Finding Faith at USC

With more than eighty student organizations representing various religions, faith traditions, and life practices, USC strives to offer Trojans the opportunity to be supported in community with other like-minded believers. As the Office of Religion and Spiritual Life states, the purpose of hosting such a diverse array of belief practices is to “foster a vibrant community of spiritual reflection and free inquiry” on campus or nearby.  

Bringing all these different belief practices together into one student group is Interfaith Council. Council meetings consist of students sharing about different faith traditions. Members also have the opportunity to participate in “Souljourn” and visit one of the many churches, mosques, or temples that neighbor USC. Interfaith Council also hosts alternative spring-break service-learning experiences called “Conocimiento” so Trojans can become aware of how different religions are involved in movements for social change. In the past, students have traveled to Tucson to study immigrant justice issues.   

Something to notice about the more than eighty student organizations for various belief-practices, is that there is also a group that for those who identify as Atheist/Secular Humanists. If you watch the video on this page, you’ll hear Humanist chaplain Ryan Bell share how the group hopes to “affirm our ability and responsibility to live lives of meaning, purpose, ethics, and work for the common good of all living things, including the environment.” Then, Grace, a current Trojan also shares how Secular Student Fellowship has fostered community during the coronavirus pandemic with Zoom dinners and discussions about the Green New Deal.  

In addition to the many student groups and houses of worship surrounding campus, USC is affiliated with several other religious organizations that house thriving communities of Trojans. Jewish students can get involved with Chabad House or Hillel. Catholic students have the opportunity to attend Mass and grow in community at the Caruso Catholic Center. Students who are Mormon can get involved at the Institute of Religion that neighbors campus. And a group of USC students helped in the founding of the Masjid Omar ibn Al-Khattab Mosque where Muslim students can worship.  

If practicing your faith or learning more about others is something you’re looking for from your college experience, then there are many places and spaces for you to do so at USC. In talking with Trojans, it seems many join one or more of the faith-based organizations on campus to get involved with something that matters to them and build relationships with other members of the Trojan Family.