Center offers fun, tranquility in middle of metropolis
Located in the Arizona Center at 455 N. Third St. directly above the AMC Theaters box office, the center serves as the Downtown Phoenix campus official student union. However, not many students know of its existence or use the facility as much as administrators would like.
“The student center is a bit tucked away from the beaten path but once students know how to find us, they are pleasantly surprised at the comfortable surroundings and the variety of amenities we offer,” says Dora Tompkins, coordinator of the student center. “It’s a place where students can have a cup of coffee or tea or hang out with friends in between classes. We are hoping that more students take advantage of these benefits.”
The facility offers several activities and programming for students. The center includes plasma televisions, crafts and board games, Wii, Playstation 3, sound system, pool and tennis tables and a meeting room for various student organizations.
“I like to go there when I want to get away from the dorm or school,” says Jasmine Dean, an 18-year-old freshman who resides at nearby Taylor Place. “It’s very quiet and relaxing and a place where I can study, play pool or watch TV.”
Activities include the popular Spoken Word Coffee House, Craft Corners, Karaoke, Free Movie Fridays, P.O.W.E.R. Leadership Seminars and talent shows. Tompkins said the center will host several events this semester, including a Super Bowl Party, an Oscar night bash, a Murder Mystery Dinner and outings to Phoenix Suns and Arizona Diamondback games. For more information on events on the Downtown Phoenix campus, visit http://asuevents.asu.edu/events.
The center also serves as an informational resource for students, offering tips on off-campus housing, job opportunities, volunteer opportunities, scholarships, internships and how to get involved in student organizations.
Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 7 p.m. on weekends.
To learn more about the ASU Wells Fargo Student Center in the Arizona Center, call (480) 496-0973 or visit http://campus.asu.edu/downtown/student-life.