University Unions (UU) is at the heart of student life at the University of Michigan;
places where students create their Michigan stories; where community is felt, and innovation thrives. Throughout the 2024-2025 academic year, our work has continued to honor the rich legacy of our buildings while evolving to meet the needs of students and the campus community today. From iconic campus spaces to creative student programs, UU remains a hub of student connection and belonging.
Fostering Community, Belonging, and Connection
At UU, community is at the heart of all that we do. From student programs to student organization events to gathering spaces and food.
The Center for Campus Involvement (CCI) supported a record 1,739 Recognized Student Organizations, including 61 new groups, reflecting the growing engagement of our student body. The Ideahub, the flagship co-working space for student organizations on the Union's second floor, welcomed 310,431 users for the year and managed 3,255 Ideahub room reservations.
Our Student Programs team hosted 105 programs serving 50,471 participants, including UMix, Finals Breakfast, and programmatic series such as Culture in the Courtyard and Game Day @ the Union. These programs help students make friends and provide important social outlets for students to connect.
Our Major Events team facilitated 322 outdoor events across the Central Campus Diag and North Campus Grove (up from 311 in FY24), as well as 67 events in campus performance venues (Hill Auditorium, Rackham Auditorium, Power Center for the Performing Arts, Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre, and the Arthur Miller Theatre). Many of these events allow Michigan Students to showcase their talents, share their voices, and celebrate their unique contributions to the U-M community.
The Welcome to Michigan series of events, co-led by CCI and the Office of New Student Programs, is designed to help new students start to find community, learn about campus resources, and participate in long standing campus traditions. Over 12,500 students attended Fall and Winter Welcome events, including signature programs like Escapade in the Michigan Union, Go North! Block Party on the North Campus Grove, the New Student Picnic at the U-M Golf Course, and Go Blue Mix on North Ingalls Mall.
The Inn at the Michigan League welcomed guests for a total of 4,619 nights with 67% occupancy for the year (well above the Ann Arbor hotel's average occupancy rate of 58%), serving thousands of campus visitors, providing meaningful connections for families and students right in the center of campus.
The Campus Information Centers (CIC) handled over 40,000 phone calls, 2,500+ emails, and 204 one-on-one Resource Navigator student appointments connecting students to resources and helping them navigate campus life.
Through these efforts, the various departments that drive University Unions, collaborated to foster a sense of belonging, offering both large-scale experiences and personal connections for each student.
Evolving While Honoring Legacy
Previously named "The Women's League", the Michigan League has a robust history interwoven with women's education and rights. Located in The Michigan League’s Hussey Room, murals of prominent historical women were lovingly restored, and updates to historic event spaces ensured these iconic locations remain vibrant and functional.
The University Unions Art Committee brought dynamic, rotating exhibits across University Unions spaces, highlighting student and local artists. Exhibitions like "A Material World", RAW, and the Pierpont Poetry Project engaged hundreds of students, encouraging them to connect with history, identity, and creative expression in meaningful ways. Collectively, these efforts demonstrate UU’s commitment to creating community through the arts, featuring the talents of students and other members of our community.
Expanding Partnerships
UU spaces also celebrated diversity, creativity, and local culture:
- Following a bid and selection process that included students visiting the interested eateries, The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill opened at Pierpont Commons and Wing Snob opened in the Michigan Union for fall 2024.
- Local Flavors features a daily rotation of several southeastern Michigan restaurants. It was expanded to feature three daily options at Pierpont Commons and two at the Michigan League. Some of the favorites this year included aMa Bistro, Ginger Deli, Jamaican Jerk Pit, Satchel’s BBQ, and Taste of India.
- Conference & Event Services (CES) coordinated 12,199 events across the Michigan Union, Pierpont Commons, and Michigan League (+641 from the prior year). Summer programs welcomed 103,966 total overnight stays, 7,066 participants, and 51 new camp/conference groups.
- Twenty student organizations participated in the Civic Engagement Poster Contest that invited student organizations to submit a poster related to their group's initiatives. CIC collaborated with UMichVotes/Ginsberg Center to foster democratic participation.
