Student Union Set To Open

Media
Sep 17
3 min read

Southwestern College’s Chula Vista campus is buzzing with anticipation as its brand-new Student Union is preparing to open.

This vibrant hub, designed for students, staff, faculty, and the community, will be the heart of campus life—where connections are made, collaboration thrives, and every corner offers space to study, relax, or celebrate.

The Union officially opens with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 18, from 12 to 1:30 p.m., offering the public a first look at the thoughtfully designed space.

“The new Student Union was envisioned as the heart of campus—a vibrant hub where students can gather, connect, and belong. Its design was shaped through a deeply participatory process that included 15 workshops, nine interviews, three tours, and a campus-wide forum, ensuring students, faculty, and staff influenced every decision. Recognizing the commuter nature of our student body, the Union emphasizes wellness, access, and equity. The space blends small, intimate areas with larger, flexible environments that support quiet study, casual dining, and formal events. Wellness, comfort, and connectivity were guiding principles, with Chula Vista’s climate woven into the design through terraces and patios that link indoor and outdoor experiences. Ultimately, the Union was inspired by the goal of fostering community, belonging, and meaningful interaction—before, in between, and after classes.”—Rachel Fischer, M.Ed., Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Student Affairs

Students will find “hidden gems” throughout the Union: the Learning Communities Hub, Veterans Garden, multi-use lawn, roof deck, and recreation areas. The food hall offers diverse dining options, and the material palette—natural, crafted, colorful, and bright—creates a welcoming atmosphere. Specialized resources include the Associated Student Organization, SWC Cares Hub, Culinary Arts, Health & Personal Wellness programs, and the Veterans Resource Center, along with a meditation room and wellness workshop space.

Flexible spaces encourage collaboration among students, faculty, and staff, with open commons, collaborative zones on both floors, dining areas, and outdoor patios for informal interactions.

“We’re excited to host a wide range of activities—from quiet study sessions and casual dining to formal events, workshops, and student organization meetings. The ballroom and second-floor roof deck are ideal for campus celebrations, community gatherings, wellness activities, and social events."—Rachel Fischer, M.Ed., Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Student Affairs

Alumni and the local community are invited to participate through forums, events, and collaborative programs.

Students helped shape the design and programming. “The Associated Student Organization and other student groups provided input throughout, helping to shape both the design and the programming to ensure the facility meets real student needs.

The participatory process was central: students, faculty, and staff were involved in workshops, interviews, and forums, directly influencing the building’s layout, amenities, and programming priorities,” Fischer said.

Technology and sustainability are integrated throughout. Smart-classroom systems, digital collaboration spaces, interactive displays, contactless dining, and loaner laptops ensure equitable access. Sustainability features include daylighting, natural ventilation, green roofs, bi-facial photovoltaic panels, acoustic baffles with integrated lighting, and durable, environmentally responsible materials.

“The Student Union was organized on the site to minimize heat gain while maximizing daylight to reduce energy consumption. Large south-facing glass with built-in light shelves block direct sun and draw light deeper into the space. A large fan pulls air up and out of the clerestory windows, passively cooling the main student space. A green roof provides biophilic design, allowing more outdoor space for student interaction. Above the green roof is a bi-facial PV canopy adding shade, celebrating sustainability, and offsetting energy loads through on-site generation. The material selection emphasizes durability and environmental responsibility, with exposed concrete and native plantings in dry swales. Domestic solar water tubes are used on the roof to provide hot water.”—Rachel Fischer, M.Ed., Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Student Affairs

A highlight is the open commons at the heart of the building. “I love the open commons where natural light, vibrant colors, and flexible seating create a welcoming space for everyone. It’s a place where campus life truly comes together—there’s a space for every mood and need,” Fischer said. “The Union also centralizes Personal Wellness, Health Services, and SWC Cares’ Basic Needs, reducing stigma and making access to services like the food pantry, clothing closet, and state-supported programs easier.”

The college is planning dedicated cultural and identity spaces, including a Dreamer Center, Pride Center, Men of Color hub, and Native American Center. “Our students have voiced how important it is to see their identities reflected on campus. These spaces will provide a sense of belonging and serve as safe, supportive areas where students can access resources, build community, and find mentorship,” Fischer said.

For more information about the new Student Union and upcoming events, visit Southwestern College’s website.