Seems like a good place to start a discussion. . .

Allow me to introduce myself - Margaret Holland, Chaplain at Newman University College, Birmingham and prior to that worked in youth ministry with BCYS (Birmingham).

So what about Higher Education and Chaplaincy: It's important to remember that every University is different and therefore so is every Chaplaincy. The context very much determines what is possible and even where to find your Chaplain.

To find out details of the HE Chaplains across England and Wales go to the Directory at the www.ccche.org.uk website

Honestly this is where the University makes a huge difference to what's possible.
At Newman, as we are a Catholic University College, I get access to a large Chapel, all the staff and students and to the structures of the institution.
I see my role as having four major strands, 1) The development and support of faith and religion, primarily that is Catholic through regular Mass and liturgies, retreat experiences etc and a CathSoc, although inculdes support of the CU and Islamic Society and indeed other student/staff faith needs as they arise, 2) Pastoral care of students and staff, walking alongside people through the good times and bad, 3)Institutional committments, as I sit on numerous boards and committes, which while not the most exciting part of my role is crucial in being able to influence policy and decisions and check how they are impacting on other, 4) is what I call the external world, linking with local parishes, Catholic HE chaplains across England and Wales, others in the Archdiocese etc. etc. etc.

For me key to all of the above is the building of relationships and ensuring that I pay attention to my own relationship with God.

Hope that answers your question, although I know I've only captured a snap shot of the role.

Feel free to pay us a visit and I'll happily show you around...