Ohio Union

Ohio Union. The Ohio Union is the student union building at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, serving as the central hub for student activity and community engagement. Opened in its current form in 2010, it replaced the original 1951 union and stands as one of the largest student unions in the United States. The facility is designed to foster a sense of belonging and provides spaces for dining, studying, events, and the operations of hundreds of student organizations.

History

The concept of a dedicated student union at the university dates to the early 20th century, with the first official Ohio Union opening in 1951 on the site of the former University Hall. This mid-century facility served the growing post-World War II student population for decades. By the turn of the 21st century, the university, under leadership such as President E. Gordon Gee, recognized the need for a modern, expansive union to match the scale of the institution. The old building was demolished in 2007, and after a major capital campaign, the current $118 million structure opened in 2010. Its development was a key part of the broader campus master plan that also included renovations to Ohio Stadium and the William Oxley Thompson Memorial Library.

Architecture and facilities

Designed by the architectural firms Mack Scogin Merrill Elam Architects and DesignGroup, the building is a prominent example of contemporary modern design featuring extensive use of glass, steel, and Ohio sandstone. Its most striking exterior element is the large, cantilevered "arm" that extends over High Street, symbolically connecting the university to the city of Columbus. Major interior facilities include a grand three-story atrium, the Performance Hall for concerts and lectures, multiple ballrooms and meeting rooms, and a 7,500-square-foot terrace. The union houses a diverse array of dining options from national brands like Sloopy's Diner, named for the football song "Hang On Sloopy", to local vendors and a full-service pub.

Student organizations and activities

The Ohio Union is the primary headquarters for the university's over 1,400 student organizations, which range from academic honoraries like Mortar Board to cultural groups, political clubs, and philanthropic entities such as BuckeyeThon. It houses the offices of Undergraduate Student Government and the Inter-Professional Council. The building is a constant venue for activities, including career fairs hosted by the Office of Student Life, cultural celebrations, and performances by groups like the Ohio State University Marching Band. The Ohio Union Activities Board plans hundreds of annual events, from movie nights to major concerts, drawing performers like Wiz Khalifa and John Mulaney.

Governance and funding

The Ohio Union is governed as part of the Office of Student Life at The Ohio State University, with oversight from the university's senior administration and the Board of Trustees. A significant portion of its operational funding comes from student fees, a model common across the Big Ten Conference. The original construction was financed through a combination of student fees, private donations from alumni and partners like the Ohio State University Foundation, and university bonds. Day-to-day management involves professional staff who coordinate with various campus entities, including Dining Services and the Department of Public Safety, to ensure operations.

Role in campus life

The union is universally regarded as the "living room" of the Columbus campus, functioning as a essential crossroads for academic, social, and cultural life. It is a pivotal location for major campus traditions, including homecoming festivities, parades, and rallies before football games. Its central location between the South Campus residential area and academic Oval makes it a daily pass-through for thousands. By providing neutral ground for interaction among students, faculty, staff, and visitors, the Ohio Union fundamentally supports the university's mission of community building, mirroring the role of iconic unions at peer institutions like the University of Michigan and University of Texas at Austin.

Category:Buildings and structures at Ohio State University Category:Student union buildings in the United States Category:Buildings and structures in Columbus, Ohio