The Division of Student Life is investing in two significant spaces which will extend capacity to serve students and advance the campus community. The new East Lawn of the Student Union, facing Philip Fulmer Way, includes a food truck park, terraced outdoor seating and gathering areas, a small band shell, and a firepit. The community and event space will be ideal for student events and create a community-centric atmosphere to one of the main guest entrances of the Student Union, especially on football Saturdays in the fall.
The second space enhancement is focused on activating the North Plaza which faces Cumberland Avenue. Opening fall 2026, the renovated space includes redesigned entry pathways, welcoming signage, and photographic elements, creating a picture-perfect location with high visibility and memorability. Installed V-O-L-S letters will enhance university pride and create a noteworthy attraction for guests, visiting scholars, and incoming students and their families who are participating in tours.
These renovations represent the next phase of the Student Union’s growth and expansion to meet campus community needs. The Student Union encompasses 380,000 square feet and each year hosts more than 8,500 events with 2.5 million visitors. The Student Union also has additional exposure from Cumberland Avenue traffic and pedestrian traffic, especially on game days with guests walking through, past, or around this campus hub.
