RA Research Article

http://www.spirituality.ucla.edu/news/release_college_experience.pdf

What are the consequences of Universities not supporting the religious and spiritual interests of their student on the overall wellbeing of those students?

Universities not supporting the religious and spiritual interests of their students lowers the overall wellbeing of thof those students.

Because, Universities not supporting the religious and spiritual interests of their students leads to a decrease in religious and spiritual practice.

Audience: Universities that do not foster spiritual growth and promote religious practices, and students who are seeking to develop their spirituality and Religious purpose who attend Universities that do not foster spiritual growth and promote religious practices.

A very successful college known for its academic achievements and studies wrote this article. I believe that their ethos lies in thier name: UCLA. They present their article as fact which I think works because of their name and the authority behind it. They also do a comparitive study according to majors. This is something that everyone is familiar with and can relate to so it plays as a form of ethos. They compare religious commitment to each associated major and which majors have the highest level of spiritual interest. This is effective in grabbing the attention of the audience this is addressed to.

They make logical arguements supported by their research describing the immediate effects on religious devotion. Students who regularily attend religious practices have a lower rate of depression and a higher level of self worth. Earning better than expected grades is a consequence of religious practice as well. Those who have some sort of religious practice do better in school and academics than those who do not. There is a higher level of aspiration and physical health asssociated with spirituality and religion. It makes sense to argue that those who have a more focused understanding and direction in life do better in every category. Religion gives that direction and focus.

This topic is relevant to the audience being addressed. If religious practice does produce positive results in every aspect of living, why not embrace it? Why not support religious ambitions and interests students may have? Universities are not spending enough time focusing on thier students wellbeing. If they would spend a little time developing and supporting religious interest, the level of acehievement on their university would be much greater and their students would be happier.

I feel that this article is succesful in persuading Universities that do not foster spiritual growth and promote religious practices, and students who are seeking to develop their spirituality and Religious purpose who attend those Universities that Religious and spiritual ambitions are important to their overallwellbeing. Their is enough ethos to the arguement, their logic makes sense, and their topic is relevant to the audience they are addressing.