As the University of Michigan prepares for your student’s return to campus this fall, the Michigan Union, Pierpont Commons and the Michigan League are also welcoming them back.
The Michigan Union and Michigan League, located on Central Campus, and Pierpont Commons, located on North Campus, are open for limited hours beginning this week. All unions will be implementing MCard access protocols for anyone with a valid MCard. Restaurant and retail vendors will open by the start of classes.
All three university unions offer study spaces — as well as food and retail options — with university physical distancing and face covering requirements in place.
While the mission of University Unions is focused on community building, the spaces will look different this fall and new policies have been implemented to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
“It will take our Michigan community committing to wearing face coverings, physical distancing and good hand-hygiene to ensure the Unions are available for use,” said Susan Pile, senior director for University Unions and Auxiliary Services. “The Unions are places where the community cares for each other, so it will be important to demonstrate that sense of care by following these public health informed practices.”
The Unions are increasing cleaning protocols to meet U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommendations, such as frequent cleaning of high touch areas, using electrostatic sprayers, and increased hand sanitizer stations.
Study areas, lounges and food courts will have greatly reduced capacities, with chairs distanced from each other.
University health and safety guidelines require all students, staff, faculty and visitors to wear a face covering that covers the mouth and nose while anywhere on campus grounds. For food vendors, your student is encouraged to use mobile ordering by downloading the vendor app, and pick-up to avoid lines.
The food partners reopening within the Michigan Union are Panera Bread, Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea, MI Burger, Mama DeLuca’s, Blue Market, Panda Express and Subway. Taco Bell, which originally planned to join the Union lineup, has decided to not be among the food partners.
Retail partners include Barnes & Noble, the U-M Credit Union, the U-M Tech Shop (formerly Computer Showcase), PNC ATM, and the Michigan Union Ticket Office.
Pierpont Commons offers Ahmo’s Gyros & Deli, Blue Market (with Pizza Pi), Fireside Cafe and Fireside Roast, Hibachi San, Mujo Cafe and Panda Express.
At the Michigan League, your student can enjoy Maizie’s Kitchen and Market as well as Peet’s Coffee.
Your student can expect a different queuing system in all locations, with floor decals indicating physical distancing, and self-service beverage stations will be unavailable.
University departments and services with offices in the Unions have been operating virtually since March, and will continue to support students virtually and with some in-person support as public health guidance allows.
For a list of guidelines, please visit the university’s 2020-21 Maize & Blueprint.
For up-to-date hours, departments, services and restaurant availability, please visit The Michigan Union, Pierpont Commons, or the Michigan League websites.