Contemplative Commons Building Services

Building services and operational support for the Contemplative Commons is provided by the Contemplative Sciences Center team. This includes:

Space planning and use assessment
Mail and package distribution for the Center
Continuity of operations and emergency planning
Physical and electronic access control
Maintenance of art, multimedia technology, and supplies throughout facility
Facilitation and operational support for academic classes and activities throughout the Contemplative Commons
Processing service requests through Facilities Management and Custodial Services
Supporting enhancements to the space to meet the needs of students, faculty, staff, and community members

Building Address

403 Emmet St S
Charlottesville, VA 22903
(View Google Maps)

Building Hours

Hours fluctuate depending on the University academic calendar and Contemplative Sciences Center programming. For example, hours are limited during summer session and during breaks. Please check the home page for the most up to date operating hours.

Getting to the Contemplative Commons

Entrances

There are three primary entrances to the Contemplative Commons, one on Emmet Street across from the Central Grounds Parking Garage (1st floor of building) and two from the Walker Bridge over Emmet Street (3rd floor of the building).

Please view the downloadable map to see the location of the Commons on the UVA campus.

Parking

During the academic semester, parking on grounds is limited and University events may impact parking. Payments for hourly parking in the University garages and lots can be made via the ParkMobile app. Please see the UVA Visitor Parking website for more detailed information.

The Central Grounds Garage is the closest public parking lot to the Contemplative Commons, located directly across from the building under the University Bookstore. Hourly parking may be paid via the ParkMobile app using Lot #5515. If you don’t have the ParkMobile app, you can use the kiosk located on the second floor of the garage to pay for hourly parking.

Other close paid parking options include the blue lots at the John Paul Jones Arena and the Emmet/Ivy Parking Garage. These have more limited access depending on time and day.

You can find a parking map of the UVA campus here. For further questions and information, please contact the Parking and Transportation Office at parking@virginia.edu or by calling 434-924-7231.

Exceptions may apply during large University-wide events. You may consult UVA's Visitor Parking website for details.

Shuttle

Free bus service is available through University Transit Service for visitors as well as UVA affiliates. Gold and Silver bus lines stop in front of the Contemplative Sciences Center. A detailed service schedule can be found on the Parking and Transportation website.

ADA Accessible Parking & Paths

Maps detailing the locations of reserved ADA spaces and accessible pathways can be found on the Facilities Management website. ADA parking spaces are first come, first served. If an ADA space is not available, vehicles with a DMV issued placard or license plate may park in a metered space for up to 4 hours.

Bikes and Scooters

The Contemplative Commons and UVA have clear policies regarding the use of bikes and scooters on Grounds to ensure the safety and comfort of all visitors. Electric scooters and bikes are not permitted inside the facility. To accommodate those who use bikes or scooters, there are 3 designated parking areas surrounding the Contemplative Commons. These are available for easy and secure storage:

Near the 1st floor main entrance
On West Terrace
Located on the pedestrian bridge that crosses over Emmet St.

We kindly ask all visitors to utilize these parking areas when arriving at the Contemplative Commons to maintain a clean and accessible environment inside the facility.

At the Contemplative Commons

Accessibility

The Contemplative Commons is committed to being a welcoming and accessible space for all. If you experience any challenges accessing the facility, programs, or activities, please contact us so that we may address the issue.

Hearing Loop technology is available in Room 103 – Studio 1B, The Ninfeo, Room 300 – Studio 3B, and The Conservatory. Assisted Listening Devices are available for check-out at the 2nd Floor Reception Desk.

There is one elevator on the east side of the building along Emmet Street.

Safety

Visitors to the Contemplative Commons are expected to adhere to all University, local, state, and federal safety regulations.

Capacity

Room capacity is determined by the fire marshal to ensure the safety of all occupants. Because room capacities can vary based on layout, a detailed layout must be submitted and approved in advance to confirm the allowable capacity. This approved capacity must not be exceeded under any circumstances.

Extension Cords, Power Strips, and Surge Protectors

Power strips and surge protectors must have a 12-gauge UL rating and be fused with a reset switch. Fused power strips may not be linked in a series to create a longer cord. A limited number of power strips may be available by request when you submit your event request form.

