FAQs

Q. What does INHEM stand for?

A. Indiana Network for Higher Education Ministries, Inc.:

• Indiana – INHEM is a statewide organization
• Network – connection point
• For – advocate and serve
• Higher Education – public college and university campuses
• Ministries – campus ministries, other organizations and individuals who invest in students’ spiritual lives
• Inc. – INHEM is a non-profit 501(c)(3) registered in the State of Indiana

Q. What does INHEM do?

A. INHEM:

• Hosts Events – INHEM provides workshops and one-day events for campus ministers/ chaplains, directors of religious life, faculty, student affairs staff and administrators, faculty advisors for student religious organizations, and students.

• Provides Paid Internships – INHEM offers IUPUI students and BSU students internships to explore their sense of calling. A variety of experiences are available for students in all majors both grad and undergrad.

• Funds Sabbath Retreats – The INHEM Sabbath Retreat program provides the opportunity for campus ministers and chaplains to take a 24-48 hour retreat for spiritual renewal.

• Provides Resources and Information – INHEM offers information, newsletters, publications and consultation to campus ministries and student religious organizations as well as individuals – on and off campus – who care about college students’ spiritual lives.

• Offers Networking – INHEM is a connection point – for people who care about students’ spiritual lives – to resources that inform, support, and inspire, to other people who share this journey, to other organizations that collaborate and cooperate.

Q. Why is INHEM important?

A. INHEM empowers campus-based organizations and ministries to address the critically important existential, moral, and spiritual questions raised by college and university students. INHEM is a unique organization that raises the visibility of campus ministries, provides unique vocational discernment internship opportunities for public university students, and supports the moral and spiritual development of students in both public and private higher education settings.

Q. What is Visions for Vocation?

A. This is an innovative initiative of INHEM's comprised of three pilot projects designed to:

• Encourage students to explore vocation (or their calling) by helping examine the relationship between their faith and vocational choices and by providing opportunities for students to explore ministry as their life’s work.

• Equip campus ministers, faculty, administrators and staff to engage students in
  vocational exploration and reflection.

• Raise awareness of the importance of the concept of vocation.

The programs of Visions for Vocation are focused upon public higher education in Indiana.

Q. What internships are available to students?

A. There are three different paid internships available through INHEM's Visions for Vocation initiative:

• Ministry Internships – primary purpose is to enable eligible students to explore possibility of a call to professional or ordained ministry. (Click Resources/Forms for the application)

• Vocation Internships – primary purpose is to help eligible students explore vocational options and how internship work connects with student’s own sense of vocation/calling. (Click Resources/Forms for the application)

Q. Am I eligible to apply for an INHEM internship?

A. If you are currently an IUPUI student (or have graduated from IUPUI less than two months ago) AND are interested in exploring your vocation/call, you are eligible!

Q. How do I apply for an INHEM internship?

A. Please fill out and submit the applications in a Microsoft Word document to Jackie@inhem.org ATTN:  INHEM Vocation Internship Program.

Q. What happens after the internship application and nomination forms are submitted?

A. Application materials are reviewed by the staff for eligibility, completeness, and suitability.

• Applicant and references are contacted either for phone or in-person interviews
• The INHEM Executive Director assesses the strength and suitability of each application and makes initial recommendations to the Visions for Vocation Review Committee.
• Final decision is communicated to the INHEM Executive Director and staff.
• INHEM staff members notify the applicant.

Q. Which organizations are eligible for interns?

A. Sites for internships include:

• Ministry internships: approved campus ministry organizations, congregations/parishes, and faith-based non-profits.
• Visions for Vocation internships: any organization – profit or non-profit – suitable for fulfilling the intern’s needs for vocational exploration and discovery.

Q. How do I explore my calling?

A. There are several ways to explore your calling:

1. Check out the Visions for Vocation pages of our website.
2. If you are eligible, request an internship application.
3. Find what is said about calling/vocation in your faith tradition.
4. Seek guidance in your prayer life.
5. Find a wise and faithful mentor who can help guide you.
6. In the words of Frederick Buechner, pay attention to where “your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet."

Q. How can college/university instructors incorporate vocational exploration in their college course?

A. This can be accomplished in several ways:

1. Look for natural intersections with the materials you already use.
2. Access the books INHEM has in its resource library.
3. Refer to the Programs for Theological Exploration of Vocation site resources.
4. Contact INHEM for opportunities to network with faculty/staff currently incorporating vocational exploration in their courses.

Q. Is INHEM affiliated with Campus Crusade?

A. No. INHEM is an independent non-profit that has representatives from a variety of Christian traditions. We serve our member organizations, but our programs and services are available to other campus ministry organizations. When necessary and appropriate our programs and services are open to all faith traditions.

Q. What organizations are members of INHEM?

A. Members include:

• Marian University
• Valparaiso University
• Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis
• State Convention of Baptists in Indiana (Southern Baptist)
• Western Yearly Meeting of Friends Church (Quaker)
• Indiana Newman Foundation (Roman Catholic)
• American Baptist Churches of Indiana and Kentucky

Q. How is INHEM funded?

A. Funding comes from three sources: member organization contributions, individual and corporate gifts, and grants. See Our Donors page for more information.