By Tess Miller ’27
Tucked away above the Malott Dining Commons, Scripps College’s Student Union is a hidden gem on campus. It’s a place for students to hold meetings, study in a quiet space, and escape if Malott gets too crowded during lunchtime. While it might go unnoticed by incoming Scripps students, it has a certain magic that deserves to be highlighted.
“The Student Union serves as a community space for all Scripps students,” says Scripps Associated Students (SAS) President, Melina Durre ’25, noting that the area is created by and for the student body. “SAS maintains full autonomy over the space, which allows for student input in terms of décor and event hosting.”
Recently, that space was transformed. SAS Community Building Co-Chairs Sky Caldwell ’26 and Syd Godwin ’26 led the project to redecorate and organize. “They also purchased extra lighting to bring more warmth into the otherwise sterile environment,” Durre says, “and multiple events were hosted to get the student body acquainted with the renovation. SAS Snack was also moved to the Student Union in an effort to get more foot traffic up here.”
Another special aspect of the Student Union is its countless resources. According to Durre, “Scrippsies can read books on a giant bean bag, listen to music on our CD player, play ping pong, access storage lockers, utilize our Roku TV, access our community fridge, the Scripps Free Closet, host meetings for clubs and organizations (CLORGs), and more.”
New resources are always evolving, including the addition of a Nintendo Wii console and wellness vending machine. “The vending machine contains condoms, dental dams, medication for urinary tract infections and yeast infections, pregnancy tests, and fentanyl test strips,” Durre explains.
Ansley Mashuda ’27, a psychology and writing and rhetoric major at Scripps, frequents the Student Union. For her, it’s become a space of constant engagement for club meetings and various events hosted by SAS and other Scripps organizations, “I even attended a talk there last year about feminism and rock ‘n’ roll,” she adds.
At a college, it is important to have spaces for students to feel comfortable to do their work, host events, and hang out with their friends. Scripps’ Student Union achieves it all.
Says Mashuda, “It’s a very inviting space—both for focusing and to be with other people.”
The Student Union is open 24/7 for Scripps students. To reserve a locker or a study space in the Student Union or to learn more, go to the Student Union page on the SAS website.