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FOCUS Reaches 16 New Schools for 2015-2016!

The Fellowship of Catholic University Students is excited to begin serving at 16 new campuses for the 2015-16 academic year. With these additions, FOCUS will send more than 470 missionaries to encounter college students on 113 different college campuses in 36 states. The following are the 16 new FOCUS campuses:

• University of California, Los Angeles – Los Angeles, California
• United States Military Academy – West Point, New York
• University of Alabama – Tuscaloosa, Alabama
• University of Miami – Coral Gables, Florida
• West Virginia University – Morgantown, West Virginia
• Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) – Blacksburg, Virginia
• Southern Methodist University – Dallas Texas
• University of Massachusetts – Amherst, Massachusetts
• University of Memphis – Memphis, Tennessee
• DePauw University – Greencastle, Indiana
• Nicholls State University – Thibodaux, Louisiana
• Northern State University – Aberdeen, South Dakota
• Towson University – Towson, Maryland
• Saint Thomas University – Miami Gardens, Florida
• Eastern Washington University – Cheney, Washington
• Western Washington University – Bellingham, Washington

The recent expansion exemplifies the power of God's grace and the work that can be done when souls are set on fire for the Lord. Joe Hensler, Vice President of Collegiate Outreach, emphasizes that prayer is at the center of the entire campus expansion process.

Joe also provides an invaluable perspective for readers who would like to see FOCUS expand to a particular campus. The expansion process is broken down into four qualification factors:

1. Bishop and Diocese
2. Chaplain/Pastor
3. Campus Ministry or Newman Center
4. Campus Demographics

The bishop's approval is a must, and without it FOCUS cannot enter a campus. Following the bishop's approval the most critical factor is the support and passion shared by the chaplain. "We always must remember that FOCUS comes to a campus only to serve the chaplain and his staff, following their vision for their students. Because of this, we've found the relationship with the chaplain, with shared goals, is the most important factor for success," said Joe.

Along with the bishop's approval and chaplain's engagement, students need a place to go – hence the importance of a Newman Center or campus ministry office. Lastly, a strong student body, one united by school spirit that tends to stays on the campus throughout the semester, is critical, primarily due to the fact that relationships are often fostered on the weekend. "We've found that FOCUS is most successful on four-year campuses with a substantial residential population."

Expanding to a new campus requires dedicated prayer, trust in the Lord and a willingness to pursue the students where they are in life. Reflecting on this year's new campuses, Joe Hensler shares, "We are truly excited to help bring the Good News of Jesus Christ and His Church to students at these schools across the country this fall, working in partnership with their chaplains and campus ministers. FOCUS is honored and thankful to be invited into service on these campuses, and we are grateful to our supporters and benefactors?but above all to God, for His graces and blessings on our work."

For more information on how to reach FOCUS in regards to a potential new campus please visit http://www.focus.org/on-campus/bring-focus-to-your-campus.html