Guilford College’s Office of Student Leadership and Engagement, or OSLE, has officially relocated to the first floor of King Hall, a move that aims to enhance student engagement and create a more accessible community space. The transition has sparked discussion among students and staff about its potential impact on campus life. The shift also aligns with the college’s broader goal of improving student experiences by offering a more open, inviting environment.
Terra Roane, director of OSLE and assistant dean of students, emphasized that the need for more student gathering spaces drove the move.
“There just weren’t enough places for students to gather in Founders,” Roane said. The previous space was limited, with few areas to promote student interaction.
“Being here has been phenomenal. The new space, conference room and private offices make a significant difference, and I now see a whole other set of students I never had access to before,” she added. The expanded space allows OSLE to cater to various student needs, offering more opportunities to connect.
Student leaders have expressed optimism about the change. Student body treasurer Naderm Nasereddin, a sophomore double majoring in business and computer science, believes the move will strengthen student engagement as well as increase retention rates for the school.
The new space creates an inviting atmosphere for both structured and casual gatherings, an aspect that Nasereddin emphasized in his approval for the location switch.
“Who doesn’t want a space to play games, hang out with friends or relax on bean bags and couches with movies playing?” he explained. Nasereddin believes this setup encourages students to form deeper connections, whether through social activities or leadership initiatives.
Jahmarley Vivens, a junior business major, echoed these sentiments while acknowledging past concerns about OSLE’s accessibility.
“OSLE has been a key place for interaction and community building,” Vivens said. Many students previously felt apprehensive to enter due to the space’s isolated feel.
“In the past, people were hesitant to come in because they felt it was a closed-off space,” he explained. With the new location, he believes the space has become more welcoming. “They moved to the best location possible,” he added.
The move is not only about physical space but also about improving the accessibility and visibility of OSLE’s services. To ensure students are aware of the relocation, OSLE has been actively sharing updates on its social media platforms, such as YouTube and Instagram. A formal announcement is expected later this semester, according to Roane, ensuring all students are kept in the loop.
Roane believes the move has positively impacted OSLE by providing more collaboration space and fostering community. “It’s really becoming about community,” she said. The new location offers opportunities for programming that can engage students in new ways, both academically and socially.
With added amenities like computers and couches, Roane hopes more students will take advantage of the space. “I’m hoping we can have a reception to launch it and let students know that this area is for everyone, no matter their background,” she explained.
With its new location in King Hall, OSLE aims to continue fostering student leadership, engagement and community building, aligning with the college’s commitment to providing students with accessible and inclusive spaces.
