The College Union Idea, Second Edition

First founded by students for students, the college union traces its roots to debating societies in England. Over time, the college union idea has continued to evolve but is still closely tied to social and intellectual pursuits. “The College Union Idea” chronicles the philosophy and function of the college union. Much of the story is told principally through the writings and reflections of Porter Butts, the father of the college union movement. Butts began his involvement in the University of Wisconsin Union as a student leader campaigning for a facility and eventually becoming its first director. What can we learn from him and from the history of the college union movement? Researchers have long noted that students are more likely to be successful in college when they feel a sense of place and are involved outside of the classroom. The college union serves these needs, offering a home, a living room, where individuals come together through activities and work, forming a community. It supports the academic mission through the cocurricular experience, cultivating students’ leadership, citizenship, and cultural competency while developing alumni’s enduring loyalty to the institution. As universities have been established around the world, the creation of a union—facility or not—is never far behind. From its early beginnings as debating societies to the modern campus community center, the college union is integral to the collegiate educational experience.