The Power of Place on Campus

What are the "sacred" spaces on campus, the spaces "that have great power and importance to the campus community?" Earl Broussard argues that many already exist, they just need to be recognized and supported.

So how do we create sacred spaces?

In fact they already exist all over campus — but they must be recognized, maintained, and supported. Commuter campuses can also identify and create their own transformational spaces, but administrators must first envision their campus constituencies as "thought communities" — academic villages and places of enculturation. Otherwise their campuses will convey no more special meaning than a collection of office buildings.

First, university officials must identify spaces that have great power and importance to the campus community. A place's character is often recalled with affection, and a strong sense of place supports our sense of personal identity. For that reason, familiar features are often fiercely defended. In-depth surveys of existing students and alumni, interviews, and mapping can help define existing on-campus sacred spaces. Do people feel at home? Is there a sense of place? Are they transformed? Survey work should be coordinated with facilities and fund-raising officials at the university to identify, analyze, and protect special places on the campus.

Once these places have been identified, it is essential to reinforce their function and develop their storylines.