What’s in a “modern” student union?

During my time at Ole Miss, the only thing I have lacked as an undergraduate student, graduate student, and staff member is a quality student union. With the construction/renovation of student union facilities at in-state schools such as Southern Miss and Mississippi State, I cannot help but admit that my jealousy has sunk in. In comparison to other schools in the SEC, we are the only school lacking an actual Union Director to lead the operation of the Student Union. Student Unions are a vital part to the mission of universities. They should assist the learning mission of the university with the social mission of developing students. Without a quality student union, students lack the “attractive” meeting space to bond together. For example, at Ole Miss, our 1970s-style student union features many trends that were popular during that time. Many of the characteristics of the union can be compared to those of the Law School and Turner Center. The first thoughts that come to my mind are tons of concrete, not much room for traffic, and obsolete windows. In terms of interior characteristics of the Student Union, we are lacking proper meeting spaces, an actual ballroom facility, area for student organizations, theatre/auditorium space, other retail services, and quality recreational areas.

In an article from The Bulletin, a publication from American College Unions International (ACUI), the authors highlight the necessary areas for student unions as well as common trends and benchmarking data. They list thirteen components that are necessary for “current” student unions. The list is as follows:
- Food Service
- Bookstore Facilities
- Ballroom Facilities
- Student Organizations
- Administrative Offices
- Conference/Meeting Rooms
- Theater/Auditorium Space
- Additional Retail Services
- Recreation/Entertainment
- Lounge Space
- Special/Miscellaneous Components
- Academic-Related and Student Services
- Multicultural Centers

The article explains three overarching trends when taking each of these areas into consideration. One being, program components are being built to accommodate flexibility and variety. It is important for unions to keep up with the fast pace of our world (in terms of technology) as well as the diversity within it. Another theme, these particular program components are increasingly catering to specific student feedback and trends. One thing that has been changed slightly at Ole Miss is the use of the bookstore. Due to student feedback, we have a coffee area (Starbucks) as well as a bookstore that is similar to that of something off campus (Campus Bookmart and Rebel Rags, combined). Lastly, the program components my go beyond all expectations and create a student-friendly union. There must be devotion to student organizations within a student union in order for universities to promote leadership development of students. As fast-paced as our world is, the renovation of the Ole Miss Student Union will need to be light-years ahead of the current trends in order to remain both competitive and attractive to students.

http://www.acui.org/publications/bulletin/article.aspx?issue=412&id=1134&terms=trends+in+student+unions