A ribbon cutting Friday in the student centre served as a ceremonial opening of a chaplaincy service for campus Muslims.

Shaymaa Zantout, a master’s candidate in history, was one of a group of students who spearheaded the project. She said the chaplaincy will provide counselling and mental health referrals in addition to spiritual care.

“For many of us, it’s important to be able to talk to someone who really understands the lens of faith,” said Zantout.

The service’s first imam is Yousef Wahb, a master’s student at Windsor Law who has been serving in an educational capacity with the Windsor Islamic Association, which is supporting his new position.

UWindsor provost Douglas Kneale said the new office has its roots in the University’s founding: “It’s one more way that we are fulfilling the spiritual and moral mission of our university.”

The chaplaincy will occupy room B-102 on the lower level of the CAW Student Centre. Learn more about its principles and services on its website.