Contemplative Sciences Center Annual Report: 2025-2026
Curating soul. 2025-26 was a year of expansive and deep engagement at the Contemplative Sciences Center. Learn about our work in the 2026 Annual Report.
CSC News
View the full list of all our newsletters in the archive.
UVAToday: Weekly Birdwatching Tours Offer a Chance for Contemplation
UVAToday published a student-experience article by Zeina Mohammed on the contemplative birdwatching walks, developed by the Peer Programming Team and led every Tuesday morning by students and staff of the Contemplative Sciences Center.
Operations Coordinator
The Operations Coordinator supports the daily operations and overall functionality of the Contemplative Commons. This role oversees student Operations Assistants, ensures the facility is maintained to a high standard, provides on-the-ground support for programs, classes, and events, and secures the building at the end of each day. The Operations Coordinator works closely with staff, faculty, and event organizers to ensure smooth and efficient use of space and resources.
CSC Research Awarded “Toward a Science of Awakening” Grant
The Contemplative Sciences Center research team has received a grant to investigate nondual awareness as part of The Consciousness Foundation's “Toward a Science of Awakening" project.
Postdoctoral Research Associate, Contemplative Research Fellow
The Contemplative Sciences Center (CSC) is seeking applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate, a Contemplative Research Fellow who is trained in the Humanities to join ongoing and emerging research in the CSC’s CIRCL, Contemplative Innovation + Research Co-Lab.
Sleep, Dreams, and Virtual Reality
The CSC research team seeks adults aged 18-70 to participate in a study exploring contemplative experiences in Virtual Reality (VR), sleep health, and cognitive flexibility.
Meditation & Environments Study
Join a Fall 2026 meditation program at the Contemplative Commons studying the link between meditation and environment. Must be 18-24 years old and have little to no meditation experience.
Part-time Purchasing Associate, Contemplative Sciences Center
The Contemplative Sciences Center (CSC) at the University of Virginia is seeking a detail-oriented and service-focused Purchasing Associate to support the Center’s financial and procurement operations. This part-time position will be responsible for managing procurement transactions from approved requisition through purchase order (PO) issuance, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with University policies and applicable regulations.
The Contemplative Commons Receives the AIA Education Facility Design Award
The Contemplative Commons was honored to receive the AIA Education Facility Design Award which celebrates innovative projects across the learning continuum, from early childhood to higher education. The award recognizes design excellence as sustainable, resilient, and inclusive.
CSC Newsletter June 2026
Check out the Contemplative Sciences Center’s June 2026 Newsletter with sections on Encouraging a Deeper Sense of Purpose, Connecting in Different Ways, Citizen Leader Fellows, Research, Dalai Lama Fellows, and more.
Cav Daily: The Contemplative Sciences Center Reports Successful Academic Year
Cavalier Daily published an article celebrating the achievements of the Contemplative Sciences Center of its first academic year since the grand opening. The article discusses the events and milestones that occurred over the year, along with quotes from students and staff.
UVA Sustainability: Meet this Green Building - Contemplative Commons
The UVA Sustainability blog highlights the Contemplative Commons' unique sustainability features: Use of natural materials including Heart Pine floors; water management; and biophillic design, and more. Read the article here.
Cav Daily: Virginia Interfaith Coalition Dinner Brings Religious Unity in a Time of Tension
The Cavelier Daily posted an article on the interfaith dinner held in the Contemplative Commons studio 1B. The dinner was a collaboration betwene the Contemplative Sciences Center and the Virginia Interfaith Coalition. It brought together over 100 people of various faiths and backgrounds for a night of food, music and conversation.
Metropolis Feature: This UVA Campus Building Asks Students to Slow Down
Read the Metropolis feature on the Contemplative Commons entitled “This UVA Campus Building Asks Students to Slow Down.” Sam Lubell’s article, in the architectural magazine, explores how the architecture firm Aidlin Darling Design created the Contemplative Commons, as “a cross-disciplinary hub where calm, clarit
Commons Receives Commendation by the Civic Trust Awards
The Contemplative Commons received the distinction of Highly Commended by the Civic Trust Awards, which recognizes outstanding architecture, planning and design in the built environment. According to the Civic Trust Awards feature, “The Contemplative Commons at the University of Virginia is a measured and deeply thoughtful intervention that uses architecture and landscape to create space for reflection, wellbeing and shared experience within an active academic setting.”
Student Employment Opportunities at UVA's Contemplative Sciences Center
The Contemplative Sciences Center (CSC) at the University of Virginia is seeking motivated and passionate undergraduate and graduate students to join our team for the summer 2026 and / or the 2026-2027 academic year.
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to CSC’s mission of advancing student flourishing, interdisciplinary research, and innovative programs that integrate contemplative practices into academic and community life. The student experience is at the core of our work, and your perspectives will directly help shape our programs and effectiveness on Grounds.
(These positions are not currently open. Check back in Spring 2027 for openings!)
CSC Newsletter March 2026
Check out the Contemplative Sciences Center's March 2026 newsletter (Opens in new window).
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UVA Today: UVA retreat helps students redefine happiness
UVAToday covers the Student Happiness Retreat, a collaboration between UVA’s Department of Student Health and Wellness and the Contemplative Sciences Center, facilitated by Kelly Crace and Katie Smith.
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From South Dakota to France, UVA students put their studies into practice
Julianna Mollica, a PhD Graduate Research Assistant with the Contemplative Sciences Center (CSC) and doctoral candidate in UVA’s Constructed Environment program, studies how architecture and neuroscience intersect to influence mental health.
Architectural Record Features Contemplative Commons: Mind and Matter
Architectural Record featured the Contemplative Commons in their health and wellness issue, published in January, 2026.
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CSC Newsletter December 2025
Check out the Contemplative Sciences Center's 2025 year-end newsletter.
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Viriginia Public Radio: UVA immerses visitors in a world of sound and light
“It was wonderful. It was like being in a whole other dimension of peace and serenity and connected to whence we came and maybe to whence we return," Jill Lord, a visitor to NINFEO says.
‘Body, space and memory’: Capoeira comes to Grounds
UVA Today highlighted introduction to Capoeira, held on Nov 11, 2015 at the Contemplative Sciences Center. This event was co-sponsored by the Department of African American and African Studies, Carter G. Woodson Institute, and the Contemplative Sciences Center.
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C-VILLE WEEKLY: Acclaimed artist Wolfgang Buttress designs a community treasure
C-VILLE Weekly recently reviewed Wolfgang Buttress’ immersive art installation NINFEO which resides in the Contemplative Commons—together with its sister exhibition at Les Yeux du Monde gallery in Charlottesville.
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CSC Newsletter October 2025
Featured in the October newsletter (archived PDF): "The Active Series: Finding Breath and Movement," by student worker, Malaika Rehman; SENSEmaking Symposium Dazzles; Upcoming Events, and more. Subscribe here.