The anticipated reopening of the Michigan Union is early Winter Semester 2020.
General Renovation
The university retained historical preservation architects in order to verify original architectural detailing. The renovation features several opportunities to return the Union to the way it was when the Pond brothers designed it. Specific details about the renovation's historic preservation can be found on the Re:Union Website.
Students were involved in the planning process from the start. We heard from students about their desire for better utilized space available for all 1500 student organizations. In the current building, 73 student organizations share 40 offices. The new IdeaHub will provide an inclusive model that provides broader access to meet the needs of all student organizations. You can read about the IdeaHub here.
Please visit our ReUnion website for complete details on the renovation.
Yes, many of the building’s mechanical systems will be updated to increase efficiency and better serve the needs of today’s students/guests.
For April 2018 graduates, the Michigan Union sign will be available during Commencement weekend. The sign will not be available for 2019 graduates; however, we will share alternate photo options with graduates in Spring 2019.
The Billiards Room will not return following the renovation.
Students have been integral to the planning process for the Union renovation from the beginning. Representatives from the Michigan Union Board of Representatives (MUBR) and Building a Better Michigan (BBM) as well as many other groups served on strategic planning boards. Student leadership in the project continues to be a key driver in decision making. Please view the video on the Reunion website for more specific information.
Accessibility will be significantly improved in the Union following the renovation. Of note are renovations to the North Entrance. When complete in 2020, visitors will find a more welcoming, open and light-infused entrance. The reconceptualization moves the ramp -- once located on the outer east wall of the entrance with a separate entry door -- to be an integral part of the entry.
Storage/Student Organization Spaces
Following the renovation, the IdeaHub will provide student organization meeting, event spaces, and resources for student organizations. Storage spaces of variable sizes will be available by application. There will not be private office spaces available at the Michigan Union.
Booking Policy/Reserving Rooms
Full details on when and where spaces are available can be found on the UU, Conference and Event Services and CCI websites. Conference and Event Services (CES) is currently relocating displaced large events. Depending on your specific event and space needs, you can visit this Google Doc for some scheduling resources. If you have any additional questions, CES is the point of contact to support student orgs in finding spaces for their events. In addition, please consult the Student Org Event Funding Assistance Program.
Please visit the UU website.
While the Union is closed for renovation and fewer meeting and event spaces are available, we’ve adjusted student booking policies at the Michigan League, Pierpont Commons and Palmer Commons to accommodate student organization needs.
While the Michigan Union is closed, here are other locations for holding a meeting or other type of event. Remember that Conference and Event Services is ready to assist you with your event planning needs.
The Michigan League: 15 meeting rooms
Pierpont Commons: 5 meeting rooms
Palmer Commons: 8 meeting rooms
Rackham: 5 meeting rooms
We’ve also added a resource of all available meeting spaces across campus - the event space guide. If you need help finding accommodations, please talk to us. We are ready and willing to help! conferences@umich.edu, 734-764-2000.
Please mark your calendars that starting in January, 2019, Conference and Event Services will be taking advance reservations for 2020 events in the Michigan Union.
With fewer spaces available, Conference & Event Services can help with finding alternative venues for your events.
The Student Organization Event Funding Assistance Program. helps defray the new expenses that student orgs incur renting meeting rooms. Any registered student organization can apply, as long as they are in good standing and they are planning an event that is similar to one they would’ve hosted in the Michigan Union.
Funds are available for fall and winter semesters, but you must apply between September 4 and December 20, 2018. See more information and an application on the Student Organization Event Funding Assistant Program.
Food/Services/Offices
Visit the Michigan League to experience a new food concept beginning in Fall 2018.
Other Alternative locations for food:
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South Quad Dining
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, diners can use Blue Bucks or credit cards to choose meals from 10 mini-restaurants that serve up everything from sushi to barbeque, to Latin and Mediterranean favorites.
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Student Activities Building – temporary kiosk
Open for morning and afternoon service of drip coffee, sandwiches, salads and bottled and packaged items will be available as to-go options.
* Bert’s Cafe in the Shapiro Library
Closed summer 2018 for renovation. It will reopen by Fall 2018. Food options include specialty coffees, sandwiches, salads and packaged items.
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New kitchen and market concept in the Michigan League
Will open for fall as an entirely new dining concept following an extensive renovation starting April 2018. The new eatery will feature specialty coffee, made-to-order and grab-and-go soups, sandwiches and salads and convenience items and a daily rotation of visiting local vendors.
- Cafe 32 - Coffee, pastries and sandwiches in the Dental School building
- Fields Cafe - Featuring hand crafted food made from fresh, locally and sustainably sourced food and located in Palmer Commons.
Other on-campus options can be found at dining.umich.edu.
Yes, Blue Bucks will be accepted by alternative vendors.
The Michigan Union Ticket Office will relocate to the Michigan League Ground Floor. There will be standing signs to differentiate between the Michigan League Ticket Office and MUTO At the League
Many offices began moving to new locations in January. All offices and services will relocate by May.
A complete list of new locations can be found on this page. Signs will also be posted on the outside fencing during the renovation.
The Michigan Union computing site is now closed for the duration of the renovation. Computer services are available in the Fishbowl in Angel Hall, Hatcher Library and Shapiro Library, which are located right across the street from the Union.
Other
A number of study spots are available across campus. A complete list can be found on Campus Information's website
UMix events will take place at the Michigan League, at Pierpoint and at Palmer. Stay tuned for a complete event schedule.
Download a printable map of Student Life office locations 
