Mercyhurst plans Telehealth & Prayer Room in library

Mercyhurst sophomore Shahraban Al-Maleki of Erie, a practicing Muslim, seeks out private places to pray on campus and once sought seclusion in a closet.

One of the five Pillars of Islam is prayer, or what is called “salat.” Muslims pray five times a day: at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and after dark. Typically, prayer lasts between 10 and 15 minutes.

Observing her work study student’s daily challenge, Tessa Sayre, public services manager at Hammermill Library, wondered if there was an easier way to accommodate Al-Maleki.

“Tessa noticed I was struggling and helped me find different places to pray,” said Al-Maleki, who had become accustomed to praying in empty classrooms, offices, and any corner that was available. “There are only a handful of Muslims on campus, but I was happy that someone was actually noticing people like me who need a place of prayer and meditation.”

Although she doesn’t live on campus, Al-Maleki admits to being here sun-up to sundown pursuing her pre-med studies and serving as an Ambassador. She is believed to be the university’s first Muslim Ambassador. “Definitely the first hijabi (a Muslim woman who wears the hijab, or headcovering),” she added.  

Recognizing the emphasis placed on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice by President Kathleen Getz, Sayre sought and received a DEIJ grant through the university to provide a space for interfaith prayer and satisfy a need of the Counseling Center for telehealth space that students could access in private.

Now equipped with $500 in grant funds, Sayre said the university is preparing to renovate what is being called the TAP (Telehealth & Prayer) room on the library’s first floor. Expectations are it will be ready by the start of the academic year.

“We are a Catholic university, but by making the university more accessible to students of different faiths, we can build a more diverse community,” Sayre said. “We all know that the Sisters of Mercy have always been accepting of all faiths.”

Al-Maleki expressed her thanks to President Getz for championing a campus that celebrates inclusion. “We have talked before and I know it is an important goal of hers,” she said.

Besides enabling students to have video exchanges with health professionals and practice their faith, Sayre said the room will be available to anyone who wants to take time out of their day to meditate and reflect. The room will be reserved in 15-minute increments, she added.