Opened nearly 90 years ago as a memorial to students who gave their lives during World War I, the Memorial Union continues to be a hub of activity and interaction for the campus community.

The MU houses many programs and offices including the Student ID Center, MU Lanes & Games, the Grigg's Center for Black and Indigenous Student Success, ASOSU International Lounge, MU Creative Studio, Amazon Locker, US Bank, as well as several restaurants including JavaStop, Off the Quad, Bites and restaurants inside The Commons.

The MU is also home to various meeting rooms and events spaces, including the illustrious MU Ballroom and the ever popular napping grounds of the Main Lounge.

OSU Memorial Union Mission

The Memorial Union supports the University mission by creating community centered inclusive facilities and environments, providing formal and informal gathering spaces that build meaningful relationships. We are a student-centered organization that fosters student engagement through employment and engages in shared decision making with the Advisory Board.

Our Values

Service

  • We are in service to others.
  • We educate and mentor student employees and staff.
  • We display a positive, affirming image and reflection of self and the Memorial Union as it pertains to customer service.

Inclusion

  • We work every day to welcome people.
  • We value each other.
  • We engage and include the whole Oregon State University community

Accountability

  • We are responsible to each other. We own our mistakes, apologize, and make amends.
  • We are stewards of our reputation, programs, budgets, and facilities.
  • We are accountable to the Oregon State University community.
  • We continually learn, unlearn, and relearn through curiosity thereby empowering us to excel in our focus on student success.
     

The Role of the College Union Statement

The college union advances a sense of community, unifying the institution by embracing the diversity of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and guests. We bolster the educational mission of the institution and the development of students as lifelong learners by delivering an array of cultural, educational, social, and recreational programs, services, and facilities.  

By any form or name, we serve as the heart of the campus community and create a welcoming environment by:  

  • Operating as a student-centered organization that engages in shared decision making and holistic development through employment and involvement.  
  • Advocating for inclusivity and equity, fostering respect, and affirming the identities of all individuals.  
  • Educating students in leadership and social responsibility and offering firsthand experiences in global citizenship.  
  • Providing gathering spaces to encourage formal and informal community interactions that build meaningful relationships.  

Traditionally considered the living room, the college union enhances the student experience and cultivates an enduring connection to the institution.

Role of the College Union PDF

  

Student Advisory Board

The Memorial Student Advisory Board is a body of committed students, faculty and staff from OSU that meets regularly during the Fall, Winter and Springs Terms.  This body provides advice and recommendations to the Memorial Union Director.  The members serve as advocates for the Memorial Union organization, it's budget, programs and services.
 

MU Advisory Board Chair

The primary role of the MU Advisory Board Chair is to serve the student body by ensuring student focus in the programs, policies and operation of the Memorial Union organization.

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (541) 737-2416

MU Advisory Board Member List

ASOSU • RHA • DCE • IFC • PHC • UGC • CGC • NPHC •
Orange Media Network • Graduate Student • Member-at-Large •
MU • SEE •
Deb Mott, MU Director 
Maxwell Tobiassen, Chairman
Vincent Nguyen, Vice-Chairman
Noah Roberts, SFC Liaison

Bylaws and Meetings

Read the OSU Memorial Union Bylaws

 

2023-24 Meeting Agendas

 

MU Student Advisory Board Spring Term 2023-24 Meetings

Time: 06:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Every week on Thursday, until June 8th, 2024

 

Join Zoom Meetings

Zoom link: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/92075416036?pwd=cThOb1FBRGlCMjdwaisyaHNsMmJlQT09

Password: 829529 - Meeting ID: 920 7541 6036

Phone Dial-In Information
        +1 971 247 1195 US (Portland)
        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)

Join by Polycom/Cisco/Other Room System
[email protected]

 

How to Join the MU Advisory Board

Have a voice in the operations and polices of the Memorial Union by serving on the advisory board, which has guided the Memorial Union since 1925. 

Email Us

Call Us - (541) 737-2416

Student Jobs @ the MU

Do you want to work at the Memorial Union? Apply for a position with one of our departments.

To apply for any MU position, go to jobs.oregonstate.edu and search: Memorial Union

 

Advisory Board + Chair

Serve the student body by ensuring student focus in the programs, policies and operation of the MU organization. Bring student perspective on major leadership decisions, strategic visioning and long-term objectives of the MU. Represent the MU by serving on various university committees.

Guest Services and Information Desk

Student employees are an integral part of the day-to-day success of events and operations at the MU. You would gain training and hands-on experience on our setup crews and have the opportunity to continue training in various other positions within guest services. Some of them include the Information Desk, event coordination, and A/V techs. Our staff executes event setups and perform basic A/V setup, technical support, and customer service.

Building Services

Assist clients and guests at the Help Desk, assist in project coordination, and work in custodial or maintenance for the MU and MU affiliated buildings on campus.

MU Lanes & Games

DJ, cashier, greeter, steward and pool hall, bowling alley and gaming lounge staff who works as part of an all student team to make MU Lanes & Games the fun place it is. Mechanics ensure our lanes are running at their full potential.

Employee Handbook

Read through the MU Student Staff Employee Handbook.

MU Scholarships & Awards

The MU Leadership Team reviews nominations and selects recipients for these awards:

Recipients receive a cash award of $1,000, a framed certificate, and their name is inscribed on a plaque that is permanently displayed in the MU.

Traditional Criteria

Integrity, high personal standards, dependability and reliability, scholarly attitude and consistent demonstration of sincerity, warmth and friendliness, kindness, and modesty are qualities and behaviors to be considered in choosing recipients of these awards.

