From across the quad, the University Student Union (USU) table was the center of attention.  Students gathered around the table, engaged in what was being said.
As one group of students thinned out, more seemed to be drawn to the table like the light at the end of a tunnel. Just watching the student interaction with the USU made others go and see what they had to offer.
“I was trying to get involved with them, absolutely,” Anna Talbot (junior, Accounting) said. “They are a great club.”
The USU hosted their open house right outside the University Union door, as they have done consistently on the last Monday of every month.
The intent was to grab the attention of the less involved students that might not usually go into the quad to see what is going on. The aim is to spark student interest.
Members of the USU Board of Directors manned the table. The USU  members wanted students to know who and what the Board of Directors are.
This is the USU’s way of familiarizing students with the Board and how they are here for our benefit. To demonstrate this, the Board of Directors set out a poster so students could write their favorite aspect of the USU.
“It can either be like a service, program, or facility inside the building,” Emily Benefield, University Board of Directors chair, said.
“Everyone is writing their favorite thing so we can display it inside of the building so that people kind of get a feel for what their favorite part is.”
In addition to giving students efficacy, you can always count on the USU to be giving something away for free.
After each student wrote on the poster, they had a chance to spin the wheel and win one of the offered prizes.
Seeing as the USU has a sense of humor, some of the prizes were unconventional.
Among the listed prizes were “hand hug,” “smile,” “joke,” “spin again” and “maybe next time.”
The USU provided freebies including shirts, coffee mugs and backpacks. etc. with the phrase “It’s all about U” on them in an attempt to brand themselves. They want to get students used to seeing the “U.” Ultimately, they want students to associate “U” with the USU.
The USU has and will continue to give out “It’s all about U” buttons throughout the semester.
These buttons can win students special prizes only offered to those who are wearing them.
All last week, the USU button allowed students to enjoy privileges on certain days. These were privileges like playing for free in the Game Room and free printing in the University Union building.
On random days, the Board of Directors will go out and look for students who are wearing the buttons and ask them trivia questions about the USU. Correct answers will be awarded with a special prize.
They want to reward students for representing the USU and knowing something about them, which is their ultimate goal.
“I always see [the USU] out here,” Talbot said. “Yeah, they give away free stuff, but that’s not the only reason people like them. They do a lot for our campus and they’re always putting on events. They have the Game Room and they have their office inside [the University Union building].”
Essentially, the USU wants to create an environment where students can be themselves and use whatever services and programs they need to be successful – whether inside or outside of the classroom.
There is a USU computer lounge and service desk located in the University Union building.
At the service desk you can order specially made balloons, buy stamps, get your student I.D. and so much more.
“I think they are trying to draw [students] together,” Talbot said. “And they do a lot for us.”
For more information about the USU, including a full calendar of events, visit csustan.edu/asi-usu.