In 1940 the “Student Senate of the Student Governing Body” was established at Washington University in St. Louis.  The organization was created to promote a positive relationship between students and faculty and to serve as the official representative body for students.  This early group of student and faculty representatives allocated money to student groups through the “Office of Student Activities” (later called Office of Student Affairs).  In 1968 this system changed to the Student Union, with elected student representatives allocating funding. 

The Office of Student Activities’ focus starting in 1947 was to administer campus-wide programs and support student organizations that received funding from the University budget.  In 1966 this department became the Office of Student Affairs, and was overseen by the Associate Provost for Student Affairs.  In 1966 the Board of Student Affairs was replaced with a University Community Council.  This Council was subsequently replaced in 1971, with the appointment of Executive Vice Chancellor for Campus Affairs, James Laue.  Following a reorganization of the department in 1973 – 1974 and the resignation of the Vice Chancellor, a new “Office of Campus Programming” was created.  In 1977 the department’s name was changed back to the “Office of Student Affairs.”

A major restructuring in 1997 created the Department of Campus Life, which included the Office of Student Activities (OSA), Greek Life, Event Services, Community Services, and aspects of Residential Life, which had previously been handled by different departments.  The Office of Student Activities engages student co-curricular experiences. This is achieved through advising students and student organizations; creating innovative leadership opportunities; and promoting involvement in the campus community.  The Office of Student Activities worked closely with Student Union, the undergraduate student government.  The Assistant Vice Chancellor for Students served as the Director of Campus Life.  As of 2018, the Dean of Students oversees the various functions which are handled by a variety of offices including Campus Life, FIrst Year Center, and more.