Through collaborations with local businesses and campus partners, our work amplifies student voices and highlights regional identity.
Student-Centered Innovation
Innovation at UU is about adapting spaces, programs, and services to meet the evolving needs of our students. The IdeaHub continues to provide a flexible space for student organization collaboration and leadership, with peak usage during weekday evenings and weekends. Within the IdeaHub, the “Maize Tank” funding program (inspired by the popular show “Shark Tank”) supported more than 15 organizations in bringing their creative ideas to life, from promoting academic integrity to expanding mental health resources. Through the Student Organization Resource Center (SORC), nearly 60 student groups were able to advertise their events.
University Unions strengthened student engagement by adding a student social media team, providing avenues for students to share their voices and amplify campus initiatives through our spaces. Additionally, the CIC trained students through the Resource Navigator program, equipping them with the skills and support to help their peers navigate campus resources and build community connections. Conference & Event Services implemented innovative staffing models, and expanded wedding services in collaboration with other Student Life units. Together, these student-centered adaptations enhance access, engagement, and growth.
Visible Impact Through Engagement
The scale of UU’s impact is evident in both participation and reach. Across our facilities, UU welcomed 3.45 million visitors in FY25 (4% increase over FY24), demonstrating that our spaces are essential hubs of campus life. Winterfest student organization fair featured 360 orgs and drew more than 2,500 attendees seeking to find ways to engage with each other and the campus at large. At the Student Theater Arts Complex, students spent 1,123 hours building sets, rehearsing, and designing productions, which culminated in performances supported by MUTO (Michigan Union Ticket Office) ticketing.
MUTO successfully handled ticketing for 24 spring commencement ceremonies. Upgraded ticketing software and scanners improved the event experience for attendees.
These numbers are more than metrics; they reflect the ways in which UU staff collaborate to create meaningful, memorable, and inclusive experiences for the U-M community.
Mission in Action
From volunteerism with Food Gatherers to sustainability partnerships between Campus Information and Planet Blue Student Ambassadors (PBSA), our staff is committed to creating caring communities.
Many of our outstanding student employees and professional staff were recognized for their leadership, service, and contributions to campus life this year.
These honors showcase the talent, creativity, and commitment of the individuals who bring University Unions’ mission to life each day. Among the recognitions this year were:
2025 Student Employee Awards
- Above and Beyond Customer Service Award: Kai Tey Yang (Pierpont Commons), Cel Torres (CES), Alan Makoso (Palmer Commons)
- Maize Cranium Problem Solving Award: Pearl Thainthai & Ronen Adler (CIC), Nicole Guibord (CCI)
- Michigan Difference Initiative Award: Chloe Kreindler (Palmer Commons), Daniella Acosta (CCI)
- New Wolverine New Student Employee Award: Derrick Jimenez (UU Operations), Morgan Dugan (CCI)
- True Blue Outstanding Student Employee: Jaylynn Von Feldt (CIC), Ellie Rogers (CES)
2025 Staff Awards:
- UU Partnership Award: Alison Rivett (U-M Arts Initiative), Sarah Daniels (Dean of Students)
- Impact Award: Jeri Preston (Campus Information), Lisa Burm (Center for Campus Involvement)
- Cultivating Community Award: Heather Beitler (Conference and Event Services), Kevin McMahan (Pierpont Commons)
- M-Power Award (nominated by student employees): Bill Elliott (Center for Campus Involvement), Anaya Mahmoud (Campus Information)
- Excellence Award: Mark Haviland (Center for Campus Involvement)
2025 Service Awards:
- Mark Haviland (25 years)
- Donna Maples (35 years)
Student Life Values in Action Award for DEI:
- Kaila Sell (Center for Campus Involvement)
Several staff contributed to the profession through ACUI (Association of College Unions International)
- Susan Pile, Board of Trustees member
- Dr. Nicholas Smith, Education Council member
- Stephanie Beld-Steichen, Region VI Leadership Team
- Kevin McMahan, Region VI Conference Planning Team
- Linsey Scriven, Region VI Conference Planning Team