Faith Centre services and facilities
Our University is proud of its vibrant and diverse multicultural community and recognises the importance that faith, belief and spirituality play in the lives of many people.
Through our Faith Centre we offer pastoral care, a confidential listening ear and spiritual support to anyone in our University community, no matter whether you consider yourself religious or not.
As well as our regular Faith Centre-led events, there are a
number of Students’ Union
The Faith Centre represents a
Exams and Religious Observance
Please be aware that exams can take place on Saturdays in the main exam periods. If you are unable to take exams on a Sabbath, holy day or religious festival, please notify the Student Wellbeing and Inclusivity Service by downloading this application for exam arrangements form (.docx) to your computer, completing and saving it, and then emailing it with your supporting evidence to include@essex.ac.uk - Deadlines for applications: For December/January examinations: no later than 31 October, For May/June examinations: no later than 31 January.
You will need to provide evidence of religious commitments. If you would like to discuss the application process, you can contact the Faith Centre.
Code of practice
The Faith Centre exists to serve the religious needs of all worshipping groups within the University. In order to facilitate this, whilst in the Centre all user groups are expected to exercise self-restraint and a concern for the freedom and dignity of others. This means:
- respecting other people’s freedom within the law to express their beliefs and convictions in worship and prayer
- respecting the convictions of others about food, dress and social etiquette and not behaving in ways which cause offence
- always avoiding violence in relationships, in particular avoiding violent action or language, threats, manipulation, improper inducements, or the misuse of any kind of power
- not misrepresenting or disparaging other people’s beliefs and practices
- not actively seeking to persuade others to join their faith
Should any member of the Operations Group be found to be infringing the Code of Practice, the Group may refer the matter to the Registrar and Secretary for further investigation. The University reserves the right to withdraw recognition from a religious representative.
This code of practice is part of the Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Essex, Chaplains (and other designated roles) along with Students’ Union Faith Societies affiliated to the Faith Centre.
- Terms of Reference (.doc)
- Memorandum of Understanding (.pdf)
Management committee
- Father Mark Swires (Chair)
- The Revd Dr Sara Batts-Neale (Vice-Chair)
- Tracy Moreton (Treasurer)
- The Revd John Allison (Assistant Treasurer)
- Father Mark Shillaker (Ordinary Member)
- Dr Elizabeth Bennett (Ordinary Member)
- Kay Hall, Faith Centre Manager
