What is Common Grounds?
Our Mission
Common Grounds provides EMU and the surrounding community with a sustainability-minded, student-run coffeeshop by supplying local refreshments, a variety of events, and a dynamic environment for education and collaboration.
Our Vision
Common Grounds Coffeehouse serves EMU as a space to build community, encourage discussion, and invite expression.
A little history…
In December 2001, EMU received a grant from the Lilly Foundation. In EMU’s proposal, a coffeehouse was visualized as a place where students, faculty and staff could come together to comfortably and safely dialogue about meaningful topics.
The Lilly and University Accord Directors, along with SIFE (Students In Free Enterprise), took an abandoned area next to the old gym and transformed it into a coffeehouse. “Common Grounds Coffeehouse” was the name chosen from a campus-wide vote, and the spirit of that name has always shaped the way it has been an open and inclusive place for all. The grand opening was December 4, 2002, with the doors opening permanently in January 2003.
Through the years, Common Grounds has evolved to better serve the interests and needs of the campus community. Changes in student leadership, menu, services, equipment, furniture and artwork have all contributed to the feel of the space. For many, our atmosphere has always had the unmistakable feel of home.
In 2005, a renovation headed by student manager, Ben Beitzel, completely remodeled and upgraded the kitchen and counter area. Also in 2005, oversight for Common Grounds was shifted to the Division of Student Life, demonstrating just how invaluable it had become in only 2 short years. Complete financial responsibility shifted to Student Life with the end of the Lilly Grant in 2009. In 2010, as part of the long-awaited “Phase II Commons Renovation”, Common Grounds saw its overall space increase. This renovation notably included a new floor, a new office, a stage, better lighting, and heat/air conditioning.
In October 2022, Common Grounds officially opened in a new location: the second floor of the University Commons, adjacent to the Royals Den and Hall of Nations. Other areas of the second floor were also renovated in the $2.2 million investment.
The people
From the first day, Common Grounds has always had EMU students in key operations and leadership roles. It is the staff who bring the space to life, with their warmth, energy and care. Common Grounds has student managers who serve in a leadership capacity, overseeing all services and functions for the facility. In addition, students run the daily operations as barista.
For general inquiries and information about Common Grounds contact: commongrounds@emu.edu
Common Grounds is located on the second floor of the University Commons. (See Campus Map)
