The University Student Center (USC) at the George Washington University underwent a variety of changes over the summer months to further emphasize its namesake—a gathering place on campus for students.
With a concentrated effort from the Division of Student Affairs (DSA) to cultivate an inclusive community supporting connection, growth and well-being, USC changes allow for more common gathering places while making it easier to seek out staff for help or support.
“The Division for Student Affairs has a vision that states ‘You Belong Here,’ and this summer we started to reimagine the University Student Center as a space that supports that vision,” said Vice Provost and Dean of Students Colette Coleman. “This is only the beginning as we plan to engage the entire student community on a holistic revolutionary space design for the University Student Center.”
Here is a floor-by-floor look at the changes to USC this academic year, working from top to bottom:
Fifth floor
- The Multicultural Student Services Center (MSSC) has permanently moved to USC’s fifth floor from the 2127 G Street townhouse. To accommodate this move and to give the MSSC more space, the Division for Student Affairs (DSA) has moved out. Additionally, the International Students Office has moved to the former MSSC townhouse.
- Now on the fifth floor, the MSSC occupies one side, while GW Career Services occupies the other.
Fourth floor
- The DSA staff overseeing student organizations and fraternity and sorority life now have their offices on the fourth floor alongside various student offices, so students will no longer have to go to other floors to find staff help.
Second floor
- The Orientation office has opened Orientation and Class Year Central, a space for students to stop by and ask questions. It takes the space of the Faculty & Staff Assistance Center, which has moved its operations online.
Ground floor
- The office of Student Support and CARE Network moved from the fifth and second floors to one central space on the ground floor next to the Student Health Center. This new space includes seating in the waiting area.
- The commuter student lounge has a new refrigerator and microwave. The lounge is open only to commuter students, who can gain access to by joining the Commuter Student Association and receiving a code.
DSA is offering two open houses for the GW community to showcase the Student Health Center and Student Support spaces and services. Faculty and staff will have the first opportunity from 9-10 a.m. Sept. 20, while students who haven’t already can explore the upgrades from 5-7 p.m. Sept. 21. There will be behind-the-scenes clinic tours, a meet and greet with the staff and clinicians, and free food—including a make-your-own-trail-mix bar.
