The Pilot Chaplaincy at UVA
In January 2025, we launched a pilot program for religious chaplaincy at UVA by hiring Chaplain Hanaa Unus on a part-time basis to come to UVA twice per month to offer spiritual guidance, mentorship, and mental health counseling to students. We have been collaborating closely with the Muslim Students Association (MSA) and other Muslim student groups on this initiative.
More About Chaplain Hanaa
Chaplain Hanaa previously served as the Muslim chaplain at Shenandoah University and as the education coordinator at ADAMS Masjid. She has also worked with ISNA, MYNA, and Al Fatih Academy. She earned her undergraduate degree in Social Work from George Mason University and pursued graduate studies at Hartford Seminary.
As a trained spiritual counselor, Chaplain Hanaa is available to support Muslim students navigating challenges related to faith, mental health, relationships, abuse, and more. She serves as a confidential resource and is a non-mandatory reporter. Her approach centers on providing Islamically and culturally informed guidance while thoughtfully connecting students to additional campus and community resources when needed.
Chaplain Hanaa visits Grounds one to two times per month. Students can reach out to her at qaswacoaching@gmail.com to set up a time to talk, and should keep an eye on the MSA group chat for updates on her visiting schedule.
The Muslim Life Center
We partner with Wesley at UVA, a campus ministry located next to the Alumni Association and Dell Pond (across the street from Memorial Gym), to provide space for Muslim students and the chaplain. This welcoming office space is available for the MSA and other Muslim student groups to reserve for studying, naps, halaqas, and similar activities, and is also open for students to drop in and use informally.
Students who would like Brivo access (the electronic door key for the space) can email wesleyatuva@gmail.com with their email address and phone number for the key.
The office is located at 1908 Lewis Mountain Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22903.
