Student services settling in at expanding 'New U' at TU

Phase 1 of University Union expansion adds 85,000 square feet

By Kyle Hobstetter on August 31, 2021

The new front entrance of the University Union — A Tiger statue welcomes students to the new front entrance of the University Union. (Lauren Castellana/Towson University)

With Towson University students returned to campus, an expanding University Union is providing programs and experiences right away.

A two-phase project, the “Brand New U” is nearing completion of Phase 1, which is an 85,000-square-foot addition offering expanded event and dining space and a new main entrance that connects to a spacious plaza.

The University Union, built in 1972 when there were 9,000 students, is used by most—if not all —of TU’s 20,000-plus students and situated in the heart of the student district at the core of campus. It houses student activities, student organizations and meeting rooms, as well as retail and dining options used by the entire community.

One key addition is the Career Center on the union’s second floor. Originally located in the 7800 York Road building, it is now better positioned to serve students.

“The move means greater visibility to students and the opportunity for increased impact,” says Lorie Logan-Bennett, assistant vice president of career services. “We’re excited to see TU’s commitment to a lifelong career center reflected in an amazing new space and the importance of TU student career readiness reflected in the centrality of our new location.”

A new office in the newly-located Career Center — The new Career Center location features offices and spaces dedicated to career readiness (Lauren Castellana/Towson University)

Other changes students can see when walking through the University Union expansion include:

The renovated post office has reopened in its original location on the first floor.
The UStore has returned to the first floor in a new, larger and brighter renovated space.
There is double the space for student activities and organizations, including the Black Student Union, Campus Activities Board, Student Government Association and Campus Ministries.
The Center for Student Diversity and Student Success Programs has moved to a new temporary space on the third floor, while their original space is renovated.
There is now a 15,000-square-foot ballroom on the third floor.

These offices and locations are open now. Other locations will come online during the fall term—including a new, seven-venue food market and a 300-seat auditorium and movie theatre.

“The ‘Brand New U’s’ state-of-the-art Career Center and expanded event and student group space have created a vibrant, new hub of campus life—one that will only get better as dining venues open in the weeks to come,” says Vernon Hurte, vice president of student affairs. “I look forward to seeing our students enjoy the services and amenities in this dynamic space.”

Phase 2 is underway and on track for completion in fall 2022. It is comprised of renovations to the existing building and will provide a new, permanent space for the Office of Student Life, Art Services, Paws, Office of Civic Engagement and Enrollment Marketing.

The Union Garage will remain open. The main entrances on the first and second floors of the union are open for use, while the south side is closed for construction.

A look at "A Brand New U"

Front Entrance to the University Union — The new front entrance to the University Union expansion (Lauren Castellana/Towson University)

University Union Seating Area — The University Union expansion provides students with more study and meeting space. (Lauren Castellana/Towson University)

New dining area in the University Union — The union will also feature updated furniture and more seating when the food market opens later this fall. (Lauren Castellana/Towson University)

New seating space at the University Union — The University Union expansion provides brighter spaces for students and will feature updated meeting areas. (Lauren Castellana/Towson University)

The inside of the University Union front entrance — The front of the University Union expansion is inspired by local Baltimore City markets, with garage-style doors that open to views of Tiger Way. (Lauren Castellana/Towson University)

Updated Staircase — The University Union now features updated staircases throughout the expansion. (Lauren Castellana/Towson University)

The updated UStore — The Towson University UStore also received a renovation and can be found in its original location on the first floor. (Lauren Castellana/Towson University)