Designed primarily for use by students, a student union serves as the center of students’ social and organizational activities. Student unions generally have expansive lounges and numerous booths and nooks to encourage discussion, collaboration, and study. Student Unions often also house restaurants and coffee shops that serve as gathering places to attract students, as well as a large space for conferences, events, and gatherings, and offices for student government and organizations. (The UIS Student Union will have all of the above attributes.)

A Student Union brings students together for activities and opportunities that build a closer, more familiar student body. At a Student Union, students gain a sense of belonging and become more deeply engaged in the campus community: it’s a place to see and be seen and a place where students can become known by sight first and then by name.

50,000 square feet. It includes a large main floor, an intermediate tier, and an upper floor.

Student fees, together with other funds, will provide about $13.75 million for the project. The other $8 million will come from fundraising.