On the second floor of Ell Hall, tucked away from classrooms and offices, lies Northeastern’s Spiritual Life Center.

Although “spiritual” is in its name, the center’s actual goal is not strictly religious.

“Its purpose is to promote education and interfaith dialogue between students, faculty and staff,” said Shelli Jankowski-Smith, director of spiritual life.

Although the Spiritual Life Center does host many religions from all cultural backgrounds and denominations, its main goal is to add another element to student life. Spiritual health is as important as physical and mental health, she said.

“I think that having some sense of the spiritual is natural for us, and is part of a well-rounded life,” Jankowski-Smith said. “A person who is happiest and healthiest has an integrated life.”

Although it has good intentions, there are some students on campus who are unaware of its existence.

“I did not know we had one,” said Mark Hochreiter, a senior international affairs major. He suggests more signs to advertise the Center’s events.

Zachary Galicki, a freshmen biochemistry major agreed it’s “the lack of advertising and [that] it’s not publicized.”

Middler graphic design major Kristin Byllaardt never used the center before, however she recognized its value to student life.

“It’s important regardless of religion and spiritual background,” Byllaardi said.

She also said school stresses, a lack of knowledge and maybe students who are too young to fully appreciate the center as reasons why more student’s do not take part in its activities and programs.

There are several upcoming events at the Spiritual Life Center. On Jan. 26, the Spiritual Life Office and Leadership Education, and Growth Opportunities (LEGO) are hosting a Spiritual Life Fair, where a panel of experts from different world religions will be on hand to answer questions.

There is also the “Take a Human Break” reception Feb. 3, from 9:15 a.m. to 10 a.m., where students, staff and faculty can stop by the center for an informal break serving free coffee and bagels.

From Feb. 10 to 12, the Spiritual Life Office and LEGO are hosting the second annual Interfaith Retreat at the Warren Conference Center. The theme this year is “repairing the world” where students will be able to “express spirituality by making the world a better place through social action.”

On President’s Day, there will be the “Husky Health and Wellness Winter Festival,” which will have massage, yoga and meditation sessions.

The Spiritual Life Center offers a number of ongoing activities, including weekly meditation and yoga sessions. The first session is free, and all sessions afterwards are $5.

Jankowski-Smith said the center has recently been advertising more but said it’s challenging to get the word out because there’s such high demand for student attention.

“We’ve made an appealing Web site, we’ve been putting up posters, things on the myNEU Web site,” she said. “We’re try to reach students by direct appeal.”

Above all, Jankowski-Smith emphasized the Spiritual Life Center doesn’t discriminate and is here for anyone with spirituality.

“We don’t funnel people into categories or religious groups,” she said.

To find out more about the center and how you can get involved, visit its Web site at www.northeastern.edu/spiritual_life or stop by the second floor of Ell Hall.