Student Unions & Activities History

At the University of Minnesota the “Student Union Idea” began in the 1900s. The first gathering place for students was Shevlin Hall where women organized a meeting space for themselves and the male students were granted space in Nicholson Hall to house the beginnings of the “Minnesota Union." The Farm Union and Village Union developed later to serve growing communities across campus. To learn more about these venues visit Past Unions.

These buildings have since then been re-purposed or closed. Today Coffman Memorial Union, the St. Paul Student Center, and the West Bank Skyway all operate as the current, official union buildings for the University of Minnesota. Since 2006 the department has been known as Student Unions & Activities.

Black and white photograpg of Coffman Memorial Union mid-construction

Construction of Coffman Union 1939

Group of students gathered around a table with piles of papers.

Board of Governors 1957

Black and white photograph of St. Paul Center mid-construction; view is slightly aerial through bare trees.

Construction of St. Paul Student Center 1958