<p>I'm Jewish and have been thinking much about the college admissions process lately, although I'm still a freshman in HS. I did some research on Georgetown and was rather impressed by what I found, except for one factor: [I read somewhere] it has association with Jesuit colleges, and is in fact a religon-associated college. Can someone please explain to me how this works exactly, and explain how the role of seperation of church and state ties in to it all (although Georgetown is private, wouldn't funding be public?)</p>
<p>Georgetown is a private university and therefore is free to have a religious affiliation - there are over 30 Jesuit colleges in the US alone, and many private universities have a religious affiliation. It does not receive substantial public funding. Separation of church and state has nothing to do with this issue. Some will debate the true status of the Jesuit presence at Georgetown but on paper they are a Jesuit university.</p>
<p>Hi Jacobtess,</p>
<p>Georgetown is not just associated with Jesuit schools; it is a Jesuit (Roman Catholic) college. Many will argue (correctly, I think) that it is far less Jesuit than the rest of the Jesuit schools – Notre Dame (85% Catholic students) , Loyola, Fordham, BC etc. but it is none-the-less a Jesuit school. For example, there are crucifixes in all the classrooms and Jesuit priests who live on campus and sometimes teach. The crucifixes would be common place at Notre Dame, but there was a big controversy about it at Georgetown. I believe there are certain clubs that cannot be on campus like prolife clubs. I do think the percentage of Catholic students is less at Georgetown than other Jesuit schools. </p>
<p>Now having said all that, Georgetown was founded as a place where students from every religion could attend. There are many, many non-Catholic or non-practicing Catholic students and I don’t think a non-Catholic person would feel in the minority. To me it has quite a diverse feel – meaning all kinds of students pursuing all kinds of things. You would probably have to visit to see what you think. </p>
<p>Those who want a strong Jesuit feel argue that Georgetown isn’t Jesuit enough. Others here might speak to how much if at all they believe that religious character comes across at Georgetown.</p>
<p>Notre Dame is not a Jesuit school!!! :)</p>
<p>You really shouldn’t have anything to worry about. It might just be me, but I’ve met quite a few Jewish people here… there’s definitely groups for Jewish people (a fraternity and a program you can do before you get here kind of like pre-orientation), and even a place to worship on campus. </p>
<p>Honestly, the biggest influence Georgetown’s Jesuit identity has is on its views on sexual health. This is under debate right now, and has actually become somewhat of a hot issue recently. Georgetown doesn’t sell condoms on campus. The pro-choice group is not allowed to be associated with the university (they have to call themselves H*yas for Choice instead of Hoyas For Choice), and they are only allowed to table in a certain area. Also, if you were to get counseling for being pregnant, they aren’t allowed to bring up different methods of contraception unless you do. For some people, this is a big deal, and for others, it doesn’t matter.</p>
<p>Thanks a lot, but I doubt I have much of a chance attending even if I get in. Primarily, its far from home, and my parents are Jewish Orthodox. Additionally, my parents are very “college un-oriented”, and upon seeing the crucifixes if we visit, they might be slightly turned off. P.S. Anyone who comes to this thread, it wasn’t intended for bias purposes, so sorry if anyone takes offense at my question…</p>
<p>Georgetown from the start was founded to make all religions welcome. The offices of an imam, a rabbi and a priest are all side by side. I felt that if you are somewhat religious you would be comfortable on campus. The question for my son, an atheist, is whether he could be truly comfortable there. He was less put off by the crucifixes than the excessive neatness of the campus, regimented bulletin boards and banners with inspirational slogans. If you apply, you definitely should give it a visit to see how the fit is. My son felt he would need a second visit to be sure if he could take it. Educationally it’s perfect for him, socially he’s much less sure.</p>
<p>Thank you very much. Its not nessecarily a question of what I want; my top priority is education. As far as I know, I can participate in most EC’s and college experience whatnot, without the need to mingle religously. The true dilemma is persuading my parents as such.</p>
<p>I’m 99% sure Notre Dame is Jesuit, but there’s always that 1%… Dzleprechaun, why do you think it isn’t?</p>
<p>notre dame is associated with fellows of the holy cross, not the jesuits.
I am an atheist myself, and found no big problem with the religious affiliation, other than the above mentioned sexual health related topics. They have a really open curriculum, especially to satisfy your theology requirement. Hope it helps!</p>
<p>List of the 28 Jesuit colleges sorted by popularity:</p>
<p>[Jesuit</a> Colleges and Universities Quiz Results - sporcle](<a href=“http://www.sporcle.com/games/jesuit_colleges_results.php]Jesuit”>http://www.sporcle.com/games/jesuit_colleges_results.php)</p>
<p>University of Notre Dame is run by the Congregation of the Holy Cross not the Jesuits.</p>
<p>Wow, that is really an eye-opener for me! Thanks for the clarification. I think you could trick a lot of people with this question in a trivia game! Notre Dame attends Jesuit college fairs which threw me off. I wonder how the Holy Cross spirituality differs from Ignatian?</p>
<p>The Jesuit schools welcome students of all religions. The College of the Holy Cross, for example, has multiple non-Catholic chaplains, including a muslim one, and has even produced a Rabbi, Norman M. Cohen of the Holy Cross class of 1972.</p>
<p>Wow! Highly fascinating! Thanks guys!!</p>
<p>Georgetown’s Jesuit Community </p>
<p>The Society of Jesus has been an integral part of the University throughout its history. While the University and the Jesuit Community are distinct and separately governed entities, they are united in the long tradition and common spirit of learning and faith that characterize Georgetown.</p>
<p>The Jesuits who live and work at the University are a visible sign of Georgetown’s ongoing commitment to its Catholic, Jesuit heritage. President John J. DeGioia created a Jesuit seminar for members of Georgetown’s board of directors and other senior University officers to specifically discuss the Catholic and Jesuit tradition and the ways that tradition relates to and enhances Georgetown’s educational mission, diversity and future initiatives.</p>
<p>In 2007-2008, 58 members of the Society of Jesus lived on campus – in the residence halls and in the Jesuit Community. Twenty-five Jesuits held teaching positions in the University. An additional 10 Jesuits served the Georgetown community as administrators or in traditional pastoral capacities, 14 are engaged as graduate students, two are retired and the remainder serve in other ministries as friends, advisers, and mentors to students.</p>