This content was published: March 30, 2011. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Rock Creek Campus Unveils Lactation, Meditation Rooms
Photos and story by Meryl Lipman
As spring term gets started, Rock Creek Campus is unveiling two new services to students – a meditation room and a lactation room. The meditation space is Room 120 and the lactation area is Room 121 in Building 5.
The meditation room is meant for reflection and calm. It is adaptable and non-sectarian and can be used by up to four people at a time. There is minimal seating and ample quiet, conducive for meditation and decompression.
The lactation room is designed for nursing mothers to pump breast milk to take home to their babies. It is not generally designed for breast feeding.
The two rooms were set up and funded by Student Development, under the leadership of Rock Creek Campus President Dave Rule and Dean of Student Development Narce Rodriguez. The meditation room has been an ongoing request from students for a place to practice spiritual and religious observance as well as a place for quiet time in meditation.
“I am very excited that Dr. Rule took these two requests seriously and took action to assure that (it would happen),” said Rodriguez.
The rooms will be available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., by appointment. Reservations to use the lactation and meditation room can be made with Josh Andersen by calling (971) 722-7213, or by e-mailing Joshua.andersen1@pcc.edu. It is best to make reservations on any given Monday for use during that week.
The rules for use of the rooms:
- No candles, incense or open flame.
- Neither will be used as a lounge, study room, a meeting room or for other purposes.
- Keep the room clean.
- No literature will be left behind in the room, or permanent, temporary markings or icons.
- The rooms cannot be used on a drop-in basis.
- Those reserving the room have full use of the room during the entire time scheduled, but are asked to be mindful of the needs of others.
- There is a clock on the wall and reserved times are posted inside and outside the room.
- No food or drinks.
- Users of the room must pick up after themselves; the room must be left in the same condition as it was in prior to use.
About Meryl Lipman
Meryl Lipman holds a Masters in writing from Portland State University and has written for local publications including Spot Magazine, Portland Upside, Metroscape, The Oregonian, and The Forest Grove News Times. She has worked as the PR man... more »