Contemplative Sciences Center

The mission of the Contemplative Sciences Center is to combine contemplation, connection, and research to enhance flourishing.

Founded in 2012 as the University of Virginia’s first in a series of new pan-University institutes, the Contemplative Sciences Center (CSC) bridges learning and research through immersive, experiential, and participatory learning aimed at integrating personal and intellectual understanding towards human flourishing in individuals and communities. It also advocates deeply contextual forms of resear

ch aimed at understanding human learning, development, and wellbeing. It is devoted to a new model designed to address some of the most persistent gaps facing higher education – the academic and the residential, the intellectual and the personal, learning and research, mind and body, and the diverse schools and disciplines – in order to help students and faculty alike reach their full potential. The University of Virginia, as a major research University with global reach, has eleven schools centered around the historical “grounds” designed by Thomas Jefferson: Architecture, Arts and Sciences, Business, Commerce, Continuing and Professional Studies, Education, Engineering, Law, Leadership/Public Policy, Medicine, and Nursing. The Contemplative Grounds initiative aims to facilitate new levels of innovation and efficiency in each of these schools through individuated planning and support as we collectively explore the ways in which contemplative practices, ideas, and values can transform learning, research, and engagement in each area. In order to accomplish this aim, we need to understand the academic fields, social domains of engagement, organizational units, distinctive challenges and gaps, and overall goals in each school, and then work in a mutually engaged fashion. Two schools – Nursing and Education – are already deeply committed to broad transformation, while a majority of schools have deep engagement, and all schools are involved. The long-term goal is for each of these schools to become a pioneer in holistic and systematic integration of contemplation within their respective fields in learning and research. At the same time, the University as a whole will become an environment hospitable to innovative partnerships across these schools and will serve as a model for the transformation of higher education.

06/18/2026

In observance of Juneteenth, the Contemplative Commons will be closed on Friday, June 19. We hope you have a great holiday weekend!

Regular Friday activities will return Friday, June 26 ☀️

Photos from Contemplative Sciences Center's post

06/08/2026

Our Summer 2026 newsletter is here! Read all about highlights from our past semester at the link below. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on happenings around the Contemplative Sciences Center!

https://bit.ly/43ioU49

06/04/2026

Be a part of our research! We're seeking adults ages 20-65 with some meditation experience to participate in a research study exploring the potential effects of visualization meditation and meditation in Virtual Reality.

Participants can earn up to $180 for taking part in this study.

For more information, visit the interest form at the link below!

https://bit.ly/4uPSda5

06/01/2026

We're excited to team back up with UVA Recreation this Summer for another Camping + Contemplation under the Cosmos! Join us in July for a weekend under the sun and stars with activities like hiking, star-gazing, and morning yoga.

Camping + Contemplation under the Cosmos for Summer 2026 is open to students, faculty, staff, and the community! To learn more or to register, visit the link below.

https://bit.ly/4ud51X4

05/27/2026

We're so excited to meet all of the alumni visiting Charlottesville next weekend for Reunions 2026! You can check out all Contemplative Sciences Center events for Reunions at the link below.

Check out UVA Alumni Association to get your tickets today!

https://bit.ly/4u1EFXZ

05/21/2026

Work with us at the Contemplative Commons! We're looking for a Lab Coordinator and a Lab Technician to join the CIRCL (Contemplative Innovation + Research Co-Lab) at the Contemplative Sciences Center.

The Lab Coordinator will assist with the implementation and management of studies in the collaboratory.

The Lab Technician will assist the research team with the management of equipment, software, and data for several studies in the collaboratory.

Both positions will have opportunities to learn interdisciplinary research methods in practice and be an integral member of a dynamic team of collaborative researchers dedicated to studying contemplative practices.

Applicants are encouraged to apply by June 15. Both positions will remain open until filled. For more information, or to apply, visit the links below!

Lab Coordinator: https://bit.ly/4tRcZVv
Lab Technician: https://bit.ly/4eUzAgg

05/19/2026

Extending a HUGE congratulations to the Class of 2026, but especially to our graduating Student Workers!

Alysha Johnson
Alyson Miskowic
Anika Narayanan
Arjan Dulai
Asia Leslie
Braidon Fitzpatrick
Christian Victoria
Einmon Tha
Evelyn Dickey
Kayla Patel
Lauren Hetzel
Louisa Craig
Marianna Sherry
Maude Tetzeli
Yihui Yap
Zach Goadhouse

We're so proud of all that you've accomplished and WILL accomplish in the world 🧡 💙 Wahoowa!

05/19/2026

Ashtanga Yoga returns for Summer 2026 beginning Tuesday, May 26!

Never practiced before? No problem - join us at Mysore style at 6:00 or 8:00 am to receive introductory instruction.

Friday mornings, work through the entire primary series in a Sanskrit-counted class. Finish off the morning with Chai & Chats (no physical practice required)!

All Ashtanga Yoga programs at the Contemplative Sciences Center are free and open to all, including students, faculty, staff, and the community. For more information, visit our events page linked below!

https://csc.virginia.edu/events

05/13/2026

Mindfulness & Meditation returns May 18 for Summer 2026!

Whether you've never practiced meditation before or practice regularly, staff members at the Contemplative Sciences Center are excited to guide you through a reflective midday pause. Meditations will vary by instructor.

Mindfulness & Meditation sessions are free and open to all, including UVA students, UVA faculty & staff, and the greater Charlottesville community. For more information on Mindfulness & Meditation, visit the link below!

04/28/2026

Need a break this weekend? Join us for a special Saturday at the Commons, with Capoeira in the morning and a Sound Bath in the afternoon! Iyengar Yoga (with ) will also be available at Noon.

All three programs this Saturday are free & open to all! For more information on these programs, visit our events page, linked below.

https://bit.ly/47VZxaN

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Location

Charlottesville

Telephone

+14349826057

Website

https://csc.virginia.edu/

Address

University Of
Charlottesville, VA
22903

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm