Chaplaincy

The University Chaplaincy supports the experience of students, staff and others, enhancing University life, through:

  • high-quality ecumenical worship with beautiful music; varied, stimulating and progressive preaching; sensitive provision of services at central times of life – weddings and memorial services in particular (including same-sex weddings); welcome to people of all faiths and philosophies of life
  • compassionate pastoral care for students and staff, liaising closely with Student Services, with strong support for students with mental health problems, in hospital and following the death of a student (or member of staff)
  • engagement with interfaith issues through support of faith societies, and interfaith endeavours, such as Holocaust Memorial Day and scriptural reasoning
  • fostering integration of international students with student body and wider community, through e.g. the International Students Befriending Scheme
  • support of University priorities through participation in, e.g. Graduations, student celebrations, Visiting Days, Orientation Week, Alumni Carol Services

Currently the Chaplaincy’s staff includes a full-time Chaplain, a part-time Assistant Chaplain, a part-time Senior Chaplaincy Secretary and a further part-time Secretary.  Honorary Chaplains from a variety of faiths and philosophies of life support the Chaplaincy’s work, particularly in leading worship, support for international students, support for faith societies and University events. 

The University has two medieval chapels, St Salvator’s and St Leonard’s, used for worship, concerts and music teaching, which the Chaplaincy oversees.  The Chaplaincy manages a building called Mansefield which has the Chaplaincy office, Chaplain’s office, rooms for societies to meet, smaller rooms for one-to-one support, a kitchen and facilities for Muslim ablutions. Mansefield is used by a variety of student societies, notably by faith societies for prayer, worship, meditation and fellowship.

The Chaplaincy works closely with other University Units and departments, particularly Student Services, the Music Centre, Occupational Health, Development, Student Sabbatical Officers and the Principal’s Office. Chaplaincy reports to the Vice-Principal Education (Proctor).

The University Chaplaincy is managed by Revd Dr Donald MacEwan (University Chaplain), Revd Samantha Ferguson (Assistant Chaplain), Bill Shackman (Assistant Chaplain), Tracy Niven (Senior Chaplaincy Secretary) and Linda Bongiorno (Chaplaincy Secretary).

General enquiries

Email: chaplaincy@st-andrews.ac.uk

Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 2866

Mansefield
3 St Mary's Place
St Andrews
KY16 9UY