As the centerpiece of the Appalachian campus, the Union facilitates the mission of the University by providing opportunities for students, faculty and staff to participate in a variety of programs that enhance learning and foster an appreciation for college life and campus diversity.

The W. H. Plemmons Student Union, established in 1967 and rennovated in 1995, serves as a central hub for student activities at Appalachian State University. The Student Union houses many departments and clubs pertaining to student life.

If you would like more information about Plemmons Student Union, or Appalachian State University, please call our Information Desk at (828) 262-3030. Our helpful and friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

Student Programs

The Plemmons Student Union is a part of the Department of Student Programs. The Department of Student Programs is housed inside the Plemmons Student Union on the second floor.

Greening Committee Results and Future Plans

Completed Initiatives
- Replaced all of the T-12 light bulbs with T-8 light bulbs
- Replaced all electromagnetic ballasts with electronic ballasts
- Compact Fluorescents (common spaces, coffee shops, meeting rooms)
-.5 gpm water aerators in all sink faucets
- Water bottle filling station installed near game room hallway
- State Energy Office energy audit conducted (2005)
- New recycling containers (Legends as well)
- LED exit signs installed
- Dual flush handles installed in women's restrooms, and at Legends
- "These Come from Trees" stickers on bathroom towel dispensers
- New carpet squares installed from greenest available distributor
- Hosted "Focus the Nation" National Global Warming teaching event (Jan. 2008)
- Developed PSU Green logo
- Campus Sustainability bulletin board installed
- Recycling drop off station for cell phones, batteries, etc.
- Information Kiosk on campus Sustainability issues with REI
- Lights removed from vending machines, PR signs installed
- PR signs on water and paper towel conservation installed in all bathrooms

Future Initiatives
- Solar thermal panels to be installed for water heating, summer '08
- Better awareness of bring your own mug/cup for Crossroads/Cascades
- Purchase environmentally friendly cleaning supplies
- Recycling of plastic cups at McAlister's (researching feasibility)
- HVAC automated system-temp set back (researching feasibility)
- Dimmable CFLs in meeting rooms (on order)
- More efficient hand-dryers vs. paper towels (or better paper dispensers)
- Re-use/ exchange area to be established
- Broader "lights out" campaign (just before breaks/holidays, etc.)
- Sustainability workshop for custodial-maintenance staff
- Low flow shower heads in Mt. Mitchell
- Awareness event with filmmaker Jeff Barrie (Kilowatt Ours)
- Develop comprehensive campus resource list of faculty/staff with knowledge on Sustainable issues

The PSU Greening Committee is comprised of many dedicated faculty, students, and staff who have developed these sustainability initiatives. The staff in the PSU has begun to implement these recommendations as funds and time permit. The committee was established in October of 2007 by Dave Robertson, and has been co-chaired by Todd Mortensen and Aaron Bachenheimer.
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Plemmons Student Union Mission Statement

The Plemmons Student Union, supported exclusivley by student fees, is intended primarily to serve the educational, social, and recreational needs of the Students at Appalachian State University. As a centerpiece on the Appalachian campus, the Union is available as a space where ASU students may interact with other students, faculty, and staff in the pursuit of their personal and educational development.

Fulfilling Appalachian's commitment to student development, the Plemmons Student Union offers and hosts a variety of co-curricular programs, services, and employment opportunities aimed at strengthening the intellectual and social atmosphere as well as the character development of ASU's student population.