By Kaitlin Durbin
k-durbin@onu.edu
Seeking feedback on the newly formed Faith Lift service, held Wednesday mornings at 11 a.m., ONU Chaplain Vern LaSala conducted a survey.
The survey comprised of eight questions was designed to allow staff to evaluate the effectiveness and popularity of the program. All answers were categorized into different headings (helpful, not helpful, needs improvements, etc.) and used to determine how the students were receiving the program, and if it was something that should be continued in following years.
“I’m delighted people took the time to tell us what they thought about Faith Lift,” LaSala said. “Even if the comments were negative they still let us know that there are people out there whose needs are not being met, so now it’s our job to see what we can do about it.”
Though the comments were helpful, LaSala points out that some of them indicate that the purpose of Faith Lift has been misinterpreted. Many students expressed a desire for a more traditional service, complete with scripture and worship.
The purpose statement states, however, that Faith Lift is designed to: “provide the university community weekly opportunities to strengthen honest, respectful, authentic and intimate conversation through the writing and sharing of short statements of personal belief from students, faculty and staff.”
“[Faith Lift] is not designed to be a worship service; it’s designed to get people talking about faith—all faiths,” LaSala said.
LaSala realizes that “there is no service that appeals to everyone,” but to compensate those students who feel they are not benefiting from the program, he presents a list of additional opportunities to grow in faith and knowledge on a little green sheet given at each service.
A few alterations have already been made in an attempt to better the program for those who suggested some minor tweaks. Such changes include: placing the speeches up on the screen for students who would like to read the essay for better understanding; providing music at the beginning of the service; and changing the lunch menu.  
“Based on the two or three pages of positive reports, we didn’t have to change a lot,” LaSala said. “But additional changes may take place following another survey at the end of the year.”
Students who do not wish to attend the actual service also have the option to read the essays online or watch the service on ONU CABLE-3. If asked, LaSala has even offered to burn CD’s of the service for people who either missed the service or wish to further their discussions.  
“It doesn’t matter which form of service the students choose to participate in,” LaSala said. “The whole point is just to get them thinking about their faith.”
Whether Faith Lift will continue next year has yet to be determined, but despite its life expectancy, LaSala has already felt its rewards through positive comments and behavioral observances.
“[Faith Lift] has allowed students to get to know the faculty and staff better, but what’s more interesting is that it has allowed the staff to get to know each other better,” LaSala said. “And what have we found? A tighter, more close-knit community.”