Vet college opens tranquil wellness room to support mental well-being

In a remarkable move to prioritize the mental health and well-being of its academic community, the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine has introduced a wellness room, known as a pod, right within its library. This peaceful haven caters to the spiritual, mental, and emotional needs of students, staff, and faculty, fostering a commitment to holistic wellness.

Under the visionary leadership of Kyrille DeBose, associate professor and director of Health Sciences Libraries, the college's veterinary medicine library, a branch of the University Libraries, has recognized the evolving demands on students and faculty. DeBose, the driving force behind this innovative initiative, believes that the wellness room is a game-changer, offering a tranquil space for individuals to focus on their mental health and overall wellness.

The idea for this groundbreaking project began when the college's academic affairs department acknowledged the pressing need to address spiritual, mental, and emotional health. What initially started as a quest for spaces dedicated to prayer expanded to include meditation and overall well-being. Maureen Perry and the Wellness Committee played a crucial role in the initial stages, identifying the need for such a space and starting conversations. As DeBose explained, "It's turned into a real oasis within the library and college."

Jacque Pelzer, associate professor and assistant dean of Student Affairs, underlines the importance of providing students with private spaces. "We realized the importance of providing not just touchdown spaces but quiet areas for prayer or where they can just take that 15-minute mental break,” Pelzer said. “It's great that we have it embedded within the college environment."

Recognizing the need for privacy, DeBose pointed out that students and staff also require spaces to accommodate virtual healthcare and wellness appointments. "We recognized that many students and staff, residents and interns lack personal office spaces. We don't want them trying to have an appointment for telehealth with a laptop or phone balanced on the steering wheel of their car. Having a designated space close by would be much better."

The wellness room is thoughtfully designed to meet the evolving needs of the entire college community. It was repurposed from an area that stored rarely used books, making it an ideal location for this innovative initiative. The room features frosted glass panels for privacy, welcomes natural light, and offers amenities such as resistance bands for light exercise and yoga. Its location within the library also makes reservations easy, with 15-minute increments available for booking.

DeBose's vision for the library extends even further, with plans to add sleeping pods to accommodate individuals in need of rest and rejuvenation while maintaining ample study space within the library.

This move aligns with findings from the 2022 U.S. Workplace Survey by the Gensler Research Institute, which advocates for quiet spaces that positively impact individual well-being. It promotes high-performing workplaces, suggesting that workplaces that are both effective and offer a great experience provide a range of work settings, including quiet zones and focus rooms.

Pelzer emphasized the impact of this investment on students' well-being, saying, "I've gotten a few emails from students just thanking us for investing in this space. They see that as an investment in them, quite honestly, and their well-being."

In an ever-evolving educational landscape, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine has taken a significant step towards supporting the mental health and well-being of its academic community. The wellness pod within its library is not just a physical space; it's a testament to their commitment to nurturing the holistic well-being of their students and faculty.