Memorial Union Reinvestment

Design Process

The Wisconsin Union’s rich history is rooted in engagement, interaction and community-building echoing the spirit of the Wisconsin Idea. The Union does this on a daily basis through its programs, services and facilities. This core mission, to build community on campus through engagement, was used throughout the design process for the new Union South and Memorial Union Reinvestment.

Because the Union is committed to student leadership and shared governance, the major decisions, ideas and designs reflect the will of the students. UW faculty, alumni and staff also played an important role in the collaborative process.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By the numbers…

40 Workshops Workshops included Union staff, students and Design Committee members

  • 6 Programming Workshops
  • 8 Schematic Design Workshops
  • 17 Design Development Workshops
  • 4 Construction Document Workshop
  • 5 Interiors Charrette

30 Design Committee Meetings Design Committee, which is comprised of a student majority, holds public meetings with designated open forum time

26 Campus and Community Input Sessions and Open Forums

  • 2 Student Input Sessions
  • 2 Union Member, Faculty and Staff Input Sessions
  • 4 Town Hall Meetings
  • 3 Hoofer Open Forums
  • 1 Sailing Club Open Forum
  • 2 Community Open Forums
  • 2 Environmental Impact Assessment Public Meetings
  • 1 Student Leader Open Forum
  • 2 Theater Open Forums
  • 1 Union Student Employee Open Forum
  • 5 Union Staff Open Forums
  • 1 Finishes Open Forum

4 Campus and Community Surveys

  • 11,000 Respondents
  • Respondents included Students, Faculty and Staff, Union Members

13 Benchmarking Trips Benchmarking trip attendees includes Union staff and UW students

  • Rowing and Sailing Centers
  • Theater and Performing Arts Centers
  • Parks and Festival Grounds

1 ASM Referendum

  • 4,703 student voters weighed in on previous designs for Sunset Lounge

7 Unique Programs

  • Tabling and free study snacks during Finals Week
  • Friday Drop-In Lunches
  • Campus Tabling
  • Tuesday Group Meetings
  • Rockapella Event
  • Friday After Class Event
  • Tabling at MU & US Bash

To date, over 17,000 people have been involved in the Memorial Union Reinvestment design process.