Listen Here
By Monica Crawford
crawfordm3@findlay.edu
In March 2025, the University of Findlay Counseling Services launched the Zen Zone with funds from the Ohio Department of Higher Education to support Oilers in managing stress and the intense pressure that comes with student life.
The quaint room in the Pulse Media Center boasts a full-body massage chair, sensory lamps, and other meditation tools.
“We have had students tell us it’s a safe, quiet space on campus that they really enjoy,” said Jodi Firsdon, senior director of counseling services.
UF Biology Junior Sophia Parker agrees with Firsdon and uses the Zen Zone frequently.
“It is one of my go-to places to decompress,” Parker said. “I enjoy the calming atmosphere, and I find the massage chair very therapeutic.”
Students have not been the only individuals who have been taking advantage of this effective mental health resource.
“Faculty and staff also report they enjoy going there—while there are no official numbers, we are getting nothing but positive feedback,” Firsdon stated.
While formal usage data has not been tracked, the consistent positive input indicates the space is still widely valued and demonstrates strong long-term potential, especially with the marketing initiatives that the Counseling Services is implementing.
“We have ads running for the Zen Zone on all campus TVs and emails every month,” Firsdon said. “It is now promoted in the first-year experience class during the fall semester for incoming classes.”
“We may incorporate new trending additions in the future; it all depends.”
Despite the program’s overall success, Firsdon mentioned multiple obstacles that have emerged during its time in operation.
“A few things have gone missing, and the massage chair broke right before finals last semester and had to be repaired,” Firsdon said.
According to the Active Implementation Research Network, the Zen Zone is currently in the initial implementation stage—when a program or innovation within the first year of being put into practice experiences awkward setbacks.
As such, all matters that arose since March 2025 are typical and can be used to refine procedures and goals as the Zen Zone evolves.
Overall, Firsdon and the rest of Counseling Services are optimistic about the Zen Zone and its effects on mental health resources on campus. Students can also participate in walk-in counseling on Tuesdays from 2-4 p.m. and Fridays from 9-11 a.m. if one-on-one support is needed.
