Many of the services for students originate in the Steele Building. The offices of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, General College, and portions of the College of Arts and Sciences reside in Steele.

Originally a residence hall named after University trustee Walter Steele, the building was completed in 1921 and was the first building to be built on the south quadrangle that is now known as Polk Place.

The basement was converted in 1952 to the Booketeria, for textbooks and other classroom supplies and remained in that use until 1968.