A variety of cultural, educational, social and recreational activities are presented in Kennedy Union to enrich and enhance campus life and foster a spirit of community. In addition, the Center for Student Involvement provides support, direction and programming opportunities for students and recognized student organizations. Activities in the union include game shows, trivia contests, movie nights, concerts, theatrical productions, lectures, dance ensembles, performances and recitals by students and faculty members.  Meeting rooms, the Ballroom, Boll Theatre and University vans are available for use and can be reserved by calling 937-229-3333 (Kennedy Union Room 241). Information about student organizations can be found at go.udayton.edu/involvement or by calling 937-229-3333.

The John F. Kennedy Memorial Union, centrally located on the campus, offers comfortable surroundings and a variety of services for the University community. Lounges provide space for discussion, studying and socializing. A lounge for commuter students is located on the first floor, with lockers available for rent. The Hangar game room on the ground floor includes bowling lanes, pool tables, dart boards, lounge space and the Galley cafe. The food court, automatic teller machines, charging stations, display cases and vending machines are housed in the Union, as are student offices for the Student Government Association, Campus Activities Board, Christmas on Campus, Daytonian Yearbook, three values-based Greek Councils, Flyer News and Orpheus literary magazine. Also in the Union are the Information Center, Box Office, the Office for Student Leadership Programs, the Campus Card Services Office, Flyer TV and Kennedy Union Dining Services.

The Center for Student Involvement is responsible for granting recognition to student organizations, registering all student organization-sponsored events, providing resources and support for organization leaders and advisers, publicity approval and late-night programming for students (#UDLateNight). The office works directly with commuter students, Student Government Association, Interfraternity Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council, National Panhellenic Conference, Flyer News, Flyer Radio, Daytonian Yearbook, Orpheus, Campus Activities Board, Christmas on Campus, and all additional recognized student organizations.