Erb Memorial Union: A Hub of Student Life at the University of Oregon

The University of Oregon's Erb Memorial Union (EMU) has been a central part of campus life for over six decades. Situated at the corner of University Street and 13th Avenue, the EMU has evolved to meet the changing needs of students, faculty, and staff. From its origins in the mid-20th century to its modern renovation and expansion, the EMU stands as a testament to the University's commitment to student engagement and community building.

Historical Overview

Early Advocacy and Construction

The idea for a student union at the University of Oregon first emerged in 1923, driven by students who sought a dedicated space for social and extracurricular activities. However, various obstacles, including funding challenges, leadership transitions, and the intervention of two World Wars, delayed the project for a quarter of a century. Despite these setbacks, student life continued to evolve, underscoring the need for a central gathering place.

In anticipation of the building's eventual construction, the University of Oregon joined the Association of College Unions International (ACUI) in 1942, signaling its commitment to creating a vibrant student union. In 1947, Richard C. Williams was appointed as the director of the future student union.

The Original Building (1950)

Design work commenced in January 1945, initially led by H. Abbott Lawrence, son of Ellis F. Lawrence. Following Ellis Lawrence's death in 1946, the plans were revised by Lawrence, Tucker, and Wallman. Construction finally began in October 1948 and concluded in 1950.

The building was named in honor of Donald Erb, the University's wartime president who passed away in office in December 1943 at the young age of 43. It also served as a memorial to members of the University community and graduates who served during the war.

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One of the defining features of the original EMU was its mid-century modern design, particularly the curvilinear glass wall at the Fishbowl, which distinguished it from other student unions of the time. The Fishbowl, along with the Taylor Lounge and McMillan Gallery, remains a celebrated space within the EMU, appreciated by students and staff alike.

Subsequent Additions and Renovations

The EMU has undergone several expansions and renovations to accommodate the growing campus population and evolving student needs:

Southeast Addition (1962): This addition provided a new dining area, an enclosed patio, and four meeting rooms to cater to the increasing demand for space.
East Addition (1973): Designed by Coburn and Sheldon, Lutes and Amundsen, this addition featured a skylighted promenade ramp and lively detailing.
Interior Renovation (Fishbowl) (1980): The Fishbowl continued to serve as a primary student gathering spot.
Ballroom Area Alterations (1986): Enhancements were made to the ballroom area to improve its functionality and appeal.
Amphitheater and Food Services Renovation (1998): This project, initiated by the Associated Students of the University of Oregon (ASUO) to commemorate its 100th anniversary, created an amphitheater and stage.
Renovation and Construction (2014-2016): The East addition was demolished and replaced with a new east wing, resulting in a LEED Platinum, fully accessible, state-of-the-art facility.

The 2014-2016 Renovation and Expansion

In March 2015, EMU Food Service venues closed to facilitate the renovation of the existing building. September 2015 marked the opening of the first food venue in the newly renovated Fishbowl.

University of Oregon officials had considered a number of projects to modernize the aging building. In the early 2000s there was a push for the building to undergo a significant deferred maintenance project. However, that proposal was scrapped after it was determined that the building's layout and size were not adequate for current enrollment numbers. Ultimately, it was decided that the building would undergo a massive renovation and expansion project.

The project commenced in August 2011 with a Program verification and Conceptual Design phase. Following the initial cost estimate and cost reductions the Design Team collaborated with the User Group in the Schematic Design phase, and completed the Schematic Design Report in May 2012.

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The $99-million project, designed by SERA and constructed by Lease Crutcher Lewis, produced a LEED Platinum, fully accessible, state-of-the-art facility housing student organizations, student programs, and meeting space. Connections to the original 1950s building were reestablished and enhanced. The original building was completely remodeled, and HVAC systems were updated. Food service areas were completely reimagined, the Ballroom was renovated, and the EMU Green was established.

The design concept for the project was developed through a series of conversations with the user group. Early in the design process, the User Group challenged the design team to create an addition that related well to the original EMU, yet is clearly and distinctly a building of our time. Analysis of the original building’s character and architectural style informed by both campus context and site analysis provided the foundation of the design concept. The user group preferred schematic design organized around a new three story central hearth. The intent for this space is to create a new social center of campus. The space will be open and sunlit to give a sense of volume and connection from floor to floor, adding social energy and views between spaces and the outdoors. The hearth opens to the south onto a new student green space. A new three-story north student activity bar is located along 13th Avenue. These encompassing active uses will visually spill out into the adjacent hearth.

