Temporary Sensory Garden Blooms on Campus

In collaboration with the Department of Occupational Therapy Department, Mission Animation, the Sustainability Committee, the Center for Community Engaged Teaching and Research, and Counseling and Wellness, a recommendation has been made to develop a permanent sensory-rich outdoor space on campus.
 
This garden will offer a restorative environment for teaching, learning and belonging.
 
Highlights of the proposed garden include:

• Daily wellbeing support for students, faculty, and staff, with signage to guide grounding and mindfulness practices.
• A welcoming space for connection, fostering a sense of community and inclusion.
• Innovative classroom experiences, from horticulture therapy and forest bathing to sensory integration labs with community engagement.

While plans for the permanent garden are underway, we invite you to explore a temporary sensory installation now open on the Rangos School of Health Sciences deck, across from the chapel. Thanks to Faculty Senate support, this space features a hammock, a soothing fountain, and a pebble harp—perfect for a mindful moment between classes.

Try the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique:

• 5 things you can hear
• 4 things you can see
• 3 things you can touch
• 2 things you can smell
• 1 thing you can taste

Take a break, recharge, and experience the benefits of nature—right here on campus.

• Daily support of well-being for students, faculty and staff with garden signage to support grounding and meditation practices
• A welcoming social nature space for connection and belonging on campus
• Classroom experiences:
  • Interactions to explore the benefits of horticulture therapy, mindfulness in nature, forest bathing and sensory modulation in a naturally rich environment
  • Labs that offer opportunities for sensory integration while fostering connection with local community members to share and engage in the space together.

Special thanks to the Faculty Senate for funding the initial purchase of sensory items.
 
If you would like to be involved with future conversations regarding a Duquesne Therapeutic Sensory Garden, please contact Clinical Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy Dr.%20Kasey%20Stepansky .