Arcadia University has opened an Interfaith Space on campus to allow community members to pray, worship, and meditate. 

The space, located in 103A Dilworth Hall, is open every day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and is available for every religious and non-religious person(s) who seek an area for quiet reflection. 

“Spirituality is an important aspect of many students, faculty, and staff lives and an Interfaith Space demonstrates alignment with the lived values of Arcadia University and supports religious diversity on campus,” said Dr. Angela McNeil, assistant vice president of Access, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (AEDI). 

The room is a collaboration between the AEDI office and Campus Life; the idea came about when several students, specifically of the Islamic faith, approached McNeil and Dr. Donavan D. McCargo, vice president of Campus Life, about the need for a spot on campus to pray. 

Over the past few months, Taylor Wheatley, an AEDI Liaison, and Allanah Giles, graduate assistant for Student Engagement, led the effort to clean, lightly furnish, and paint the room, which was previously used for storage. 

The room is nicely decorated and does not reflect any particular denomination. It can accommodate small groups of up to 4-8 people and is furnished with chairs, floor pillows, a table lamp, a shoe rack, and a bookcase. 

“I have found it invaluable to my overall well-being to regularly engage in prayer, meditation, and reading sacred texts,” McCargo said. “These practices help me better understand who I am and provide me with encouragement, perspective, and guidance.”