The Michael J. Palmer Award

In remembrance of an exemplary student leader who lost his life one month after his graduation from OSU in 1978, is given for leadership and service in Student Governance. The award is given to a student of junior standing (or beyond) who has demonstrated loyalty to the principles of student governance.

The E.C. Allworth Leadership Award

In remembrance of the first director of the MU, is given for leadership and service on Memorial Union committees, programs, and projects. The award is given to a student who has demonstrated loyalty to the Union and its objectives.

The E.C. Allworth Cultural Awareness Leadership Award

Acknowledging the potential role of students as our society learns to face differences, is given to an outstanding student for exemplary leadership in the development of cultural awareness and elimination of cultural biases on the Oregon State University campus.

The Memorial Union was dedicated on June 1, 1929 as a living memorial to "the service and inspiration of the living and the memory of our immortal dead."

 

The Oregon State University Memorial Union was the first student union in the state and was built through contributions made by students and alumni. Ground breaking ceremonies took place on March 3, 1926 with the official dedication by Dr. J.K. Weatherford. The final design was from Lee Thomas, Portland Architect (1907 OSU alumni). The cornerstone was laid on June 1, 1928 and the building was open to students and public for the first time. Official dedication ceremonies took place a year later on alumni day. The building remained virtually unchanged until fall term of 1960 when the two wings were added at each end of the building for the bookstore and dining commons.

The MU Through Time

  • 1921
    President Kerr approves a student proposal to create a student union on campus, the second of its kind in the nation.

  • 1923
    Alumni and students recommend that the student union be built as a memorial, in tribute to the students, staff and faculty that served during the Spanish-American War and World War I .

  • 1924
    Major E.C. Allworth is hired to spearhead the fundraising campaign, and is later hired to be the first MU director.

    Portland architect and OSU alum Lee Thomas (class of 1907) is hired to design the Memorial Union.
    The first Women's Day is held, which later became Mom's Weekend.
  • 1928
    The Memorial Union opens, and a grand opening and dedication is held.

  • 1936
    The MU Quad is planned as part of a WPA project. The existing tennis courts were removed so that sidewalks and landscaping could be added.

  • 1943
    The first major artwork gift is presented by Mrs. William H. Price, who gives 23 paintings done by her husband.
    As the nation finds itself in the middle of World War II, the MU Dining Room and West Ballroom are converted to housing and dining facilities for military service men housed on the OAC campus.
  • 1948
    Mrs. Leone Johnson, the first MU Recreation Director, is hired and forms the MU Program Council (MUPC).
  • 1950
    The MU begins a tradition of hosting and changing art exhibits in the MU Concourse Gallery.
    MUPC hosts the first annual Christmas Party for Children.

  • 1960
    The East and West wings, and the carillon bells are added to the MU building.

  • 1963
    George Stevens is hired to serve as director of both the MU and Student Activities, succeeding Major Allworth.

    Student Activities is formed.

  • 1966
    The Craft Center opens in its first location, adjacent to the MU Ballroom.

  • 1967
    Irwin Harris creates the Director of Student Media and Public Events, which is now Orange Media Network.

    Don Sanderson is hired to expand Student Activities.
  • 1970
    Peavy Lodge is developed as a campus resource by the MU.
  • 1971
    The MU assumes responsibility for McAlexander Fieldhouse and a committee is formed to assess campus recreation needs, which marks the beginnings of Recreational Sports
    The MU opens the first Outdoor Center in Hut F, with a goal of "helping to educate all on the critical necessity of conservation and preservation of our natural resources."
  • 1972
    The Department of Physical Recreation is established under the MU. Sport Clubs move into this new unit.
  • 1973
    Snell Hall is purchased from the residence halls and is intended to become the second union building, known as MU East.

  • 1974
    The Black Cultural Center is established as part of the MU and Student Activities.
  • 1975
    The Native American Longhouse is established as part of the MU and Student Activities.
  • 1976
    The Chicano Cultural Center is established as part of the MU and Student Activities.
    Dixon Recreation Center opens.
  • 1977
    MU East (Snell Hall) opens as a new home for Student Media, Student Activities, Craft Center, Dinner Theatre, and a restaurant.

  • 1990
    Assistant Vice President and director of the Memorial Union George Stevens retires.

  • 1991
    The Asian & Pacific Cultural Center is established as part of the MU and Student Activities.
  • 1994
    The MU West Wing, or the MU Commons, opens and becomes the first food court on campus.
    Recreational Sports is established as a campus department separate from the MU and under the Vice Provost for Student Affairs.
  • 1995
    The MU East Wing opens, which includes the OSU Bookstore.
  • 2001
    Student Involvement (formerly Student Activities) is established as a campus department separate from the MU.
  • 2002
    The Joyce Goudy Powell Leadership Center opens in the MU.
  • 2003
    The Memorial Union celebrates its 75th anniversary.
  • 2004
    The fifth cultural center, the Pride Center, is developed to serve the LGBTQ community.
  • 2005
    The MU roof and iconic dome are replaced.
  • 2006
    Student Involvement and Student Media rejoin the MU.
  • 2009
    The Trysting Tree Lounge renovation project receives a generous gift, the largest in MU history.
  • 2010
    Students vote to begin construction a new building and extension of the Memorial Union, the Student Experience Center.
  • 2011
    Conceptual designs, building and construction for the new SEC building begins.
  • 2012
    Oregon Legislature approves the MU renovation and the SEC construction.
  • 2013
    Planning is completed, and a groundbreaking ceremony for the SEC is held in May.
    The OSU Beaver Store relocates to 26th Street, across from Reser Stadium.
  • 2015
    The SEC and SEC plaza are completed in January 2015.
  • Beyond
    To be continued...