Services and Resources

The EMU offers a wide array of services and resources to support the University of Oregon community:

EMU Guest Services (the O-Desk): A one-stop spot for information and assistance, the O-Desk provides directions, answers questions about campus and the community, and handles lost and found items.
Scheduling and Event Services: This office facilitates planning and support for non-academic use of university facilities and outdoor spaces on campus.
Card Office: The UO Card Office provides UO photo ID cards (Flock Cards) and badges for students, faculty, staff, and departments.
Duck Bucks: Students can use their Flock Card as a debit card for purchases on campus by depositing funds into their Duck Bucks account.
Ticket Office: The Ticket Office provides easy access to events all over campus and the Eugene area.
Tech Support and Print Services: This service hub offers print services, allowing faculty, staff, and students to submit print orders, check out paper samples, review proofs, and pick up finished orders.
EMU Computer Lab: The EMU Computer Lab contains computers and printers available for use by current UO students, faculty, and staff with a Duck ID login.
Lost and Found: The Lost and Found service at the EMU is for items lost in and around the EMU only.
Student Advocacy Program: The Student Advocacy Program provides information and support to students and student groups who are involved in a dispute with the university.
Emerald Media Group: The Oregon Daily Emerald is the UO's independent student newspaper.
Moss Street Children's Center: The Moss Street Children's Center provides high-quality developmental child care services to UO students, faculty, and staff.
IS User Support Services-Administrative Team: The User Support Services-Administrative team provides tech support for the UO's administrative units.
Craft Center: The Craft Center consists of eight studios: ceramics, glass/fabrication, woodworking, jewelry/small metals, photography, fibers, printmaking and painting.
Mills International Center: The Mills International Center serves all UO students, international and from the United States, as a place of belonging and cross-cultural learning.

Student Involvement and Governance

The Erb Memorial Union board of directors is responsible for making general policy decisions and long-range plans for the operation of the EMU. The board allocates the EMU's multimillion-dollar budget, assigns space for student groups and advises staff in the management of the EMU.

Every fiscal year, the EMU Board prepares a benchmark increase to the ASUO Senate for approval. After the benchmark process, the EMU presents its final budget to the senate, requesting a decrease, increase, or no change in incidental fees to be allocated to the EMU. If the budget request is approved, the budget must be signed by the ASUO President and then the UO President.

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Key Programs and Centers

Club Sports Program

Established in 1963-64 as an Outdoor Recreation Council, the Club Sports Program initially comprised seven clubs: rugby, skiing, cycling, hiking, scuba, soccer, and judo. Many of these clubs continue to thrive and compete regionally and nationally.

Outdoor Program

The Outdoor Program evolved from students posting notes in the EMU seeking ride-sharing opportunities and adventure companions. Today, it offers a wide range of outdoor activities and resources for students.

Mills International Center

The Mills International Center, which started as the International Resource Center in 2000, has seen remarkable growth. Until 2022, the Mills Center was funded entirely by student incidental fees, via the ASUO (student government). Its first funding came from a two-year ballot measure, passed by students in March 2000. In 2022, the Mills Center officially became part of the Erb Memorial Union and is funded by the student union fee.

The Mills Center integrates its resources with our international and local university communities through active, creative, informative, and supportive partnerships and events.

Craft Center

The Craft Center started with the hiring and arrival of the original director, Tom Urban. Throughout the years, the Craft Center has grown and changed to reflect student interests and needs. In the early years space was limited and offerings were more traditional, but by the early 1980s the Craft Center proved to be a highly successful EMU program and along with its success came growth. Expansion of both space and offerings reached its peak with 2007 with the introduction of hot glass and the renovation of the current space in 2014, both guided by Dianne Hoffman, the Craft Center director who replaced Tom Urban upon his retirement.

Center for Student Involvement

The Center for Student Involvement was created from students’ passion and desire to increase event offerings at the UO. The center created an intentionally robust calendar of activities that provided students with events at every comfort level and representing many interests. Events have given students opportunities to make friends, reduce stress, learn about the world, experience new things, and find themselves. In addition to a new calendar of events, a new space was built in the 2016 EMU renovation that allowed for base level student organization services to have a home.

Student Sustainability Center

Established in 2016, the Student Sustainability Center promotes environmentally responsible practices and initiatives on campus.

Esports

The Esports Program has rapidly grown from a student club to a program with a PC lounge, competitive teams, and sponsored jerseys.

Art and Culture

The EMU also serves as a venue for art exhibitions and cultural events. Dan Friday, a Lummi Nation glass artist, hosted an exhibition on the second floor of the EMU near the McMillan Gallery.

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