University Campus Facilities and Academic Infrastructure
The university campus is strategically divided into two primary sections to balance academic rigor with student life. The main campus is situated at the intersection of Belknap Street (U.S. Highway 2) and Catlin Avenue. The north section serves as the academic heart of the institution, housing all academic buildings and the majority of residence halls. In contrast, the south section, located at the corner of North 28th Street and Catlin Avenue, focuses on athletics and residential living, featuring Wessman Arena, the University Services Center, and the Hawkes and Ross residence halls.
Key Facts
- Main Campus Location: Corner of Belknap Street and Catlin Avenue.
- Academic Hub: The north section contains all academic buildings.
- Oldest Structure: Old Main serves as the central administrative hub.
- Research Reach: The university operates four specialized satellite locations for environmental and economic research.
- Student Life: The Yellowjacket Union acts as the primary center for student services and organizations.
Academic Buildings and Specialized Centers
The university's academic infrastructure is designed to support a wide array of disciplines, from the hard sciences to the fine arts. Many of these facilities are named in honor of regents and university benefactors.
Science, Technology, and Business
Barstow Hall, named for regent Barney Barstow, houses science programs and the Lake Superior Research Institute. For those pursuing commerce, Erlanson Hall (named for regent Clarence Erlanson) hosts the School of Business and Economics and the Transportation and Logistics Research Center. Swenson Hall, named for James and Susan Swenson, is a multidisciplinary hub for social sciences, education, languages, mathematics, and computer science. It also houses Technology Services, the First Nations Center, Student Support Services, and the Erlenbach Lecture Hall.
Arts, Humanities, and Wellness
The Holden Fine Arts Center, named for Paul Holden, is the center for music, visual arts, and communicating arts. It is home to the Manion Theatre, Webb Recital Hall, and the Wisconsin Public Radio studios. Physical health and athletics are managed through the Gates Physical Education Building (named for regent Clough Gates), which contains labs, classrooms, and the Mortorelli Gymnasium, as well as the Marcovich Wellness Center (named for regent Toby Marcovich), which features the Thering Field House and health and human performance programs.
Administration and Student Resources
Old Main stands as the oldest building on campus and functions as the administrative core. It houses the Chancellor's and Provost's offices, Financial Aid, the Bursar's (cashier's) office, Human Resources, and the Center for Academic Advising, among other essential services. The Jim Dan Hill Library, named for the university's fifth president, provides critical academic support through the University Library, the Markwood Center for Learning, Innovation, and Collaboration, and the Area Research Center.
The Yellowjacket Union serves as the social and operational center for students, containing the Admissions Office, the Union Cafe, the Rothwell Opportunity Center, and the Jacket Book and Supply store.
Residential Life
Student housing is distributed across several halls, many of which are named after university regents and leadership. These include:
- McNeill Hall: Named for the first president, Israel McNeill.
- Ross Hall: Named for regent Frank Ross.
- Crownhart Hall: Named for regent Charles Crownhart.
- Curran Hall: Named for regent Robert Curran.
- Ostrander Hall: Named for regent Frank Ostrander.
- Hawkes Hall: Named for regent Elizabeth Hawkes.
Satellite Research and Community Locations
Beyond the main campus, the university manages four external properties dedicated to specialized research and regional economic development:
- Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve: Located on Barker's Island in the Superior harbor.
- Montreal Pier Testing Facility: A waterfront site dedicated to invasive species research.
- Nelson Outdoor Laboratory: A 76-acre shoreline property located at the end of Moccasin Mike Road.
- Superior Small Business Development Center: Located in the Superior Entrepreneur Center at 1401 Tower Avenue, operated in partnership with the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center.
Campus Facility Summary
| Building Name | Primary Purpose | Key Feature/Department |
|---|---|---|
| Old Main | Administration | Chancellor's Office & Financial Aid |
| Jim Dan Hill Library | Academic Research | Markwood Center |
| Swenson Hall | Multidisciplinary Academic | Mathematics & Computer Science |
| Yellowjacket Union | Student Services | Admissions & Student Organizations |
| Barstow Hall | Science | Lake Superior Research Institute |
| Holden Fine Arts Center | Arts | Wisconsin Public Radio Studios |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the main university campus located?
The main campus is situated at the corner of Belknap Street (U.S. Highway 2) and Catlin Avenue.
Which building is the oldest on campus?
Old Main is the oldest building on campus and serves as the primary hub for administrative offices.
Where can students find academic advising and financial aid?
Both the Center for Academic Advising and the Financial Aid Office are located within Old Main.
What satellite facilities does the university operate for research?
The university manages the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve, the Montreal Pier Testing Facility, and the Nelson Outdoor Laboratory.
Where is the School of Business and Economics located?
The School of Business and Economics is housed in Erlanson Hall.