Every act we undertake cultivates something - essentially there is no such category as “extra-curricular.” Each opportunity, each action forms our character, while affecting all of those around us. Higher education, through the use of modes like contemplative pedagogy, can create the environments for us to inquire and challenge what is most deeply meaningful so that we integrate our learning into meaningful action. This session will explain what we mean by “contemplative pedagogies.” We will discover the ways in which first-person critical inquiry can cultivate better discernment and attention in students, provide the means for deepening their understanding of the material they are studying, and foster environments to inquire about and live meaningfully. We will see how contemplative pedagogy can be a powerful way in which we can work together to reclaim the transformative nature of education.