The Student Union serves as the community center of campus, a central gathering space for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and guests. Complementing the academic experience, the Student Union is committed to student development and learning, civic engagement and discourse, multiculturalism, healthy living, and sustainability.
Located on the site of the former Carolyn P. Brown Memorial University Center, the Student Union is the largest construction project in the history of the University of Tennessee. When completed, it will measure approximately 390,000 square feet, nearly doubling the size of the former University Center.
Phase I was completed in June 2015 and Phase II opens January 2019. Notable features of the project include:
- 50,000 square feet of retail space for the VolShop, VolBooks, and VolTech stores
- Multiple dining options to meet current and future needs, seating approximately 1000
- The Alan and Wendy Wilson Center for Career Development
- A variety of study and small-group gathering spaces
- The campus’s largest ballroom, allowing us to host major events on campus
- An art gallery, recreation area, and executive dining room
- Student organization spaces designed to enhance learning and leadership development opportunities
- A 999-seat performance auditorium, serving as a venue for a variety of student and departmental programs
- Larger and more flexible meeting spaces equipped with state-of-the art equipment