Student Centers

Our Purpose

The Office of Student Centers (SCO) is a vital component of campus life, designed to:

• Foster a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all members of the WSSU community
• Serve as the first point of contact for many campuses visitors
• Offer responsive, customer-oriented service that meets evolving campus needs
• Provide spaces and programs that cultivate leadership, cultural expression, and student growth
• Strengthening connections to the university through meaningful engagement and shared experiences

Student Center Facilities

The WSSU Student Centers include two premier facilities that serve as physical, social, and administrative hubs for the university community. Each center is thoughtfully designed to support the academic mission, promote well-being, and foster lifelong memories through dynamic spaces.

Cleon F. Thompson Jr. Student Services Center
A cornerstone of campus life since 1996, this 107,000-square-foot facility is named in honor of Dr. Cleon F. Thompson Jr., WSSU’s former chancellor (1985–1995). The Center is intentionally designed to centralize key student and administrative services while also offering welcoming spaces for gatherings and events.

Key Features:

• Centralized student services including Admissions, Financial Aid, Registrar, Student Accounts, Residence Life, and the Division of Student Affairs
• Retail and dining options including Campus Bookstore, Post Office, Kennedy Dining Hall, and Faculty/Staff Dining Room (Red Room)
• A multifunctional event ballroom and four conference/meeting rooms with flexible layouts
• The RAMCard Office and Information Technology Solutions Center to support student identity and connectivity

Donald Julian Reaves (DJR) Student Activities Center
Opened as a state-of-the-art 96,000-square-foot facility, the DJR Student Activities Center combines health, wellness, recreation, and community spaces to create a dynamic student-centered environment. It serves as the heartbeat of informal student gatherings, university programming, and daily campus life.

Key Features:

• First Floor: Robust food court offerings (Chick-fil-A, Subway, Burger Studio, Topio’s Pizza), Multi-purpose rooms for events (Campus Hall 100 A&B), UREC weight room, and full-size gymnasium
• Second Floor: Student lounge with fireplace, Student Government Association (SGA) suites and offices, conference rooms, and game room.
• Third Floor: Indoor waterfall feature, commuter and non-traditional student lounge, indoor jogging track, and two group exercise studios for yoga, dance, and fitness sessions

These facilities are maintained with a focus on safety, accessibility, technological integration, and sustainability, ensuring they remain modern and welcoming for every Ram.

Student Centers Space Reservations

Overview

The Student Centers at Winston-Salem State University—including Thompson and DJR—serve as dynamic hubs for a wide range of campus events, including student organization meetings, trainings, social activities, and special programs. To ensure effective management and equitable access, all Student Centers space reservations are processed exclusively through the 25Live scheduling system.

Eligibility & External Stakeholder Advisory

• Internal Users:
  Reservations are available to WSSU students, recognized student organizations, faculty, staff, and university departments.
• External Stakeholders:
  Any external individuals, organizations, or vendors wishing to host events on campus must first coordinate directly with the University Conference and Institute office for approval and reservation of appropriate spaces. Only after securing authorization there should they seek to reserve Student Centers spaces.

Available Spaces

Spaces within Thompson and DJR Student Centers are designed to accommodate a variety of event types and group sizes. All facilities are fully ADA-compliant to support guests with disabilities.

Reservation Procedure

1. Log In
   Access the 25Live system portal and sign in with your official WSSU credentials.
2. Submit Detailed Request
   Complete the reservation form, providing:
   • Event name and detailed description
   • Date(s) and time(s) requested
   • Estimated number of attendees
   • Required amenities, equipment, or accommodations
   • Event type (e.g., meeting, training, social event)
3. Review & Confirmation
   The Office of Student Centers reviews requests within 24–48 business hours.
   Approval or next steps will be communicated via email.
4. Confirmed Reservation
   Once approved, you will receive confirmation along with any relevant instructions on access, setup, and logistics.

Policies and Best Practices

• Advance Notice: Submit requests at least five (5) business days in advance to ensure adequate processing and space availability.
• Changes & Cancellations: Notify the Office of Student Centers promptly via 25Live or direct contact to modify or cancel reservations.
• Accessibility: All Student Center spaces comply with ADA guidelines. Please specify any accessibility needs when submitting your request.
• Priority Scheduling: University academic and official events may receive priority during peak times.
• Event Hours: Activities must align with Student Center operating hours unless pre-approved otherwise.
• Compliance: Events must adhere to WSSU policies regarding safety, conduct, capacity, and noise ordinances.
• Support Services: Include requests for AV equipment, furniture configuration, or custodial support during initial submission to ensure availability.

