Welcome to the New Student Union

Phase II of the Student Union opened to the university community in January. The 395,088-square-foot building—the largest project in UT history—took more than nine years of work.

The completed building will serve as a central location for many of the offices that students use the most, and the Office of Undergraduate Admissions has moved its Visitors Center, formerly located on Neyland Drive, to the building. The center is the starting point of campus visits for the more than 30,000 prospective students and their families who visit campus each year.

Other features include:

  • Steak ‘n Shake and Rising Roll dining locations with more than 140 seats
  • Union Station student recreation area featuring video games, billiards, and table tennis
  • Student organization suite, focusing on learning and leadership development
  • Meeting and event spaces
  • Post office and passport processing center

University traditions are featured throughout the building, including the lyrics of “Rocky Top” hanging from the ceiling of the glass bridge that connects the two sections of the building as well as an impressive glass torch that hangs from the ceiling. Complete with 319 handblown glass flames, the torch is a breathtaking reminder of the Volunteer spirit. At night, the torch is lit and can be seen from Cumberland Avenue.

Read a fuller version of this article on the UT News website.

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