The office-based model mainly exists on Catholic campuses. These offices are well-staffed with long-term employees significantly more likely to have a graduate degree. Such offices serve the whole campus, including Catholic and non-Catholic students, faculty and staff.
For the report's authors, the variety of ministry models reflect the Catholic Church's own diversity and complexity.
"While no one model captures the fullness of the Catholic faith, collectively these models represent the incredible breadth of the Catholic faith," the report said. "This diversity of models offers a variety of paths to encounter Christ, simultaneously calling for greater respect and appreciation among campus ministers as well as for honest ministerial self-assessment."
The report also noted that some students find conversion in devotional practices, while others find it through service, and that ministers should be aware that the practices they find nourishing for their faith may not resonate with all students.
It noted the need for pastoral sensitivity towards the spiritual needs of students and the campus community, including estranged Catholics, "seekers," devout non-Christians, and student leaders.
Vocational discernment is one of the least common activities offered to students, and campus ministers rank vocational discernment and spiritual direction among the lowest in significance for students' spiritual growth, the report found.
The report said campus ministers must continue to improve their abilities, especially in areas that are not directly faith-related like administration, organization and budgeting.
"All campus ministers should be given educational access to foundational and ongoing training and formation necessary for responsible ministry in a campus setting," said the report.
The report authors were surprised by the number of ministers without regular spiritual direction. Almost sixty percent receive spiritual direction monthly or more, one-fifth receive it less than monthly, and sixteen percent receive none at all.
The bishops' Committee on Catholic Education has backed several recommendations for campus ministry, including an update of national standards; an update and redesign of the certification process for campus ministers; and guidelines for the formation and ongoing professional development of campus ministers in cooperation with the Alliance for Campus Ministry.