With fewer food options and less activity, many at the University of Michigan-Flint are questioning the future of the University Pavilion.
Students have been continually voicing their concerns to the student government and administrators without a clear answer, and rumors had started to circulate.
“I have heard some rumors about specifically the vendors in the pavilion… I’ve heard rumors that offices will be moved to certain locations,” Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Christopher Giordano said.
The vendors lease their own space in the University Pavilion, with some wanting to continue their lease while others do not. This was seen with Subway’s departure as they chose to end their lease.
“Right now we are just in the process of evaluating what extensions may look like, which vendors may be interested and kind of for how long,” Giordano said. The university’s business and finance department is in touch with the vendors about possible extensions. Although there isn’t an answer to which vendors will be continuing their lease.
Over the past year, the university has undergone an evaluation process of the entire campus. This was conducted through a third-party firm, which collected data and assessments to produce a campus master plan.
Every building on campus completed a Facility Condition Assessment and is undergoing a Space Allocation and Feasibility Study, which will provide the university with information on how to further use the spaces on campus.
On Nov. 24, 2025, the University of Michigan-Flint Chancellor, Laurence B. Alexander, sent an email to the UM-Flint community providing details on when administrators project to see a time to make final decisions.
“First, let me assure you that no final decisions have been made,” Alexander said. As further decisions are projected to be made in the summer or fall of 2026. This means that there currently isn’t a clear decision regarding the future of the University Pavilion.