Important Advisory for External Groups

External parties are required to first coordinate event approvals and space bookings through the University Conference and Institute office prior to seeking any reservations within Student Centers spaces. This ensures compliance with university policies, insurance requirements, and event coordination standards.

Accessibility Commitment

WSSU Student Centers are committed to inclusivity and accessibility. All spaces are fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Organizers are encouraged to clearly indicate any accommodation needed to ensure a comfortable experience for all attendees

Contact Information

For questions or assistance with the reservation process, please contact:

Office of Student Centers
Thompson Student Center, Suite G-05
Phone: (336) 750-2129
Email: [Insert official email address]
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Additional Resources

• 25Live Student Centers Reservation Portal
• University Conferences and Institutes
• Student Centers Policies and Procedures

WSSU is dedicated to providing professional, accessible, and well-managed event spaces that enrich campus life and foster community engagement. Strict adherence to these guidelines enables efficient service delivery and successful event execution.

Student Union Employment Opportunities

The Student Union at Winston-Salem State University invites motivated, dependable, and personable students to apply for a range of key employment opportunities. These roles are designed to foster professional growth, leadership development, and meaningful engagement within the campus community.

Prospective candidates interested in joining our team are encouraged to contact the Student Union office for detailed information.

Office Assistants (OA)

Office Assistants provide essential administrative support critical to the efficient operation of the Campus Center. Responsibilities include performing routine clerical tasks such as copying, filing, mail distribution, telephone reception, visitor assistance, and errand execution. Additionally, OAs undertake data entry related to website updates, event scheduling, and record management in established systems. Candidates must demonstrate strong computer proficiency, exceptional communication skills, reliability, and the capacity to work collaboratively within a team environment. Work hours correspond with standard administrative office schedules.

Information Center Assistants (ICA)

Information Center Assistants serve as the primary point of contact for students, faculty, staff, and visitors to the Campus Center. This role entails staffing the Information Desk during operational hours, including extended hours during special events, providing directions, disseminating information on university programs and community resources, manage printed materials, and facilitate ticket sales and event registrations. ICAs also coordinate communication via telephone and radio systems with campus personnel. Ideal candidates exhibit superior interpersonal and customer service skills, strong cash-handling ability, comprehensive knowledge of campus operations, and the capacity to maintain professionalism independently or in high-traffic situations.

Event Setup Assistants (ESA)

Event Setup Assistants are integral to the logistical preparation and execution of events hosted within the Campus Center. Duties include room set-up and turnover, light custodial tasks, production and placement of signage, and general event support. ESAs collaborate closely with Assistant Building Managers and professional staff to ensure seamless event operations. Candidates must possess the physical ability to lift and maneuver objects weighing 30 to 40 pounds and maintain a flexible schedule, including availability during evenings, weekends, and mornings. Technical aptitude or a willingness to learn events technology and equipment operation is required.

Assistant Building Managers (ABM)

Assistant Building Managers provide supervisory oversight during Campus Center operating hours, including responsibility for opening and closing procedures, student staff supervision, enforcement of safety and security policies, and incident management in accordance with established protocols. ABMs exemplify professionalism, leadership, and effective communication while collaborating with professional staff to maintain facility operations and support event execution. Promotion to this position requires successful completion of the ABM Trainee program for a minimum of one semester. Candidates must maintain a flexible schedule, including availability during mornings, nights, and weekends. Physical requirements include the ability to lift up to 40 pounds.

General Information

1. What is the purpose of the WSSU Student Centers?
   The Student Centers provide inclusive spaces that promote student success, engagement, leadership development, and community building on campus.
2. Which buildings make up the Student Centers?

• Thompson Center: Houses administrative and student services such as Admissions, Financial Aid, and Dining.
• DJR Student Activities Center: Features the Gameroom, lounges, event spaces, food court, and fitness areas.

