected that chaplains will represent their own faith bodies, their work should be principally focussed on using their special gifts to minister to the needs and development of all those who are studying and working at their tertiary institution.

Most chaplains are religious leaders who are ordained, or members of a religious community. While this is not a requirement for chaplaincy, CCTI will normally consider accrediting only persons with appropriate theological training and a recognized tertiary qualification which has given them experience of studying at a tertiary institution. Their nominating faith body is required to include in its letter of support indications of the person's suitability to work in a Chaplaincy team and with Student Support Services staff on campus. There should be some clear indications of the duration of the projected appointment, and the amount of time that the chaplain will spend on campus.

Please choose a section from the Guidelines For Tertiary Chaplaincy Appointments:

Tertiary Chaplaincy
Understanding the Campus Context
Appointing Chaplains to Campus Ministry
The Accreditation Process in Outline
The Chaplain's Appointment Process