Case Study: Western Oregon University advances inclusive student services with Gensler's Student Success Center

Western Oregon University improves student services with Gensler through a 5-service Student Success Center

Western Oregon University partnered with the architecture firm Gensler to address its strategic goal of improving student services, particularly for students from underserved populations. The challenge was to create a new Student Success Center that would consolidate five essential support services into a single, centrally located, and highly accessible building.

Gensler designed the facility with a comprehensive focus on inclusive design, addressing the needs of diverse groups including those with disabilities. The solution featured a centralized two-story student hub with accessible entries and intuitive wayfinding. Each program suite was given a unique "front porch" entry facing the hub. Gensler will assess the impact of these inclusive design measures through a post-occupancy evaluation to identify where they have made the most significant difference for users.

Western Oregon University