For UVA Parents
Students’ time at the University can and should be characterized by immense personal and academic growth. As parents, you understand that experiences during college are critical for their development and should prepare them not only professionally, but also socially and emotionally to flourish in their communities after graduation. It’s no secret, however, that young people today face unprecedented levels of stress, distraction, and uncertainty, putting them at higher risk of depression, anxiety, loneliness, and addiction.
The Contemplative Sciences Center and other organizations and departments across the University of Virginia are dedicated to helping students flourish and cultivate well-being during their time on UVA Grounds and beyond. There are many opportunities and resources available to you and your students.
Fall 2024 Academic Courses Across UVA
- Most semesters CSC staff curate a list of UVA courses across disciplines that explore well-being and flourishing. Check back in August, 2024.
Make Social Connections
Research shows that among the most important predictors of well-being are strong personal relations and social support from trusted others. There are many ways to make connections with peers and others at UVA:
- Check out the Student Engagement calendar for co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and events that can build connections based upon shared meaning
- Join a student club or organization
- Volunteer
- Read our article written during the pandemic but relevant for today's challenges, “Maintaining Social Connection in a Time of Social Distancing” in UVA Today
Try a Contemplative Practice Session or Drop-In Class
- Listen to a guided practice or session on the Insight Timer app. UVA students now have free access to all premium content and features on the app.
- Check out our Meditation page for information on all of CSC’s meditation-related events and resources, including tips for beginners.
- Incorporate a structured yoga practice, with personalized instruction and support 5 days a week, by joining our Mysore Ashtanga Yoga program. All sessions are available for free and no experience is necessary!
Try Individual Wellness Coaching
- Contact Wahoo Well for one-on-one wellness coaching sessions during the semester.
Request CSC Programming for Student Groups
- Students may contact us at csc@virginia.edu to request a program or presentation customized for a student group, club, residential floor, and so forth. Examples of current and past programs include:
- A program on Flourishing in College Dorms
- Mindfulness and Stress Management Training for RAs
- Required training programs (FOAs) for Fraternities and Sororities
- Customized contemplative practice events (e.g., meditation, yoga, T’ai Chi)
Get Excited for the Contemplative Commons opening Spring semester 2024.
- The new Contemplative Commons offers a number of innovations in form and function over traditional lecture halls and spaces, including an abundance of natural light and highly interconnected indoor-outdoor areas that reflect the importance of nature exposure to health and well-being. Learn more.
Internships, Fellowships, and Work Experiences for Students
- Students have the opportunity to join the Contemplative Commons Student Advisors a select group that work throughout the school year to develop and pilot programs for the Contemplative Commons. Learn more.
- Each year, CSC is supported by a number of UVA student interns and employees who assist with our research and scholarship efforts, student and faculty engagement programs, and CSC communications and operations.
- CSC offers the Citizen Leaders Fellows program, a Contemplative Sciences Center partnership that includes the International Studies Office, and UVA Athletics. The fellowship offers students a year-long leadership opportunity to gain skills needed to flourish during their time at UVA and after graduation. Learn more.
- Contact csc@virginia.edu to learn more about these opportunities.
Stay Connected with CSC
