Students have changed since 1815, when they were expected to reiterate what they learned in the classroom and were discouraged from having ideas of their own. Today's student is seriously concerned about his education and how it will prepare him for the future; he is no longer just a spectator at a lecture, and knows that education is not restricted to the classroom. The College Union, which early advocated education outside the classroom, is currently becoming one of the most important teaching stations in the university, and it is essential that the Union stay abreast of changing student needs. Yet, at this time of need for new Union buildings or renovations of old ones, higher education is facing a financial crisis and money is short everywhere. In planning for a new or renovated Union the following principles should be considered: (1) the need of a good planning team that includes student, faculty, and administrative representatives; (2) a study of the campus environment; (3) the development of a program; and (4) the design of a facility that fits the environment and is designed for function, change, flexibility, education, and economy of operation. (AF)