Furniture

The fire code states that hallways are to be kept clear to allow for emergency egress. Please do not place furniture in hallways or block doorways and walkways. You must have approval before moving or removing furnishings.

Evacuation Procedures

A wide variety of emergencies may require a workplace or meeting room to be evacuated. These emergencies may include fires, explosions, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, or other disturbances. The evacuation site for 403 Emmet Street S is the Sheila Johnson Center parking lot.

Showers

There are two showers on the 2nd floor that can be utilized by faculty and staff who commute to work by bike or on foot. Users must supply and remove their own towels and toiletries.

Lactation Support

The University of Virginia offers a range of supportive resources to assist mothers and their children, ensuring a welcoming and accommodating environment. There is a nursing room located in the Contemplative Commons, Room 200, which provides a comfortable and private space for mothers to nurse or pump. UVA recognizes the importance of supporting new and expectant parents, offering a variety of services and resources to help balance family and academic or professional life. For additional locations of nursing stations and more detailed support, you can explore the resources provided on UVA’s website here.

Public & Outdoor Spaces

The Contemplative Commons has several outdoor spaces for everyone to enjoy including the Gingko Garden and the West Patio on the 1st floor, the Garden Terrace, Walker Bridge, and light wells on the 3rd floor, and a walking path around the Dell Pond. If you wish to reserve the Dell Field, please contact University Recreation.

Inside the Commons, there are multiple public spaces for connection and contemplative practice:

Lost & Found

The Contemplative Sciences Center is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal property while using indoor or outdoor spaces at the Contemplative Commons. All lost items will be sent to the Welcome Desk in the Front Lobby of the Contemplative Commons. Each week items will be taken to the Newcomb Hall Information Desk on the 1st floor where it will be logged into the University's Lost/Found storage system. Following UVA PRM-016, they will hold all items for 120 days, after that they will be sent to the University Surplus for donation or disposal.

If an item is reported missing, the person’s contact information will be recorded, and sent to Newcomb Hall with all found property.

Locker Usage

The Contemplative Sciences Center is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal property while using indoor or outdoor spaces at the Contemplative Commons. We offer lockers for daily use, with instructions posted inside each locker door regarding access and utilization. Lockers are intended for the temporary storage of personal items such as books, bags, and small electronics; items that are perishable, hazardous, illegal, or excessively large are not permitted. Lockers are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and it is important to note that all lockers will be emptied of their contents daily to ensure availability for other visitors. If you have any questions or find yourself locked out of your locker, please contact an operations assistant at the Welcome Desk in the first-floor lobby, where they will be happy to assist you. If there is no one at the Welcome desk, please call 434-982-6057

Classrooms

Two studios in the Contemplative Commons are classified as Classroom Labs and host a variety of academic classes from departments across Grounds. If you are interested in teaching your class in the building, please email all relevant details (day, time, anticipated enrollment, and how your course aligns with CSC’s mission) to commons-scheduler@virginia.edu.

Wireless Internet Access

UVA provides connection to the university-affiliated eduroam network and connection to a guest wifi network. For more information regarding connectivity or troubleshooting, visit UVA Information Technology Services.

Space Reservations

There are a variety of reservable spaces available in the building for meetings and activities. For more information on booking spaces, visit our Event Services page.

Food & Drink in the Commons

There are no food options available for purchase at the Commons, so plan ahead accordingly. Feel free to bring food, snacks and drinks, but please be respectful and clean up after yourself using the many waste receptacles in the building. Food and drinks are not allowed in studios and certain other areas within the Commons, as detailed below. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

Studios – No food or drink in the studios, please — except for closed water bottles. (Special events may be an exception with prior approval)
The Ninfeo, The Willow, and The Conservatory – No food or drink at all here — not even water.
Gallery, outdoor areas, and lobbies – Feel free to bring snacks or drinks but please be respectful and clean up after yourself. There are multiple trash and recycling receptacles throughout the building.
Vending machines – We don’t have any on-site, so plan ahead if you want a snack.
Looking for food nearby?