3. What are the operating hours for the Student Centers?

• Thompson Center:
  Monday–Friday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  Saturday–Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• DJR Center:
  Monday–Friday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  Saturday–Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Student Employment

4. Are there job opportunities available in the Student Centers?
   Yes. Student employment offers valuable leadership and professional experience. Positions include:
   1. Office Assistant (OA): Administrative support
   2. Information Center Assistant (ICA): Front desk and campus navigation assistance
   3. Event Setup Assistant (ESA): Event setup and light custodial duties
   4. Assistant Building Manager (ABM): Facility oversight and staff leadership

5. How do I apply for a Student Centers job?
   Contact the Office of Student Centers for current openings and application details:
   (336) 750-3380 | studentcenters@wssu.edu

Space Reservations & Events

6. How can I reserve space in the Student Centers?
   Submit your reservation request through the 25Live Scheduling System using your WSSU login credentials.
7. Who is eligible to reserve space?
   WSSU students, faculty, staff, and departments can reserve space. External organizations require approval via the University Conference and Institute Office.
8. What types of spaces are available for reservation?
   Available spaces include ballrooms, conference rooms, lounges, and multipurpose rooms in both Thompson and DJR Centers.
9. What is the reservation policy?
   1. Requests must be submitted at least 5 business days in advance.
   2. Include all setup, technology, and service needs with your request.
   3. Same-day or walk-in reservations are not permitted.
   4. Reservations must adhere to university policies on noise, capacity, safety, and conduct.

10. Can I host events after hours?
    Yes, but only with advance approval and arrangements for staffing and security.
11. Who can assist with space reservations?
    The Office of Student Centers in Thompson Center, Suite G-05 is available to assist:
    (336) 750-3380 | studentcenters@wssu.edu 
12. What are the guidelines for external organizations reserving space?
    External groups must:
    1. Contact the University Conference and Institute Office to start the request process.
    2. Provide a Certificate of Insurance and sign a facility use agreement.
    3. Pay applicable rental, setup, staffing, and custodial fees.
    4. Follow all university event and conduct policies.
       Note: Priority is given to university-affiliated events, especially during peak times.

Gameroom

13. Where is the Gameroom located?
    On the 2nd floor of the DJR Student Activities Center.
14. What facilities and games are available in the Gameroom?
    Billiards, table tennis, video game consoles (Xbox, PlayStation, Switch), board games, TVs, and lounge seating.
15. Who can access the Gameroom?
    WSSU students, faculty, and staff with a valid RAMCard.
16. Is there a fee to use the Gameroom?
    No. Access is included in student fees. A RAMCard is required to check out gaming equipment.
17. What are the Gameroom hours?
    Hours vary each semester; please check posted schedules or the Student Centers website for current times.
18. Are there events hosted in the Gameroom?
    Yes, including game nights, tournaments, and themed events. Follow WSSU Engage and Student Centers on social media for updates.
19. Can I reserve the Gameroom for private events?
    Yes, limited reservations are available through 25Live, subject to approval and availability.

Vehicle Usage

20. Who is eligible to reserve Student Centers vehicles?
    WSSU faculty, staff, and student workers who have completed van training and are approved through Risk Management.
21. How do I become an approved driver?
    Complete required training, submit driving records, and be added to the university’s Approved Drivers List.
22. What vehicles are available?
    1. 15-passenger van
    2. Pickup truck

23. Where are the vehicles located?
    Vehicles are parked behind the Thompson Center in designated Student Centers parking areas.
24. What are the rental fees?
    1. Van: $200 per day, plus $0.85 per mile over 50 miles
    2. Pickup truck: $100 per day, plus $0.85 per mile over 50 miles

25. How do I check out vehicle keys?
    Keys are available for pickup from Suite G-05 one day prior to use and must be returned within 12 hours after the trip.
26. What should I do in case of an accident?
    Report immediately to the Director of Student Centers and complete the accident form included in the key packet.
27. Can minors be transported in Student Centers vehicles?
    No. University policy prohibits transporting minors in Student Centers vehicles.

Forms

• Student Worker (Pre-Work) Self Evaluation Form (Students Worker)
• Students Centers - Semi Annual Self Evaluation (Students Worker)
• Students Centers- Annual Self Evaluation (Student Worker)
• Student Centers Pre- Annual Evaluation Form (Supervisor)
• Student Centers Annual Evaluation Form (Supervisor)
• Student Centers – Staff Survey Form

Files

Student Centers Inventory Pricing