Frequently Asked Questions
Permits
- Catering and Serving Alcohol
- Cancellation and Billing
- Audio /Visual Equipment
- Parking
- Decorations
- Reservations
Catering and Serving Alcohol
- Do you offer catering services?
University Dining Services (UDS) is the on-campus catering provider. They can be contacted at (612) 624-7173. You may choose an off-campus caterer by filling out a food permit application.
- Can I use an outside caterer?
You may choose any licensed caterer for your event. A University Food Permit is required if you choose to hire an outside caterer or bring your own food into the building. Completed food permits should be sent to the Events and Conferences office to be submitted on your behalf. Permits are to be submitted no later than 10 business days prior to the event date. The fax number for the St. Paul Student Center is (612) 624-8749.
- Can I serve alcohol at my event?
You must have an approved alcohol permit in order to have alcohol at your event. Alcohol permits must be submitted for approval no later than 15 business days prior to the event date. Registered student organizations should submit their permits to the Student Activities Office. University Departments and Guests should submit their permit to the Events and Conferences office. The fax number for the St. Paul Student Center is (612)624-8749.
- Can I sell alcohol at my event?
No direct or indirect sales of alcohol are allowed in the student unions.
Cancellation and Billing
- What if I need to cancel my event?
Events cancelled 20-16 U of M business days from their scheduled date will be charged 25% of the original price quote. Events cancelled 15-11 U of M business days from their scheduled date will be charged 50% of the original price quote. Events cancelled within 10-6 U of M business days will be charged 75% of the original price quote. Events cancelled less than 5 U of M business days in advance, failure to cancel, and no-shows will be assessed full original price quote charges.
Technicians must be cancelled 10 days prior to the scheduled date or groups will be charged full technician rental costs.
- When will I be billed for my event?
A $500 down payment is due when you sign the contract, typically 6 - 12 months prior to your reservation date. The remaining balance is due in full, 10 business days prior to the event date.
Audio /Visual Equipment
- Do you have audio/visual equipment for picture and slide shows?
We offer a wide variety of state-of-the-art A/V equipment including: computer/data projectors, 35mm slide and overhead projectors, lecture sound systems, 6' screens, televisions. For more information about renting audio visual equipment see our A/V Tech Services page.
- Can our DJ or band use your sound system?
Most DJ's come equipped with all of their own equipment and it is not necessary to reserve additional audio/visual equipment from the Student Center. Many bands also provide their own equipment, but you may rent our concert sound system if your band does not have their own equipment. Please note that you must also hire a technician to run the sound system at an additional fee.
Parking
- Where can myself and my guests park for my event?
We recommend parking in the Gortner Avenue Ramp or in lot S101.
For a parking map and directions see our Parking & Directions page.
Decorations
- Can I decorate the day before the wedding?
We understand that you have a lot to do on the day of the wedding and it may be convenient for you to decorate the North Star Ballroom the day before your wedding. We try to accommodate this request as best we can, but it often depends on the timing of other events. Please contact the Events and Conferences office at (612) 624-0936 two weeks prior to the event to see if this is possible.
- Does the Student Center provide any decorations for my event?
The Student Center provides tent style and ceiling style decorations for an additional fee. The Student Center does not provide decorations such as balloons, centerpieces, flowers, etc. leaving the choices up to the client.
Reservations
- How late can my event run?
The Student Center is open until midnight. For an additional $50, we can keep the building open until 1:00 a.m., but unfortunately we cannot allow reservations to go any later than 1:00 a.m.
*Please note that all guests and belongings must be out of the building by midnight so the building can be locked. For events ending at 1:00 a.m., all belongings must be out of the building by 1:00 a.m.
- Can I get a discount if I am a student at the University/alumnus/or have a family member or friend that works at the University?
A 10% discount will be given to currently enrolled students and members of the University of Minnesota Alumni Association. A membership card must be presented to the event coordinator for verification. Knowing a staff member at the University does not qualify for a discounted rate.
