The implementation of an outdoor, active learning space that includes an outdoor classroom, the National Fitness Campaign Fitness Court and other options for students to gather and bond is incredibly transformative as we enhance our campus environment and culture and reach our 200th year. There are many opportunities in the Academic Plan that can be actualized with this additional, unique space on campus that is grounded in collegiate health and wellbeing. The flexible nature of the court and adjacent outdoor classroom will allow for community-engaged and interprofessional learning for our students, research opportunities as well as enhanced and additional recreation programming. Building community and feeling comfortable and challenged in the space you live is important to a productive and enjoyable college experience – and the addition of this blended-use outdoor learning space will bring new life to a space on campus that otherwise is not being utilized to its full potential. This space will lead visitors directly to the new College of Osteopathic Medicine and sit adjacent to the new segment of the Wasson Way, enhancing opportunities for well-being for Xavier and its surrounding community.
