Campus Chaplaincy and Spiritual Support
Campus Chaplaincy serves Cal State Monterey Bay students, faculty and staff of all identities, religious traditions and denominations. Chaplains provide pastoral care, individual and group support, interfaith and interdenominational resources and opportunities for spiritual connection.
Find spiritual support and connection
Campus Chaplaincy offers a welcoming space to explore spiritual wellness, connect with a chaplain and find resources that support reflection, belonging and connection.
Chaplains are available for one-on-one conversations, prayer requests and referrals to local houses of worship and community resources. Support is available regardless of religious or spiritual background.
Connect and Reflect
Wednesday, 12:00-1 p.m. (September 16th, October 14th, November 18th)
Redwood Hall, West Lounge
A monthly space to slow down and share encouragement over lunch. Bring a favorite scripture, a poem, or a quote that inspires you—or just bring yourself! All traditions and backgrounds are welcome.
We are committed to maintaining safe spaces, free of discrimination and harassment. We welcome community members; however, we expect all visitors to support a discrimination-free space.
Otter Thursday Connections
Thursdays, 11:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m. (weekly)
Otter Student Union
Meet with Campus Chaplaincy and Health and Wellness Services staff each week for conversation and connection around spiritual wellness.
Meditation Room: Students seeking a quiet location for contemplation, meditation, reflection, and prayer may also reserve OSU room 317. OSU Meditation Room Flyer
Ways we can support you
Campus chaplains can help you with:
- One-on-one with a specific chaplain
- A chaplain to visit your organization or class
- Referrals to local resources, houses of worship, and community service opportunities
- More chaplain events (MyRaft/Chaplains)
Tell us how we can be supportive by completing our feedback form.
Meet the campus chaplains
Campus chaplains bring a range of religious, academic and community experiences to their work while supporting members of the Cal State Monterey Bay community across beliefs and traditions.
Rev. Elaine Gehrmann is co-minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Monterey Peninsula, 490 Aguajito Rd, Carmel. Prior to coming to the Monterey Bay area in 2015, Rev. Elaine had been co-pastor of two Unitarian Universalist churches for five years each, in Watertown, NY, and then in Champaign-Urbana, IL. She has also worked as an attorney and a family and individual counselor, and executive director of an non-profit organization serving senior citizens and adoptive families of foster children.
Rev. Gehrmann has a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Anthropology from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Divinity from the Starr King School for the Ministry in Berkeley, CA. She later earned a Master’s in Educational Policy Studies from the University of Illinois College of Education, and a J.D. from the U of I College of Law. She was granted Ministerial Fellowship in the Unitarian Universalist Association in 1991 and was a member of the Illinois State Bar. She was a member of the Urbana School District Board of Education for 6 years. She and her husband Axel have two children in their early 20’s, and two cats.
E-mail: egehrmann@gmail.com
Email: pastorjennifer@butterflychurch.org
Josh Schmidt has a heart to help grow a thriving community of leaders who inspire and support each other. This year is his first year with the CSUMB Chaplain program. He also serves locally as the pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Monterey and through the Rotary Club of Monterey Bay Passport. He has lived and traveled around the nation, he notably: Grew up in Iowa; worked with a ministry in Glacier and Death Valley National Parks as well as Lake Powell Recreation Area in Utah; and moved here from Colorado. Other places of residence have been: MN, WI, MI, and MO.
Email: pastorjoshblc@gmail.com
If you are willing and able to commit to serving all students, faculty, and staff regardless of identity and religious tradition or denomination, please complete our interest form. A CSUMB Health and Wellness Services representative will connect with you to learn more about your interest in collaborating with the university.
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Connect with Campus Chaplaincy
Looking for spiritual support, a conversation or more information about campus chaplaincy? Connect with a chaplain or contact Health and Wellness Services to find the support that’s right for you.
Campus Chaplaincy
Have questions or want to connect with a campus chaplain? Find contact information, location details and ways to request support.
Campus Chaplaincy
Spiritual support and connection for Cal State Monterey Bay students, faculty and staff.