Creative Campus Getaways

NC State’s campus covers more than 2,000 acres, with plenty of places outside the classroom and office to explore. While faculty and staff stay busy year-round with work, taking time for self care remains incredibly important to a healthy workplace environment. This holiday season, take care of yourself with a quick getaway to some of NC State’s best spots for mental and physical well-being.

• Open to the public, beautiful Lake Raleigh boasts 75 acres of scenic waters right on the edge of Centennial Campus. With a fishing pier and boat ramp for kayaks and canoes, the lake makes the perfect spot for some lunchtime recreation.
• Interfaith prayer and meditation spaces help support the holistic health of the campus community. These spaces also offer chairs and prayer rugs to aid in the practice of various religious beliefs. D.H. Hill Library, Engineering Building II, Talley Student Union and Witherspoon Student Center all offer facilities open during building hours.
• The NCSU Libraries offers several spaces where faculty and staff can connect and work with colleagues. Faculty may reserve Faculty Research Commons spaces — including workrooms, focus and conference rooms in D.H. Hill and Hunt Libraries — with a valid Wolfpack One Card.
• The libraries also showcase exhibits that often feature the work of members of the NC State community throughout the year. D.H. Hill Library’s East Wing features an Exhibit Gallery with 15 display cases, while Hunt Library showcases a variety of digital exhibits, including the iPearl Immersion Theater.
• J.C. Raulston Arboretum boasts the Southeast’s most diverse collection of landscape plants, scenic walking trails and more. Located just two miles west of main campus, the facility makes for a great lunchtime exercise spot or a place to relax and literally smell the roses.
• The recently reopened Gregg Museum of Art and Design, located east of the Memorial Belltower, offers free admission to the public. Faculty, staff and other members of the community may schedule a 30-minute tour — available Tuesdays-Fridays — or may look around at their own pace — to view some of the museum’s more than 35,000 objects.
• NC State faculty and staff may purchase a Carmichael Gym Complex membership individually or for their family with several payment options, including a payroll deduction of $20/month. Members gain access to a wide range of workout equipment, pools, group fitness classes and more. Yoga, cycle and other group classes are available daily during the traditional lunch hour. Faculty and staff may also set up private group fitness classes to enjoy with their coworkers.
• Take time out for a trip with coworkers to one of NC State’s finest athletics facilities. Tours of historic Reynolds Coliseum are self-guided and available Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Reynolds Coliseum will close early when events take place within the facility. Vice Chancellor Emeritus Dr. Tom Stafford gives guided tours of Reynolds Coliseum; he can be contacted at thstaffo@ncsu.edu. Don’t forget to check out the NC State Athletics Walk of Fame and History while you’re there. Maps can be found at http://bit.ly/2ANTVPg.
• NC State dining makes eating right easy throughout the year. Faculty and staff can save on healthy, satisfying treats and meals by enrolling in the IncrEDIBLE Savings Club through AllCampus Payroll Deduction. Members enjoy $1 off at Case, Clark and Fountain Dining Halls; 10 percent off at campus cafes and restaurants; and 5 percent off at campus convenience stores.