Nature and the Spirit on a University Campus: The Impact of Nature Environments on College Students

• In Event: Roundtable Session 7
  In Refereed Roundtable Session: Teaching, Learning, and Identity in Higher Education: Perspectives from Reform, Mobility, and Networked Environments

Proposal

College campuses often are places of stress and anxiety for students. How can natural settings at a university help to provide relief and a sense of calm to young people? What are the best ways such spaces can become effective centers for contemplation and peace? In addition, do some students connect with these nature environments as places for their own spiritual development? How does this connection compare to their experiences with organized religion? This study is based on conversations with college students experiencing nature on their college campus and with staff and faculty involved on various levels with these spaces.

Author

• Denise McHugh, University of Maryland