We are very excited to share that in November 2021, the state of North Carolina passed a budget that included the $56 million in funding needed to begin construction on the renovation and expansion of Randall Library. The project includes a 118,000 3-story expansion at the west side of Randall Library (renderings below) along with a partial renovation of the existing interior. Groundbreaking is expected later in 2022. In the meantime, work on final versions of construction documents is underway.

Visit the Randall Library Expansion webpage for more information.

What is Retreat at Randall?

The Retreat at Randall (RL 2016) is a sanctuary for quiet contemplation, reflection, meditation, prayer, stress relief, and gentle physical activities like stretching and yoga.

Who can access the space?

The space is open to students, faculty, or staff with a valid UNCW OneCard.

What is inside the space?

Amenities includes treadmill desks, a yoga area, cocooning chairs, floor cushions, and grounding kits, along with resources focused on mindfulness, wellness, and stress reduction.

What are the guidelines for using the space?

See the Space Use Guidelines for more information.

Does the space offer mindfulness and wellness programming?

The Retreat encourages engagement with mindfulness and wellness practices through various program opportunities. These include drawing, painting, bracelet making, puzzles, journaling, yoga, and collaborative art projects. Activities are carefully selected to foster mental and emotional regulation, allowing individuals to explore and engage in both active and passive programming. The Retreat offers various mindfulness and wellness programs each semester. Check the Events & Exhibits calendar for program opportunities.

Why was the space created?

The space created to be a hidden sanctuary for mindfulness and wellness practice inside the library to support the holistic success of students faculty and staff. The tranquil haven is dedicated to Anne Pemberton (1975-2021) a beloved librarian known for her unwavering support of student well-being and success. The space serves as a testament to Anne's vision and the university's dedication to supporting its community's comprehensive well-being. It invites students faculty and staff to pause, reflect, and rejuvenate, providing a foundation for success both within the university and beyond.

It's not just a space; it's a statement—a reflection of Pemberton's belief that UNCW should nurture not only the academic prowess of its students but also their mental resilience. With a focus on mindfulness and wellness, the space is designed to assist students, faculty, and staff in their journey towards academic achievement and personal growth. May Anne's example inspire us all. The Retreat opened in January 2022.

How was the space designed?

The design philosophy behind the space incorporates elements of biophilic design, weaving natural materials such as sand, wood, and plants into the interior. This not only creates a visually calming atmosphere but also fosters a unique connection with nature, distinguishing The Retreat as a destination on campus for rejuvenation and relaxation.

Campus Mindfulness and Wellness Resources

Campus Recreation | Counseling Center | Counseling Center's Mindfulness Resources | Healthy Hawks | Student Health Center | UNCW Library Resources on Mindfulness

Partnerships

UNCW continues to work with LS3P and Shepley Bulfinch on planning for the Randall Library Renovation and Expansion project. It includes a 118,000 3-story expansion at the west side of Randall Library along with a partial renovation of the existing interior. The project has moved from the design and pre-planning stage to drafting construction documents. Final funding for the construction is pending North Carolina state budget resolution.  More information about current status can be found on the UNCW Office of Facilities website.

Visit the Randall Library Expansion webpage for more information.

At the April 2021 meeting of the UNCW Board of Trustees reviewed the aesthetic plans for the Randall Library Renovation and Expansion project and gave their approval for the project aesthetic. The PDF with the images presented to the BOT is available here . The final stages of design planning will wrap up in early summer 2021.

Visit the Randall Library Expansion webpage for more information.

Over the course of the summer, UNCW project management and Randall Library stakeholders had several meetings with the designers and architects for the Randall Library Renovation and Expansion project. These meetings were centered around technology needs; appropriate seat counts; group study & classroom space; events & exhibits space; and conceptualization of the connector that will join the expansion to the existing library. These meetings set the foundation for the planning work that will continue over the academic year 2021 which will position UNCW and Randall Library to be ready with design documents when the NC state legislature approves spending for this capital project.  

Visit the Randall Library Expansion webpage for more information.

In order to continue to expand study space for students, we are clearing space occupied by bound journals on the 1st floor. These are older journals that we previously had bound together and placed on our shelves. Now, most of these journals are more easily accessible online through our vast collection of databases. This is made possible through a significant university investment over the last several years. A small collection of journals will be kept and moved to the 2nd floor later this spring. 

We are clearing close to 4,000 shelves of bound journals for this project. That means over 7,000 sq. feet of new study space for students!  

Our work begins now, and the new study area will be available by Fall 2020.