Student Affairs is dedicated to helping students succeed both in and out of the classroom. We deliver this shared mission across 850 employees, 4,000 student workers, and 18 campus buildings comprising more than 1 million square feet. Creating engaging, welcoming, and inclusive communities where all students can grow is central to our efforts.
From 2022–24, Student Affairs partnered with Flad Architects, the Division of Facilities Planning & Management (FP&M), and the Universities of Wisconsin, to develop the Student Affairs Facilities Framework Plan — a 10-year roadmap for facility development and space use that incorporated significant student input. Through extensive review of high-impact opportunities — both near and long-term — to support student success and personal growth, five key priorities emerged. Among these priorities was the renovation of 333 East Campus Mall (ECM) to meet evolving student needs for space and belonging. (View Flad Architects’ recommendations for 333 ECM.)
Student Affairs is now conducting a study to better understand the needs for student and registered student organization space, gathering, and way-finding in and around the Student Activity Center (SAC). The study will continue through spring 2026 and is a critical phase in determining whether a future renovation should move forward.
The study will explore the following possibilities to better support students:
- Adding more meeting rooms and office spaces for registered student organizations (RSOs).
- Creating adaptable spaces that can be easily modified throughout the day to host a wider range of student gatherings and events.
- Improving access to services that students and RSOs need, such as storage, printing, and other resources.
- Integrating wellness concepts to give students opportunities to recharge and refocus, including upgrades to the third-floor patio.
- Enhancing the 333 ECM entrance and mall area to be more welcoming, accessible, and student-friendly, while also raising awareness of the building’s services and resources available to all students.
Engagement Opportunities
Student input for this plan is heavily prioritized. The pre-design sessions in progress are to listen and identify needs and eventually propose solutions for consideration by students and campus leaders. All RSOs are encouraged to participate, regardless of whether they have a space in the SAC or not.
Sept. 30 to Oct. 2, 2025 — Initial 333 ECM occupant feedback sessions with Associate Students of Madison leaders, SAC student organizations, University Health Services, Division of Enrollment Management, Dean of Students, Office of Student Assistance and Support, Associated Students of Madison staff, SAC reception desk student staff, WSUM – Wisconsin Student Radio, and Open Seat Food Pantry. View sample presentation (project background)
Oct. 21, 2025 — RSO Primary Contact Survey (distributed via email)
Oct. 21, 2025 | 4:30–6 p.m. — Open Session
333 ECM, Caucus Room 4204
Drop in anytime; stay as long as needed
Oct. 22, 2025 | 4:30–6 p.m. — Open Session
333 ECM, Hearing Room 4201
Drop in anytime; stay as long as needed
Oct. 26, 2025 — SAC Governing Board meeting
Nov. 4 — RSO Primary Contact Survey responses due
November 10-21 — 333 ECM occupants and community sessions to review collected ideas and possible solutions. Check back here for specific dates, times, and locations.
Fill out the form below to provide feedback on the plan, especially if you are unable to attend a session, or to request a meeting to discuss your organization’s needs and input. Contact vcsa@studentaffairs.wisc.edu with other questions
Focus of Current Study
Provide Feedback
333 East Campus Mall Study
FAQs
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How did this plan come about and why?
This project has been discussed for several years with multiple layers of input—and still several more years of development ahead. This study originated from the Student Affairs Facility Framework plan, developed from 2022–24 that included significant input from students. It included about 50 feedback sessions with students, registered student organizations (RSOs), student leaders, staff, campus partners, peer institutions, and facility assessments. A survey was also conducted with all undergraduates and graduate students. One recommendation that emerged from this planning effort was to prioritize renovations to 333 East Campus Mall to support the evolving needs of students.
Can I read the Facilities Framework Plan?
We are in the process of preparing a digitally accessible version of the full Facilities Framework Plan, which includes Flad Architects’ recommendations beyond 333 East Campus Mall. The excerpt of the plan that specifically addresses 333 East Campus Mall is here.
What is “pre-design” and where are we in the process?
Pre-design is a programmatic study that defines needs, uses, and pathways before any architectural design. The East Campus Mall pre-design study runs through spring 2026. We’re currently in the “listen and learn” phase to determine whether a future renovation should move forward and what it might include.
What is the timeline for this plan and next steps?
Students will be engaged throughout the process as we explore ideas and solutions together. Projects of this scale require years of discussion, planning, and collaboration. No decisions have been made, and no funding has been requested for this plan. If this capital project moves forward, we would involve the campus, Universities of Wisconsin, and the State, after which we would have information about a timeline.