New Student Center Boasts Social, Learning and Meditation Spaces

A new student center in the A Building aims to improve the quality of life for medical students by offering both leisure space and designated study areas.

The center was showcased at a grand opening on Friday, Jan. 19. Students, faculty and staff gathered for a ribbon cutting ceremony with BUMC Provost and BUSM Dean Karen Antman, MD. Medical students helped cut the ribbon, which was held by Associate Dean for Student Affairs, Angela Jackson, MD and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs Doug Hughes, MD.

Located on the fourth floor in the A Building directly above the Offices of Student and Academic Affairs, located on the second and third floors, respectively, the bright and airy new lounge area is exclusively for medical students. Students can access the lounge, as well as the large classrooms, with their student IDs.

“It’s a beautiful and flexible space, focused on enhancing student life on campus,” Jackson said. “It addresses an important need: we’ve long been plagued by a lack of leisure space and sufficient study space for medical students. This is the first step and we welcome ongoing suggestions from students on how to further tailor the space to best meet student needs.”

Jackson said the space was designed to help students relax, spark conversation, encourage connections and to be a gathering space for planning student activities. In addition, it consolidates student-focused offices to the A building, which, according to Jackson, is another major benefit.

It is a multifunctional space with several distinct areas: lounging space, with TV and couches, enclosed rooms with tables and smart boards for meetings and small group discussions, as well as a separate meditation room.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how this space improves the quality of life for students,” Jackson said. “It’s a much-deserved, comfortable place to socialize. It’s important for mental health and well-being, as well as professional development and networking with colleagues.”

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