Christian Commitment
Walla Walla University welcomes students from all backgrounds and asks them to respect the distinctive Seventh-day Adventist way of life both on and off campus. Adventism, at its best, is characterized by an emphasis on Christian faith and spiritual discipleship; a personal relationship with a gracious, loving, Creator God; moral and intellectual integrity and maturity of character; the sanctity of life; a positive regard for differences of conviction and perspective; healthful living, daily worship and Sabbath rest.
SABBATH OBSERVANCE. The Seventh-day Sabbath is observed at Walla Walla University from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday. Students are expected to treat these sacred hours with reverence.
CHURCH AND SABBATH SCHOOL. Each Sabbath, the Walla Walla University Seventh-day Adventist Church offers a formal opportunity for worship and spiritual renewal. There are also several less formal student-led sabbath programs to choose from. The Sabbath School program provides numerous settings campus-wide for formal and informal group Bible study, prayer, music, reflection and discussion.
CHAPEL EXPERIENCE. The chapel experience at WWU—known as CommUnity —includes Tuesday assembly and other events that offer opportunities for the entire campus to gather for worship, academic reflection and discussion, celebrations of school spirit, social outreach, and civic enlightenment. These events are important to the spiritual and social unity of the University family. Most undergraduate students are required to participate.
WORSHIPS. Providing programs conducive to academic and spiritual growth is the reason Walla Walla University exists. To preserve this distinctive objective, and to develop a habit of worship, selected attendance at a variety of worship events is required for students living in the residence halls. Morning prayer services, small groups, and evening worships are available every day to give students several opportunities to meet the requirement.
CAMPUS MINISTRIES. Campus Ministries is an organization on campus, led by the Campus Chaplain and student leaders, that promotes religious understanding and activity on and off campus. Typical activities include Friday evening programs, a variety of worship opportunities throughout the week, small groups, prayer meetings, opportunities to socialize in a Christian context, and community service projects.
OFFICE OF STUDENT MISSIONS. Through the Student Missions (SM) Office, many WWU students take advantage of international student mission and North American volunteer opportunities. Participating students typically spend up to one year away from the WWU campus in volunteer service settings worldwide.
VOLUNTEER MINISTRIES. Involvement in ministry on campus, at the campus church, and in the community are an integral aspect of a community committed to being generous in service. A wide range of opportunities are provided to serve in these areas, as well as service days throughout the year, Sabbath afternoon outreach events, and travel to churches and academies throughout the Northwest to put on vesper programs and church services.
SMALL GROUPS. Campus Ministries (Chaplain's Office) encourages spiritual growth in small groups. This is vital to the religious life of Walla Walla University. Many groups meet weekly on campus for encouragement and spiritual growth.
PRAYER MINISTRIES. Campus Ministries (Chaplain's Office) provides a variety of opportunities for times of singing, praying, and spiritual support.