The Appointment of Tertiary Chaplains on Campuses in Victoria
The Council for Chaplaincies in Tertiary Institutions Inc (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 Seventh Day Adventists; the Christian Community Churches; the Baptist Union; the Jewish Community Council of Victoria, the Islamic Council of Victoria, the Board of Imams; Every Nation Churches, the Buddhist Council of Victoria, the Hindu Council of Australia and the Interfaith Centre 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, or appropriate department, regarding their work on campus.
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 - a minimum of 4 hours per week on campus are expected.