The SEC hosts an open-house festival to give students a chance to see what’s in the building

Proceeding down the main spiral staircase, Mechanical Engineering student, David Ntuli’s eyes are examining the unique ceiling of the Student Experience Center.

“I’ve been surprised by a lot of the architecture here.” Ntuli explained, “ I know this is Oregon State, but I keep telling people it feels like Oxford because of it’s stately and regal appearance.”

The Student Experience Center’s hallways were filled with students, like Ntuli, as it hosted the SEC Festival this Thursday afternoon. OSU students both new and old enjoyed games, prizes, vendors, and fresh tamales as they learned about the organizations housed in one of OSU’s newest buildings.

“It’s been great, we’ve been getting the chance to interact with many different kinds of students, mostly incoming freshmen…and all of the involvement opportunities we offer here.” said  Rae Madison, Coordinator of Wellness Affairs, regarding the festival turn out.

Completed in 2015, the SEC is a building of sustainable technology, design innovation, and houses over 28 organizations and student initiatives prioritizing student success. At the time of the SEC’s conception almost 10 years ago, visionaries Michael Olsen and Jamie Colbert, then ASOSU President and Memorial Union President, saw the need for a common gathering place that was dedicated to student success.

One of the departments of the SEC, Associated Students of Oregon State University (ASOSU), strives to be the be the voice of the student body through collaborating branches of student government.

As campus and student safety take a high priority in the student government platform this year, the SEC Festival is an opportunity for branch representatives to share the amenities housed under ASOSU.  

Beyond offering free student services like Safe Ride, a more recent accomplishment of the Wellness Affairs division was the legislative passing of the “It’s On Us” sexual violence awareness campaign from student health services to the leadership of the student government, where they plan to further develop the program.

At the time of the SEC’s conception almost 10 years ago, visionaries Michael Olsen and Jamie Colbert, then ASOSU President and Memorial Union President, saw the need for a common gathering place that was dedicated to student success.

Manning the “Truth or Dare Wheel” at the Student Leadership Involvement center located on the first floor, OSU junior and Peer Leadership Consultant with the Student Leadership Involvement team, Sayeeda Sieah, shared the goals of the SEC’s first floor offices.

“We work in the Involvement Lounge, as the starter for when (students) walk into the SEC.” Her passion for student engagement and inclusiveness quickly dispels the notion that the SEC is only a place for those who work in the building.

Acting as guides for students who may not have the clearest direction for their future, they spend one-on-one time exploring the student’s interests to help point them in the right direction. Sieah is looking forward to the upcoming workshops they plan to facilitate that promote student personal and professional leadership growth. These free resources aim to provide students from every major and year the tools to strengthen necessary skills for their time at OSU and beyond.

“This university has accepted me really well,” Ntuli said, denying any new student nervousness, “The environment, the students, the teachers– everyone seems really, really ready to welcome new students.”