Student Groups and Events

Students are encourage to take advantage of the following groups, events, and programs held throughout the year at IBS:

• Organized by the Director of Field Education, the monthly Formation Meeting provides a space for chaplaincy students to connect, mutually support one another’s progress through the program, and discuss topics relevant to their professional development, spiritual growth, and Buddhist pastoral care.
• The Graduate Student Symposium, held annually in the fall, provides a venue for current IBS and GTU students to present their work, connect with graduate students and senior faculty, and to further professional development. The event is overseen by the Dean and a student in the Buddhist Studies concentration of the GTU doctoral program. The Symposium is supported, in part, by the Numata Foundation (BDK).
• The annual Spring Colloquy provides an opportunity for advanced students in the ministerial and chaplaincy programs to present and celebrate their work prior to graduation.
• The annual Ryukoku Lecture Series held each March brings a distinguished member of Ryukoku University’s faculty to Berkeley to present on topics relevant to Shin Buddhist Studies or general Buddhist Studies. The lectures may be held in conjunction with a for-credit course (HRPH 4576).
• In co-operation with the BCA’s Center for Buddhist Education, IBS co-hosts the Pacific Seminar, held biannually in the winter and summer, a multi-day event that brings Buddhist teachers and scholars together to discuss topics relevant to Buddhist study and practice. IBS and CBE also co-host a symposium during the annual BCA National Council Meeting.