In the spring of 2024, the Contemplative Sciences Center hired its first group of Contemplative Commons Student Advisors (CCSA). Twelve undergraduate students and one graduate student were selected through an application and interview process to be our first student advisors representing the CSC. The student advisors were tasked with creating CSC’s inaugural student programming and outreach efforts and paid for their efforts.
Contemplative Commons Student Advisors make a year-long commitment to help develop and pilot programs that expand beyond yoga and meditation to many other contemplative practices. To achieve this, advisors work collectively to identify the interests and well-being needs of UVA students and address them through relevant and creative programming in the new building.
The student advisor position not only helps CSC to manifest its goals, but also creates leadership opportunities for a diverse group of students and allows them to hone skills in values-driven decision making, market research, communication and marketing, as well as program planning, implementation, and assessment.
In addition, Student Advisors will develop a deep understanding of the Contemplative Sciences Center, the Contemplative Commons, and their potential to cultivate contemplative practices and promote flourishing for the UVA and Charlottesville community. Student Advisors will foster meaningful relationships among students, faculty, staff, families, alumni, and friends of the CSC and the University as they deeply listen and respond to their needs.
In the inaugural semester of the CCSA, the 12-student team hosted events and began developing internal structures for self-governance and event planning. During the summer, the CCSA developed and delivered original programming for New Student Orientation, staffed a table at the New Student Resource Fair, and began planning programming for the Fall 2024 semester.
Please consider making a gift to the Contemplative Commons Student Advisor Program to keep these positions funded so that we can create vibrant, relevant programming for all UVA students.