The Chaplaincy aims to be a meeting point for staff and students of all faiths or none. It also provides pastoral support and confidential counselling, offers a varied programme of events and welcomes international students.
In 1960 the Students' Association of the Royal College (University of Strathclyde predecessor) appointed their first Chaplain, the reverend Tom Allan. Following the formation of the University of Strathclyde, a new Chaplain for the Students' Association was appointed in 1966 and joined by a denominational Chaplain to Roman Catholic students. Both Chaplains worked from offices in Livingstone Tower. In the early 1970s, Father Ryan established a separate Roman Catholic Chaplaincy Centre in North Frederick Lane before it was demolished due to redevelopment of the city centre. An appeal was launched in the 1970s for the formation of an ecumenical Chaplaincy Centre and this was opened in the St Paul's Building, John Street (previously St Paul's Church) by Lady Curran in 1978.
The Chaplaincy is a support service within the University.