About Sykes Student Union and Activities
Sykes Student Union and Activities creates vibrant campus community through excellent programs and services.
Sykes Student Union is the center of community life on the campus of West Chester University. In support of the educational mission of the University, Sykes encourages and provides an environment where everyone on campus can gather to participate and learn through diversity and co-curricular experiences. Sykes provides services, conveniences, and facilities designed to support the needs of West Chester University and the community. The Union further strives to maintain a balance of recreational, social, educational and cultural programs and activities. Sykes Student Union promotes the development of the whole student by enhancing the classroom experience through experiential learning opportunities. This development is often accomplished through leadership opportunities, participatory decision-making, and empowerment connected with the operation of the facility. Constructed in 1975 and renovated in 1995 and 2017, Sykes Student Union features approximately 105,000 square feet of building space designed for all members of the campus community to come together for a variety of events.
Sykes was named after Dr. Earl Francis Sykes (1902-1977). Dr. Sykes was a teacher and university administrator from Kansas who served as president of West Chester State College (now West Chester University of Pennsylvania) from 1961-1969.