Winston-Salem State University

What does Winston-Salem State University offer in terms of athletics?

The WSSU Rams compete in NCAA Division II athletics as members of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). The university's varsity identity is distinct from informal recreation: participation on a varsity roster involves team selection and athletic eligibility rules.

Sports associated with WSSU athletics include football, basketball, cross-country, track and field, softball and volleyball. Students interested in playing should consult the current team roster and recruiting information, because offerings and roster openings can change. Students who want exercise or less formal competition can look instead at campus recreation and any intramural activities offered in a given term; those are not the same as NCAA teams.

What student groups and Associations are available at Winston-Salem State University?

WSSU students can participate in student government and organizations connected to academic interests, culture, service, faith and the arts. Fraternities and sororities provide another form of involvement for students who meet their membership requirements.

Creative outlets include student media and performing groups: WSSU reports a student newspaper, radio and television activities, theater, choral groups and a marching band. An organization's listing does not necessarily mean it is recruiting or meeting in a particular semester. The current student-organization directory and campus activities staff are the best sources for active groups, recognition rules and event schedules.

Who studies at Winston-Salem State University?

WSSU enrolled about 4,782 students in IPEDS 2024-25 reporting. It is a historically Black university, and reported enrollment figures show that Black or African American students make up the largest racial group. Its students also include people from other racial and ethnic backgrounds.

About 75% of students were North Carolina residents, while roughly 24% came from other U.S. states. The entering group included 931 first-time undergraduate students and 385 transfer-in undergraduates. Most enrolled students were traditional college age, but the age distribution also included students in their late twenties and older. These figures describe enrollment, not any individual student's interests or experience.

How does student life look like at Winston-Salem State University?

Everyday life at WSSU combines residential and commuter experiences. About half of students reportedly live on campus, so opportunities to meet peers extend beyond residence halls into classes, student activities and shared campus spaces.

WSSU reports a student-to-faculty ratio of 17 to 1, though that institution-wide figure does not predict the size of a particular lecture, laboratory or clinical group. Students also have access to a campus health clinic and personal or psychological counseling. Orientation, academic advising and scheduled activities can be especially useful for new students finding their way around university requirements; commuters may need to plan deliberately for events held outside class hours.

What libraries are available to students at Winston-Salem State University?

C.G. O'Kelly Library is WSSU's main library and a central place for research, course materials and individual or group study. Students can use library staff and online research tools to locate scholarly sources rather than relying only on general web searches.

Reported library services include reservable study rooms. Students should check current hours before planning late-night work: the library is not reported to maintain a study area open 24 hours a day throughout the week. For substantial research projects, students should ask the library about database access, research consultations and ways to obtain materials that are not held locally.