All UW-Madison students are temporary members, and recent graduates are offered a substantial discount on a lifetime membership.
As the UW–Madison's Division of Social Education, the Wisconsin Union serves as the "living room of the campus" where students, faculty, staff, and community members can meet, interact, and learn from each other outside of the classroom.
The art committee gives students a chance to curate exhibits for the Union galleries and around the buildings.
Student groups, faculty, departments and members can reserve rooms within the two Union buildings and selected sites in other campus buildings through the Central Reservations Office for meetings, conferences, dances, dinners, weddings, or many other events.
The food and retail operations encompass numerous restaurant and deli locations throughout the campus, two gift shops, a bar in der Rathskeller, games room, outdoor equipment rental, and full-service catering.