Student Activities

Student Activities provides in collaboration with campus and community members and personnel from other offices services, programs, and opportunities that enrich campus life and make the campus an interesting place for students to live, study, learn, and have fun. Programs and services include: planning student activities in conjunction with student groups, coordination and liaison with ASUPS (student government), program support for student clubs and organizations, and the Diversity Theme Year program.

As a parent, you can contribute to your son’s or daughter’s success in living on campus. Encourage your son or daughter to take time in adjusting to this new environment and explain that learning to cooperate and being compatible is important to success in later life. Should your son or daughter experience problems in making these adjustments, encourage him or her to work with the student residence hall staff and the professionals in the Student Development Office. Should the initial housing assignment not work out, your son or daughter can request changes in accommodation after the first few weeks of the semester. The roommate assignment process is explained to all students during Orientation. The Resident Assistant (RA) or Community Coordinator (CC) of the student’s living area should be contacted if changes are necessary.

At the beginning of the spring semester, students may consider joining one of the campus fraternities or sororities. During Recruitment Week, students are invited to learn more about Greek Life and the programs it offers. Greek living is a residential option that attracts nearly a quarter of the student body and provides a supportive environment for its members. Most Greek chapters require their sophomore members to live in the chapter house. Once a student joins a fraternity or sorority, he or she may not apply to live in independent housing on campus unless the chapter house is full.

Leadership Development coordinates opportunities to develop leadership skills that will intentionally benefit students during their years at Puget Sound and beyond. The Orientation programs offered by the university provide a unique and innovative transition to the university community. The programs are designed to facilitate contact among students and faculty and staff, as well as introduce a variety of upper-level students to serve as mentors and friends. Puget Sound Outdoors facilitates experiential education, plans trips, and provides equipment rentals through The Expeditionary, a student-managed facility.

Wheelock Student Center (WSC) is the hub of life on campus. Every day of the week WSC is busy with activities ranging from afternoon concerts in the Rotunda to espresso breaks in Diversions Café, from club and organization meetings to poetry readings in Club Rendezvous. The Information Center (253.879.3419), located on the first floor of WSC, provides a range of support services, including ticket sales for student-sponsored events such as lectures, concerts, and Norton Clapp Theatre performances. The lower floor of the WSC houses the Bookstore (253.879.3270), KUPS (the student radio station), Mail Services (which includes student mailboxes), Club Rendezvous, and the Pizza Cellar (a student-run hangout and small convenience store, decorated with Puget Sound memorabilia, that is the campus stop for pizza and late-night snacks).

Comfortable seating is available in Marshall Hall, with computer terminal ports in the booths. Computer workstations in the WSC lobby are available to check e-mail messages and to access Web resources. WSC also provides wireless connectivity. WSC houses the Dean of Students Office; offices of the Associate Deans for Student Development and Student Services; ASUPS offices (student government); Dining and Conference Services. It is also home to Student Services including Spirituality, Service, and Social Justice; Counseling, Health, and Wellness Services; Multicultural Student Services; and Off-Campus Student Services.