University welcomes Muslim Chaplain

Chaplains are representatives of different faith groups in the wider community who are placed in the University by their respective faith group. The University’s Chaplaincy includes Chaplains of many different faiths who work together to support its diverse community. 

Co-ordinator of the University’s Chaplain program Wes Campbell says as an interfaith chaplaincy, the University’s service reflects not only the typical religious traditions practised in Australia, but a variety of faiths and beliefs.

“We provide care to all-comers, regardless of faith tradition,” Reverend Dr Campbell says.

“It’s essential we find new ways of providing that care, so it’s fantastic Mohammad is joining us.

“It’s a good development and means the multifaith and multicultural realities we face in Australia are reflected in our Chaplaincy as we all work together.”

The University’s Chaplains come from a variety of faith backgrounds, and are available to talk with students and staff about religious and spiritual matters, individually or in groups. 

There are some programs where the chaplains work as a group to respond to major events such as bushfires, or to the deaths of students. 

Mr Hijazi says he is excited to be joining the University. He is also continuing his Chaplaincy work at RMIT in addition to his work at Melbourne. 

“Having worked at RMIT, I know I like engaging with the students in this way, which has made me want to continue this work at Melbourne.

“We have a duty of care to the students, to look after their needs holistically and spiritually.”

Mr Hijazi says he often helps members of the community think about and understand the bigger picture of life, and encourages them to work on emotional problems that need to be dealt with holistically.

“It’s important for staff and students to have someone neutral they can come to,” he says. 

Dan Persaud, Associate Director of Wellbeing Services says the University’s Chaplaincy is for all members of the University community, those with faith, and those without.

“The Chaplains are a crucial part of the Wellbeing Services team at the University. 

“I’ve always believed chaplaincy is an important part of any university, whether it’s a faith-based or secular institution, to provide support to students and staff.

“I’m really excited about having Mohammad here, and how we can use his expertise to build the chaplaincy experience. We’re a modern chaplaincy.” 

Finding an appropriate Muslim Chaplain to join the University was a quite a process. 

Chaplains who serve in tertiary institutions in Victoria must be accredited by the Council  for  Chaplains in Tertiary Institutions (CCTI). Before being accredited, all new chaplains must be approved in terms of suitability and experience. 

At Melbourne, Chaplains are officially appointed by the Provost, the University’s second-in-command and leader of students and learning.

“It is very important to have the right person on the Chaplaincy team,” Mr Persaud says.

Mr Persaud and Dr Campbell contacted the Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV) to find someone appropriate. 

General Manager of ICV Nail Aykan says ICV already has prison and hospital chaplaincy services, but only had a university program for about a year. 

“It all comes back to finding the right person, and Mohammad is ideal,” he says.

“It’s a very good opportunity for the ICV to evolve its services, and now Mohammad’s working at both Melbourne and at RMIT, it’s really important because the Muslim community in Australia is relatively young.”

The 2011 Census identified 67 per cent of the Muslim community was under the age of 35. 

“The Muslim community in Australia is a fast-growing population, there is a growing need to cater for them. Mohammad, who is 28, is part of that young majority,” Mr Aykan says.

“Being part of university Chaplaincy programs is quite unique in the Australian Muslim community, and it’s something we’re proud of,” he says. 

www.services.unimelb.edu.au/chaplains