The conceptual scheme for the new Student Union draws inspiration from the recently completed University Auxiliary Services (UAS) building and the Luckman Theater. The building form and site plan create an oval shaped urban plaza scaled for student gatherings. The space is designed to become the outdoor living room for the campus. It will be an active and lively focal point in front of the Student Union.

The new Student Union's architecture forms a covered two-story loggia that contains the entrance to several student services such as food/dining, One Card, the computer center, and fitness center. The new Student Union will be connected to the UAS building at the third floor by a large bridge. The outdoor terrace on the third floor will be shaded and will provide views to the mountains in the northeast.

The west of the new Student Union will have a covered drop-off area. The main lobby for the building connects the east and west entrances with a three-story light filled atrium which has student lounges overlooking the space. There is also an outdoor balcony from the lounge area on the second floor that projects out over the student plaza. The free-speech area has been relocated to the east side of the plaza which is defined by a series of brick columns topped with an illuminated lantern.

The materials of the new Student Union are brick along the front loggia with sandstone accents. The main building behind will be stucco and store-front glazing to match the UAS building. The freestanding columns are brick with a glass lighting element. The plaza will be accented with a pattern of brick pavers. The shade canopies are painted steel with perforated metal shading at the top.