Mary Wash’s hidden gem: the STARS Center

by HORTENSIA NGANDU

Staff Writer

The Center for Student Transition, Access and Retention Services (STARS) in Lee Hall is one of the most underrated third places on campus. Everyone visits Lee, whether it be for classes, the bookstore or Academic Services, yet STARS remains a hidden gem.

A “third place” is a social place that encourages connection and community among those who frequent it, often separate from the “first place,” home, and the “second place,” work or school.

Many students rely on communal spots such as these to build friendships and foster a sense of belonging among their peers. This is especially true for commuters, who spend limited time on campus, and first-year or transfer students who want to put themselves out there but aren’t sure where to start. 

UMW offers several lounge spaces; however, many of these locations on campus are often underwhelming and fail to meet student needs. For example, while advertised during New Student Welcome, the Off-Campus Student Lounge doesn’t really motivate students to stay or talk to new people.

Busy buildings like the Simpson Library or the Hurley Convergence Center are seen more as study spots, where students are focused on work, not socializing. 

I’ve found that these places don’t encourage amity or connection. Most people there keep to themselves, and the environment is quiet. There are also many dining options, such as Panera and Eagle’s Nest, but they don’t create areas where people stay for long.

Naturally, the STARS center stands out as a dedicated space to spend time with peers outside of a classroom setting. 

Established in fall 2024, STARS was created to support historically underrepresented students attending UMW. 

With the office came their Summer Transition Program (STP)—a free two-week experience for first-year students, created to support their transition to university life.

I participated in STP, and at the end of the program, we were encouraged to stay in touch with the advisors and the other students we met there by visiting the STARS center, with many of us doing so.

Freshman Damaris Olive is a commuter and a former STP student. She regularly spends time in the STARS Center and sees it as a valuable place for people who lack access to residential spaces, such as dorms. 

“It’s really comfortable. And there are people that I’ve already met through the STARS program,” said Olive.

Although STARS is primarily advertised to STP attendees, it’s an open environment in which all students are welcome. 

Junior English major Sarah Moon was an STP counselor last summer and is Team Leader of the STARS Ambassadors, working as an ambassador since the fall of 2024 and is in charge of the study hall on Monday evenings. 

Moon mentioned that people may shy away from the STARS Center, thinking that it’s exclusive to students who participated in the STP program or strictly for underrepresented students. 

“Something that I think the STARS center could improve on is getting people outside of the STARS center to see us and recognize us as a larger center, a larger program,” said Moon.

Inside, students can find snacks, free printing, comfortable seating and most importantly, an atmosphere that encourages conversation and socialization.

Abbey Wasson, a freshman biology major, discovered the STARS Center during her second semester at UMW. Even though she is a residential student outside of STP, she appreciates the approach of the STARS lounge area.

“It felt like I was in my living room,” said Wasson.

The space is often decorated to match the time of year. Colorful leaves in the fall, a holiday crafting layout with Christmas-themed paintings in the winter and flower cutouts in the spring all give the room the personality many campus lounges lack.

To further meet the needs of students, STARS has designated study hall hours on Monday and Tuesday evenings. The study hall is run by student ambassadors and gives students a quiet environment to focus and do their work. 

“My favorite thing in the world is when I’m sitting at the front desk, and I hear everybody laughing and talking in the couch area, especially when it’s different classes mingling with one another,” Moon said. “I think that’s kind of what makes STARS a true family.”

Regular visitors enrich the community, and events are hosted throughout the semester. Whether it’s a craft event, movie night or a holiday celebration, the events meet the interests of the students who use the space and further encourage socialization. 

I’ve spent a lot of time in the STARS center, attending events, watching movies, studying or just hanging out with friends. As a commuter, it’s one of my favorite places on campus and is somewhere I always look forward to going to.

Among the places on campus, STARS is the ideal third place. It’s underutilized by a lot of students outside of STP who could greatly benefit from what it offers.