It has been five years since the grand opening of the state-of-the-art, multi-million-dollar University Student Center at Stanislaus State’s campus in Turlock, and many campus community members still feel like it’s a hidden treasure.
“What many people don't realize is that this place isn’t just for enrolled students and the staff here,” said Josh Edrington, facility services manager of the Student Center. “Whether it’s people needing a space to meet for work or for parties and things like that, the community can take advantage.”
The construction of the $62 million and 75,000 square foot Student Center began in 2018 and officially opened at the start of the spring 2020 semester. Inside are a handful of rooms of different sizes, as well as a wide range of amenities that community members and organizations can rent out for commercial and private events. In recent years, the facility has played host to business conferences, career fairs and meetings, though they have the capability of hosting weddings, quinceaneras and other types of parties.
“We definitely want people from Turlock and the surrounding communities to know about what we offer, because they may not know this place is here and that all these things are possible here,” Edrington said.
There are a number of conference rooms on each of the two stories of the facility, with a combined six conference rooms that can be rented out for $50 an hour. There are also spaces like the Warrior Grill, Warrior Walkway, Warrior Steps and the surrounding outdoor areas that can be reserved for $100 to $200. Those using space in or around the building can also rent out equipment such as stages, lights, backdrops, table linens and even a dance floor. Tables and chairs are available free of charge.
“It really just depends what type of event you’re hosting and what space you want,” said Lyzz Guzman, the Student Center’s facility and event services supervisor. “The amount of people that can fit in each space all depends on what type of event it is and how the layout is and things like that.
“And obviously, some of the equipment, whether it be the uplights, won’t work in some outdoor areas. So it really just depends on the space and how people want to use it, but it’s all something we help figure out and organize.”
When classes are in session, as they are now, students and community members can walk into the Student Center to browse and take advantage of the services, such as the eating options and studying areas. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday.
“Definitely, people can take a look at this place for themselves,” Edrington said.
Following its 2020 grand opening, the Student Center was only in full use for about three months as the university slowly moved classes and activities online amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which may have prevented many people not on campus from learning about it or using its services.
“It took a while for more classes to return to in-person learning and for students to find their ways back to campus, so it’s really great to see more people come in and use this facility that is so large and unique and beautiful,” Edrington said. “And we definitely want to have the community involved, as well, and help build that connection between the university and Turlock and the surrounding cities.”
The University Student Center website for facility and event services is www.csustan.edu/sc/student-center-building. Video, photos, square footage and pricing for all spaces, equipment and other services can be found there. Those interested can also reach out by emailing screservations@csustan.edu or by calling (209) 667-3871.
