Starting in 2024, the Women's Commission recognized the growing need for spaces dedicated to collective self-care among colleagues, especially in the wake of community events. As we navigate an increasingly divisive political climate and face events with heightened stakes, this need has become more pressing. While the initial Lounges have focused on the 2025 election cycle, we are also exploring a pop-up version to support the community in response to unforeseen but impactful events.

The Lounges are designed to be a space where faculty and staff can steal a few moments away from students either in solitude or along with colleagues to reflect on the event that has just passed. Items and tools are provided to facilitate this reflection such as drinks and snacks, coloring pages with crayons or markers, soft music, puzzles, play-dough, cookie decorating, yoga and breathing exercises, among others - the items could vary depending on the event and availability.  

Many thanks for the collaboration and support we've had for each Lounge so far. Special mentions go to the Black Faculty & Staff Association, the LGBT Faculty & Staff Association, the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies, and the MLK Jr. Commemoration Week Executive Planning Committee.