Designed with three levels and four wings radiating from a central atrium, the concept of the building was described as a "reflection of the diverse intellectual, cultural, and social interests of the Syracuse University community. It will provide the space for students to gather, along with faculty and staff, in an atmosphere conducive to social, leisure, and educational purposes." The atrium was topped by a pyramid-shaped glass roof. Schine Student Center housed offices of many student organizations, small and medium meeting spaces, a bookstore, a dining center, lounges, a box office, and offices of Student Centers and Programming Services.
