UW Union Ranked No. 27 in the Nation for Student Involvement

With nearly 12,000 students walking through the University of Wyoming Union each day, it is no surprise that it is among the nation’s top college unions and campus centers once again.

“Several variables are used to determine the list, but the one that is the most important is the Union’s contribution to student life and putting students first,” says Darcy DeTienne, Wyoming Union director.

EDsmart, a website that offers data for students, professors and research, recently released a list of “The 51 Most Phenomenal Student Unions” across the nation’s campuses and universities. The publication ranks the Wyoming Union No. 27. The only nearby school in the rankings is the University of Colorado, Denver, at 18th. The entire list can be viewed at  www.edsmart.org/amazing-student-unions/.

“One of our strengths is maintaining a wonderfully warm and inviting facility along with endless opportunities for student involvement and growth,” DeTienne says.

This is the second consecutive year the Wyoming Union has been ranked nationally.

The narrative used by EDsmart editors to describe the Wyoming Union is: “The Wyoming Union originally opened in March 1939. Since it opened, it has been the center of attraction on the University of Wyoming campus. It underwent three different renovations over the years, with the last one being in 2002. It now has roughly 19,000-square feet of space for dining, studying, spending time in the game room and being involved in all the activities your heart desires. There are plenty of events throughout the year such as concerts, cultural and visual arts as well as summer programs. The Wyoming Union also offers more than 200 different clubs that you can join.”

“It is great to see the Wyoming Union and the university get the credit we deserve,” DeTienne says.

EDsmart editors say the leading criteria used to rank student unions were architecture and exterior appeal. Other considerations were facilities, interior appeal, history, tradition, student services and contribution to student life.

“The student union center is not just the core of student affairs on campus; it is a place where you should feel like you’re home,” EDsmart editors wrote. “In the student center, you can meet up with friends for a bite to eat, catch a movie, or just relax with a cup of coffee.”

UW student Emily Rockhold, from Arvada, Colo., says the ranking of the Wyoming Union is well deserved.

“The Wyoming Union is a convenient one-stop shop,” she says. “It has everything you need, from textbooks to food, all while being a very inviting and modern place to meet up with your friends.”