The Fall 2025 Semester Begins

On Saturday, August 23rd, incoming students, faculty and staff convened at the Jodo Shinshu Center for Fall Orientation. The in person orientation was a chance for students and faculty to meet each other, and for students to mingle for the first time.

The morning covered the more procedural parts of registration, such as how to sign up for classes and communicate with advisors. There was also a presentation on student mental health and a video on writing resources. Lunch was served in the community room, giving students and faculty more time to get to know each other. In the afternoon, the community gathered together for chanting and movement, a welcome break from traditional presentations and slides.

Dr. Natalie Quli, who helped organize the orientation, said: “Orientation was a success! I loved meeting our new students and connecting with our continuing ones, and the energy and excitement was infectious. It was a wonderful way to come together as a community and affirm our shared commitment to applying Buddhist principles to alleviate suffering and provide care in diverse contexts.”

We welcome new and returning students to the Institute of Buddhist Studies for a rich year of study and practice.