The mission of the Contemplative Sciences Center (CSC) is to advance the study and application of human flourishing at all levels of education—K-12, undergraduate, graduate, professional, and beyond. In particular, the center focuses on how educational institutions can better understand and facilitate the types of knowledge, mindsets, and practices that promote well-being.
A gift of $12 million made by Paul Tudor Jones II and Sonia M. Jones established the CSC, which was founded in 2012 and is led by Martin N. Davidson, interim executive director and the Johnson & Higgins Professor of Business Administration at the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business.
THE CONTEMPLATIVE COMMONS
The CSC is leading development of the Contemplative Commons, an innovative complex of indoor and outdoor spaces that will bring together students and faculty from across disciplines and schools for academic, extracurricular, and collaborative pursuits. This is UVA’s first contemporary building project explicitly designed for a new model of higher education—one dedicated to whole-student learning and flourishing.
The building is being constructed next to the Dell on Emmet Street, sitting within easy walking distance of eight UVA schools. It will provide open, highly adaptable spaces that can be configured to accommodate small and large groups, workshops and lectures, research and physical activity. On weekdays the building will accommodate academic classes. Late into the night and on weekends, it will host a variety of other activities that promote and support student flourishing intellectually, physically, socially, and emotionally.
Once complete, the space will encourage collaboration and partnership, as well as a closer integration of the academic experience with personal well-being. Artistic performances, activities like dance and yoga, and networking opportunities will exist alongside teaching and research in an environment that focuses on experiential learning.
A lead gift of $40 million from Paul Tudor Jones II and Sonia M. Jones is funding part of the Commons. The CSC must seek additional gifts from alumni, parents, and friends to complete funding for the building.
Your gift to support the Commons will help the CSC expand on its important work to promote flourishing of students and others at the University.
