Stanford's student union, the Old Union, serves as a central hub for student activities on campus. This main building is part of a three-building complex, including administrative offices for ASSU, the Office of Student Engagement, and the Office for Religious & Spiritual Life. The Old Union also features the CIRCLE multifaith center, meeting rooms, On Call Café, and the Axe and Palm for casual dining. Adjacent to it, the Nitery houses a black-box theater and El Centro Chicano, while the Clubhouse hosts the Asian American Activities Center and the Native American Cultural Program.
Information About Old Union Complex
Old Union is situated at 520 Lasuen Mall, between the Old Union Clubhouse and the Nitery. It faces the Bookstore in White Plaza.
To access Old Union without steps, use the paths to the right and left of the stairs in White Plaza or the route from Tresidder Union. The main entrance has a power-operated door leading to the student lounge, with an elevator to the left providing access to all levels (B, 1, 2, 3). There are also two accessible entrances on the east and southeast sides near Tresidder, plus a rear entrance on Duena Street.
Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are available on all floors of Old Union, except the basement. On the 1st floor, they are near the rear entrance, and on the 2nd and 3rd floors, they are located near the elevator.
The closest disabled parking is between Old Union and the Daily Building. Additional spaces are on Santa Teresa Street near the Fire Truck House and on Panama Mall by the Nitery. A Marguerite shuttle stop is located on Lagunita Drive at Tresidder Union.
Old Union Complex Offerings
The Axe & Palm
From burgers and salads to late-day cravings, Axe & Palm brings flexible dining to your daily routine. Right inside Old Union, it’s a comfortable place to eat, connect, and take a breather during a busy Stanford day.
On Call Café
Need a place that’s open when your brain finally turns on at 10 p.m.? On Call Café is your go-to late-night study hangout—serving coffee, snacks, and a welcoming space to work, relax, or catch up with friends. Whether you’re cramming for midterms or just recharging, there’s always a seat waiting.
