A referendum was held February 18–19, 1960, regarding the question of a Student Union Building being built on campus.

The construction of the building was made possible in part by the province of Nova Scotia, which granted a loan of $2,766,600 to the Student Union.

The CRTC approved student-operated campus radio station CKDU's application for an FM broadcasting license in October 1984.

On February 27, 2015, the DSU council voted on and subsequently passed a motion to remove its membership from Students Nova Scotia.

The DSU also represents students on the Dalhousie Board of Governors and Senate, and to external organizations.

The DSU general election is held annually during the Winter term and concludes by the end of March.