6. When do you have your meetings?

CWRUPA usually meets every friday from about 7pm to about 9pm. Most of our meetings are scheduled in Thwing Center in one of the upstairs rooms. Sometimes, we meet in Guilford House, and sometimes in Wade Fireside. We also have periodic programs that run from dorm to dorm (usually towards the beginning of the year).

7. What can I expect from a typical meeting?

Most of our meetings are presented in an informative discussion format. A guest speaker will give information about the current topic and then the audience asks questions. Sometimes refreshments are served. Sometimes a "hat" is passed to cover the refreshments. Often, members end up sitting in the meeting room discussing and debating the issues from the lecture until security tosses us out so they can close the building :)

8. Just what do you mean by "demonstration" and what will I have to do?

This question is tied to the "Do you have rituals?" and "Will I be expected to worship?" questions. Addressing the second part first, no one _has_ to do anything they don't volunteer to do. Most volunteer positions include such tasks as moving chairs and serving refreshments. If the group is putting on the demonstration, anyone who offers may audition for a "part" in it. If the performers are from off campus, all active parts are usually filled. The concept behind these demonstrations is to show what a ritual activity or dance or ceremony _would_ be like, without asking anyone in the audience (or on stage) to worship.

9. Can CWRUPA serve my religious needs?

In all honesty, probably not. CWRUPA is meant to satisfy curiousity, not spiritual cravings. While one who is seeking a new faith may find it through a CWRUPA event, the group has no "minister" who is qualified to be a spiritual leader. However, our officers will be happy to refer anyone who asks to on and off-campus religious organizations that might better fill a student's needs.

10. May I discuss or promote my own faith at meetings?

Students are welcome to promote their own faiths at meetings, within certain guidelines. One is always welcome to say "I belive..." or "My faith teaches..." durning discussions. One is also welcome to mention a religious event, meeting, or service as a general invitation during the announcements portion of our meetings. However, one is not permitted to disrupt a scheduled event to "hound" other members or students. If one wishes to provide that much information aobut his or her own faith, he or she may speak with the officers to schedule a meeting to cover it.

11. Will people try to convert me at meetings?

We hope not. CWRUPA is supposed to be about education and exploration, not conversion to any one faith. If someone who comes to our meetings feels pressured by another student to join his practices, then that person should tell our officers immediately. Harrassment and hounding are not tolerated.

12. What about your parties?

Socials are for-fun events that allow students to gather informally. A trip to the Flats, or the movies, a mid-terms/finals study-break, and a costume party would be good examples. Usually, these events occur largely out-of-pocket between the student members. Often, these are birthday parties or celebrations for specific members. Any party that is an official CWRUPA event is completely dry and expected to be drug free. Students are always bound by the rules of proper conduct.

13. What if this FAQ doesn't answer my question?

E-mail or call our president. We have tried to cover the first dozen questions that people usually ask, but we could have missed something :)

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