Oglesby Student Union

The Florida State Student Union is a hub for student life on campus.  Even in 1946 when Florida State University was the Florida State College for Women, students enjoyed the socialization the Union brought to their college experience.  In 1968, the Union moved to its current location on the north central side of campus on Woodward Avenue and Tennessee Street.  In 1988, the Union went through a facelift giving students more opportunities to enrich their academic and social life.

The Roscoe R. Oglesby Union Complex is named for Dean Ross Oglesby, who was a FSU professor of Government for 19 years and concurrently served for 10 years as Dean of Students. The purpose of the Union is simple; it is here to help enhance a student’s college experience by offering them opportunities both socially and academically.

The Oglesby Student Union is home to approximately 500 student organizations that range from the Catholic Student Union, to Sororities and Fraternities, and even a surf club.  The Student Activities Center, home to many of these organizations, is located on the third floor of the Oglesby Union, where it gives students the option to join an organization or create their own.  Students will want to become acquainted with this center because it provides them with a chance to learn and allow for their leadership skills to enhance. Market Wednesdays are a great way for students to learn more about different student organizations on campus.  Every Wednesday, student groups set up a table in the Union and pass out flyers about their organization and offer students a chance to join.

Another area that students can enjoy being a part of is Union Productions. This student programming board helps and plans activities throughout the year. Between concerts, daytime events, comedy shows – there are so many ways your student can get involved and be a part of campus nightlife. Most performances that Union Productions plans are located at the on-campus club, Club Downunder. Club Downunder is free for FSU students, as long as they have their FSUcard. A calendar of performances is located at Union Productions site.

Union Productions plays a vital role in planning for one of the most anticipated events, Homecoming. Students look forward to the friendly student organization competition that takes place the entire week of Homecoming. Different organizations ranging from University Housing, Black Student Union and Greek Life are all participants in this action packed week. The week kicks off with different student activities such as picnics, skit nights which provides an opportunity for student organizations to come together to perform a skit related to the theme, service day, and the most anticipated event, Pow Wow. Last year, Saturday Night Live star, Jimmy Fallon, performed in the Tallahassee Civic Center in front of thousands of Seminole fans. Students love participating in Homecoming because it brings so many different organizations together. For more information about Homecoming week, please visit the Homecoming page.

Seminole Sensation Week is one of the many activities that Union Productions plans. This year, Seminole Sensation Week will be August 19-August 23, 2009. Throughout the week, there will be different activities for students to partake in.  Some events offered in the past have been movies, picnics, carnivals, and concerts. Most of these events are free with an FSUcard. The purpose of this is week is to give students a chance to learn more about campus life and involvement and welcome new students to FSU as well as welcoming back returning students. Students will learn more about Seminole Sensation Week during Orientation and can find the complete schedule at the Seminole Sensation Week site.

Not only does the Union house organizations such as Union Productions and Homecoming, but it also offers classes that students can take recreationally. The Art Center and Crenshaw Lanes are two places in the Union that student can go and enjoy. The Art Center offers different classes ranging from wheel throwing, to photography and beginning jewelry making. Learn more about the Art Center.

The on-campus twelve bowling lane facility offers students an opportunity to bowl recreationally or competitively. In addition, not only does Crenshaw Lanes house the bowling lanes but it also has billiard tables. There are eight full sized billiard tables, which students can use throughout the week and weekend. Students can participate in both billiard and bowling tournaments, throughout the year through Crenshaw Lanes.

The Union offers students more than just an opportunity to get involved and see great entertainment at Club Downunder, but also a way to stay productive during their day. A computer lab is a great asset for students to have because it will ensure active participation in their academic endeavors. The lab is located in the Union on the second floor near the ballrooms and is accessible with a student’s FSUcard. For more information about the computer lab, please visit User Services.

Between the Student Activity Center, Union Productions, the Art and Bowling centers – the Union is a place where students want to get involved.  It gives them a chance to see how they can grow as not only leaders, but also as independent men and women. Please encourage students to visit the Oglesby Student Union so that they can find their niche!