Applications are currently being accepted for one vacant Student Member position on the 2009-2010 Board of Managers. For more information, view the Alligator ad or download the application . … More

Beginning on November 2, 2009, a Master Planning Process will get underway to determine current and future needs of the Reitz Union including a cultural village concept to recognize the rich diversity of the UF campus. The process will be facilitated by the architectural team of Gould Evans Architects of Tampa and WTW Architects of Pittsburgh, PA. WTW has extensive experience planning and designing student unions at various colleges and universities across the country. Download the schedule (PDF) The Need On a campus of 50,000 students, in excess of 880 student clubs and organizations, and thousands of meetings, programs and events on an annual basis, the current space in the Reitz Union simply does not meet the needs of the campus community. Additionally, the 42 year old Reitz Union building has extensive maintenance needs and problems that have accumulated over many years as a result of underfunding. Over the years, the UF campus has grown more diverse particularly in its student population. A primary goal in the master planning process is to identify ways to make the Reitz Union more reflective of our diverse campus. The Plan - The planning process will include two phases: Phase I - Through focus groups, surveys, and interviews, the architects will conduct a process to learn from the campus community what the current and future needs are in all aspects of the Reitz Union operations -- programs, facilities, and services; additionally, the architects will focus on the multicultural make-up of the UF campus and the corresponding needs in that area. Phase II - After summarizing, analyzing, and testing the information gathered, the architects will develop a conceptual design of a renovated/expanded Reitz Union that will address the needs of the campus community for many years to come. Throughout the process, input will be sought from the student, faculty, and staff segments of the UF community. The planning process is scheduled to be completed in February 2010. The architects will conduct the first round of sessions Monday through Thursday, November 2 - 5. Most sessions with the architects will be held in the Matthews Suite on the fourth floor of the Reitz Union. The architects will return to campus in early December and January to continue the information gathering and clarification process. The original union constructed in 1967, has seen additions as the university has grown, including the two-story Grand Ballroom in 2002, and the UF Bookstore, Welcome Center, and parking garage complex, which opened in 2003. … More

A recent review of rates for rooms, audio visual equipment, and related services was completed by the Reitz Union staff along with the Board of Managers. Adjustments have not been made for several years, even though labor rates have increased significantly over the years as have other costs based on annual inflation. Part of the review included benchmarking other institutions comparable to UF and other venues in the surrounding area. As a result of this review, recommended adjustments to existing rates have been made and will take effect on January 2, 2010. These rates are more aligned with actual costs of providing services and the increasing costs to repair or replace equipment. These new rates were recommended by the Board of Managers and approved by the Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Patricia Telles-Irvin. In addition to the Board of Managers, key Student Government leaders reviewed the rates, provided input and are in support of these measures. To view the new rates, please visit: www.union.ufl.edu/eventservices/rates. The Board of Managers and the staff of the Reitz Union remain committed to providing the highest level of services possible for the students, faculty, and staff of UF. If you have any questions, please contact the Event Services Office at 392-1645. … More

Be sure to visit RU Featured? where you can vote for your favorite picture.
The winning pictures will be featured on posters displayed around the Reitz Union.
Check back every week for a whole new set of pictures to vote on!

Visit http://www.union.ufl.edu/RUFeatured to cast your vote! … More

The Reitz Union is now on Facebook! That's right, become a fan of the Reitz Union Facebook page in order to receive updates on upcoming events! Make sure to check out the RU Featured note for all the details regarding our latest project and how you can participate! Check us out at: www.union.ufl.edu/facebook … More