Student Union

By 2026, Arkansas Tech University will have a brand new Student Union and Recreation Center at the heart of campus. With 69,990- square feet of space, there is plenty of room for you to focus on what's important to you.

Let’s talk about how we got here. Arkansas Tech discovered a need to create a space where everyone could come together and collaborate. The answer to this need is the Student Union and Recreation Center. This addition to the campus is set to be completed in 2026. This nearly 69,990 square foot facility will have something for everyone, see a detailed list below. It is designed to be built on the same lot that the W. O. Young Building previously occupied. If you have any questions about this new building please fill out the form at the bottom of this page.

**Please note: These plans are not final and are subject to change.

Gaming

The Union will be a gamer's paradise. A brand new esports facility will have all of the latest and greatest gaming gear to make sure that our esports can thrive. But it’s not just esports. Anybody can get their game on in the recreational gaming lounge, where we encourage you to let loose and have a good time.

Study & Lounge

After a long day of classes, we understand that all you want to do is kick back and relax. That is why the Union is equipped with multiple lounge areas designated for students to just chill. You can also utilize these areas to tackle some studying.

Fitness

A healthy mindset and lifestyle go hand in hand, so the Union offers all students the opportunity to make use of the fitness equipment available. Enjoy the many benefits such as group fitness classes, yoga and other group classes, and fully equipped strength training facilities.

Student Lounge

69,990 - Square feet comes with so much:

Welcome Desk
Living Room Lounge
Gaming Lounge
Dining Area
Laundry Room
Cardio and Free Weights Gym
Group Fitness Studio
Multi Purpose Courts
Outdoor Adventure and Bike Repair
Food Service
Event Space
Large Multi-Purpose Room
Esports Lab
Student Organization Offices
First Aid Room

Student Hangout Space

Hours

Monday - Thursday | 10:00am - 10:00pm
Friday | 10:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday | 12:00pm - 8:00pm
Sunday | 3:00pm - 10:00pm

How is the new Student Union being Funded?

Of the estimated cost of construction, Arkansas Tech University is committing $15.6 million in unrestricted reserves to support the project. The balance of the resources needed to complete the project would come from the sale of revenue bonds, which would be paid over a period of 30 years through the student union and recreation center fee paid by in-person students at ATU in Russellville.

Will I be able to use the recreation center?

The fitness and recreation center will be available to all in-person students at ATU in Russellville. Faculty and staff will also have access upon payment of a small fee.

I'm part of a student organization and we don't have anywhere to meet. Will there be space for that?

Yes! The new student union will have space specifically for student organizations of all sizes to host meetings and gather.

When will the new student union be open?

ATU broke ground in the Spring of 2023 and plans to have the building completed by 2026.

What's the difference between this student union and the one we already have in the Hull building?

The design schematic for the new student union borrows some of the best ideas from similar facilities around the country and leans heavily upon feedback that ATU students provided in planning sessions with the project architects. ATU's student union and recreation center will include space for a campus food service, a multi-activity court and multi-purpose meeting rooms.

Chelsea
Neal Associate Dean for Campus Life & Student Union Phone: (479)968-0276 mailto:cneal14@atu.edu