When someone thinks of Arizona State University, they often think of the Tempe Campus and a large…read moreschool experience. What they may not realize is that while that experience is great for many people, yet others may be looking for a different experience. The ASU West Valley Campus is much smaller than the Tempe Campus yet it's a community where every student has the potential to feel connected with resources and to know many students, staff, and faculty by name just as many faculty and staff can really get to know their students well. It's growing at a fast pace and has transferred over the last decade from a commuter campus to a residential campus with more than 1100 bed spaces in two residence halls and one on-campus apartment complex.
The ASU West Valley Campus just turned 40 years old, and in my opinion, it is the most beautiful campus of the many ASU campuses as it includes fountains, gardens, artwork, and so much more. In fact, I've heard before that it was designed in the image of Oxford. It attracts not only students from other campus who choose to take classes at the West Valley Campus but community members to come onto campus for the many special events that are open to the community. Recently, the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences spearheaded a wonderful event open to students, staff, faculty, and community members called the Winter Wonderland, bringing a winter festival experience to the ASU West Valley Campus as more than 1500 people attended.
As the campus continues to grow and expand as a part of the West Valley Forward initiative, the number of buildings on campus continue to increase. In addition to academic buildings like SANDS and CLCC, a new building will open soon. There is a University Center (UCB) with many ASU student services represented inside along with the Barrett (Honors College) office, the Sun Devil Campus Store, a Multicultural Communities of Excellence space, Cafe West, offices for student organizations such as the Undergraduate Student Government (USG) and the Programming and Activities Board (PAB), an art space, various other spaces available to reserve both large and small, a future student space, and more. There is the Fletcher Library with its own Starbucks, the three residential communities, Changemaker Central, a marketplace with Jamba Juice, an academic building with faculty offices (FAB), an ASU Police station, facilities offices, a lecture building, the Kiva Auditorium, the Herberger Youth Scholars Academy building, a thriving field space, and a beautiful three-story Sun Devil Fitness Center. Needless to say, there is something for everyone on the ASU West Valley Campus.
At the West Valley Campus, every student can drive their own experience as they engage in the events and resources on-campus while attending classes, getting an on-campus job, landing an internship or full-time job, joining clubs and organizations, attending many free events and activities, and so much more. The Dean of Students Office and the many student services offices at ASU West Valley are always there for students, and it's easy to find your way towards graduation and your future when taking advantage of these resources.
I look forward to seeing the continued growth on this beautiful campus in the coming years!
