The present study investigated the effects of a course in religious community on the self-concept of college students. The experimental group (n=10) participated in a four week minimester course entitled “Experiences in Christian Community.” In addition to class room instruction, this course contained a seven-day off-campus religious community experience involving encounter group sessions, group discussions, prayer sessions, recreation, and household tasks. Students in the control group (n=9) concurrently attended the course, “Biology and Science Fiction.” Tennessee Self Concept Scale results indicated that the experimental group showed significant increases from the beginning to the end of the course in the following self-concept scores: Moral-Ethical (p<.013). Identity (p<.015), and Total P (p< .012). These results suggest that a course involving experiences in religious community can facilitate a positive change in the self-concept of college students.

This chapter provides an overview of Catholic higher education in the United States, primarily the major themes that have developed in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. It covers the history and development of these institutions, including general characteristics and trends related to students, faculty, and leadership. The authors describe the distinctive mission of Catholic higher education to support both intellectual development and faith formation among students. Special attention is given to those staff responsible for implementing this reality: Student Affairs staff, mission officers, and campus ministry staff. The authors analyze some of the major challenges confronting contemporary Catholic higher education.