A new wellness center is in the process of being constructed near the student recreation center on campus in hopes of improving CSUN student’s overall health and happiness.

The construction of this project began Dec. 8, 2014 and will be complete in July 2015, according to Salute. All final preparations will be made in July and August, leading up to a grand opening on Sept. 17. Taking into account all expenditures, the total cost of this project amounted to over $5 million.

The wellness center will include nap pods, guided meditation, massage therapy, reflection spaces, peer-to-peer counseling and educational workshops.

The University Student Union partnered with the Klotz Student Health Center, University Counseling Services and the College of Human Health and Development to bring this project to life. Fitness and Wellness manager, Sandra Salute, said the Oasis Wellness Center aims toward promoting a healthier lifestyle for the students.

“The goal for the Oasis Wellness Center is to enhance and improve the health of CSUN students, ultimately contributing to student success and retention by providing services to manage stress, mitigate the effects of sleep deprivation and offering support and educational tools that promote a lifelong commitment to health and wellbeing.” Salute said.

Salute went on to say that one of the motivating factors for building this center was the results from the 2011 American College Health Association’s National College Health Assessment (NCHA) survey from CSUN. The results showed that stress and sleep deprivation were the top two factors hindering students’ academic performance.

In light of the stress and sleep deprivation many students experience, the wellness center will allow students to step away from the hustle and pressure felt from the school environment.

The wellness center offers a multitude of spaces where students can relax and rejuvenate inside the building or even outside, where there will be a labyrinth and a sculpture garden.

The health center on campus currently offers massage therapy but the wellness center will incorporate yoga with aromatherapy and meditation. Other services are still in the works such as including other types of massages like Reiki massages.

Students will also be able to take free yoga classes, indoors and outdoors if the weather permits, among other free services.

Radiology major Jennifer Lara said she is excited for the wellness center to open next semester.

“I think it would be very beneficial for the students,” Lara said. “It would be cheaper for all college students to have all this stuff available on campus and it would be cool to have. It makes me want to go try it.”

Lara is not the only student excited for the new wellness center. Civil engineering major Joel Lopez said he is also excited for the new addition to campus.

“It’s something new that sounds really beneficial for the students,” Lopez said. “ I think it could be a great stress relief for students who are into relaxing exercises.”

As the construction of the wellness center continues, students are anticipating the newest addition to CSUN. Salute said she is excited to be a part of the process as she looks forward to the possibilities the wellness center can offer students.

“The Oasis Wellness Center looks forward to helping students achieve their educations goals and strengthen their connection to campus,” Salute said. “We believe the Oasis name clearly communicates its primary purpose as a welcoming destination where CSUN students can find serenity and relaxation away from the rush and activity of campus life.”

Hours of operation for the Oasis Wellness Center starting in the fall of 2015 are:

Spring and fall terms: Monday-Thursday 10:00am-8:00pm, Fridays

10:00am-4:00pm, Saturday & Sunday: closed

Summer term: Monday-Thursday 10:00am-6:00pm and Fridays 10:00am-

4:00pm, Saturday & Sunday: closed

Winter Recess: Closed