Walking around campus on a warm, sunny day, it is very easy to spot at least one student in the arboretum or between a section of perfectly-spaced trees in a hammock, enjoying the sights and sounds of Grand Valley State University. Soon, if one GVSU alumnus gets his way, these hammocks could be inside dorm rooms as well.

His idea is to bring hammocks inside dorm rooms in an effort to create the best possible college experience.

As an avid hammock user himself, Derek Plumb got to work right away after thinking of his idea, drafting up designs of how his project would work. After a few revisions and prototypes, he finally had something that worked and was ready to move forward.

“I’m a student affairs professional, which means I work on a college campus, and we constantly look for ways to improve the student experience,” Plumb said. “As a former professional student – 8 total years to get through undergrad and grad school – I knew what it meant to constantly feel like you’re running on low energy or sleep.”

These hammocks would offer a nap space to ensure that students are getting adequate rest. Getting enough sleep in college often slides down the priority list once all of the responsibilities, distractions and social opportunities come up, Plumb said. Additionally, these hammocks are designed to be comfortable.

“Dorm furniture isn’t designed to be comfortable, it’s designed to last 25 years,” Plumb said. “When people are more comfortable and relaxed, they are better able to do their best work. This is why I think hammocks are one of the best spots to read, write and study.”

Another aspect of Plumb’s focus looks at mental health as a major issue on college campuses. Currently, GVSU offers several services to assist with mental health such as free counseling services, midterm stress-relieving activities and other related campaigns. Plumb hopes these indoor hammocks could assist in these efforts.

Plumb is not new to GVSU. During his time before graduating in 2010 with a degree in English for elementary education, Plumb studied abroad, was an RA for a year, was active in the backpacking club and played a little ultimate frisbee. In 2012, he graduated again from GVSU with a master’s degree in education.

After spending three years in Asheville, North Carolina, Plumb and his soon-to-be wife are planning to move back to West Michigan in October for the promotion of his idea to GVSU students.

“My goal is to get this business off the ground and add to the small business/entrepreneurial powerhouse that Grand Rapids is becoming,” Plumb said. “The idea would be to offer both a rental option and a purchase option (for a kit that would include the custom brackets and a custom-sized hammock), just like textbooks. Once I get the business off the ground, I’d love to begin working on other bracket sizes that fit other brands of beds, like the kind that GV has.”

Since this is a brand new start up, Plumb is looking to raise $15,000 on the crowdfunding website, Kickstarter.

“So far, it’s looking like not many college students are able to afford to be the first in line to have it and support the Kickstarter at the high dollar amount,” Plumb said. “If this project is going to have any success in getting off the ground, then it means that it’s in need of lots of small dollar donations of ($5 to $10).”

Currently, a hammock and a set of straps usually costs between $75 to $100. Regarding this project, prices are estimated to be around $50 to rent for a year and around $100 to buy. That would include the custom brackets and a custom-sized hammock.

“I’ll even commit that if the GV community as a whole donates $10,000 toward this project, then I’ll personally write a $1,000 check to the GV general scholarship fund,” Plumb said. “The Kickstarter ends on Sept. 10, so it’s a pretty tall order.”

To donate to the Kickstarter, visit www.kickstarter.com/projects/352852969/sweet-spot-hammock-hangers-dorm-room-edition.