In an effort to aid student mental health and well-being, Colorado Mesa University (CMU) will be bringing a new renovation, called the Center for Reflection to campus.
The $1.1 million, nondenominational project, being built by Denver-based Davis Partnership Architects, is estimated to be completed by the end of 2020.
“This project has really grown out of some of the board members and friends of the university that really care about what’s happening here,” Brian Erickson, a principle of Davis Partnership Architects said. “A lot of people said there really needs to be a place for students to either practice their faith or have a place to come away from the everyday hustle of campus life, and spend some time just reflecting.”
The Center for Reflection is looking to be made up of a garden, field and 2,000 square-foot sanctuary.
“If you think about our world today, it’s sort of fast paced, and very technology driven, and we are constantly on devices,” CMU Public Relations Director David Ludlam said. “This will be a place you can go to unplug. It’s a result of students over the years asking for such a facility.”
“It has more to do with student mental health and wellbeing, as much as it does to with faith and practicing that faith. What we’re trying to do here is create some place that is welcoming to all people, no matter what their intended use of this is or what their faith or beliefs might be,” Erickson said.
The design process is still ongoing. CMU and Davis are working with different designs and aesthetics to see what works. There’s been discussion of candle lightings, weddings, and spiritual worship opportunities that could possibly take place at the sanctuary.
Other Colorado universities have tried offering different methods for students. Colorado State University offers special Reflection Rooms to students, and has what’s called the ‘Nap Pod’ — a futuristic chair that lets students put on noise-cancelling headphones and sit in darkness. Colorado University Boulder has a Contemplative Resource Center that offers classes and events, such as meditation.
“It is undeniably important that we as Mavs should focus on mental health,” Cody Maynard, leader of CMU’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes, said. “With a place on campus like the Center for Reflection, that will now be more obtainable. No matter what belief of higher power you hold, or even the denial of, the Center for Reflection is a place to spend time in uninterrupted solitude and peace.”
A student input workshop was held in January for the creation of the center.
“I think the student input workshop was a tremendous opportunity,” Ludlam said. “President Foster kicked that off and getting the positive feedback from a very wide variety, or sort of cross-section of students, was really instructive. I think it reinforced directness from students, the idea that [the Center for Reflection] is going to be a valuable facility. No matter what your background is, how your belief system is in place, this is a place where everyone can get some good from it.”
