Facilities

We host more than 700 meetings and events each academic year, ranging from lectures and discussions to dinners, receptions and movie nights. We have spaces that can be reserved by student groups and campus departments for events related to the HTC’s mission. Please allow at least two weeks for the processing of your event request. Please email thurman@bu.edu with any concerns regarding your request. Do NOT email a member of the HTC staff to expedite your request, we will adhere to our two week policy.  Please read the criteria that applies to your organization, department, and or organizing body.

All student/ student organization events held in the Howard Thurman Center must adhere to the following criteria:

  1. Must be relevant to the mission of the Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground
  2. Be open to all members of the Boston University community
  3. All rooms in the HTC feature projector screens with Air Media capabilities (stream over WiFi) that can be operated by students. (The HTC will not provide tech assistance for your event)
  4. If your event requires more than the items listed in criteria number 3, you must submit a LETS request through SAO (The HTC will not provide assistance for this)
  5. Must use Catering on the Charles
  6. Student organizations are responsible for costs related to the room such as but not limited to room set ups and custodial services if applicable
  7. All requests are tentative until the requestor (student organization) completes the entire process:
    1. student organization must submit all paper work to SAO (HTC approval form)
    2. if applicable, a floor plan must be submitted with Facilities through SAO
    3. if applicable, catering requests must be submitted to Catering on the Charles through SAO
    4. if applicable, a LETS request must be submitted to SAO
    5. The HTC must have copies of all of these documents for your event to take place

All BU departments/ colleges and outside community partners events must adhere to the following criteria:

  1. Must be relevant to the mission of the Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground
  2. Be open to all members of the Boston University community
  3. Must use LETS for all technology services and requests. No exceptions.
  4. Must use Catering on the Charles for all catering needs
  5. Must cover costs related to LETS, Catering on The Charles, and Facilities room set up
  6. All requests are tentative until a representative of your department meets with an HTC staff member

NOTICE: Please be sure you have read all of the requirements above prior to submitting a request for your event. Please be sure you have fully explored your event idea prior to submitting your request. Click the link below to submit a request.

Thurman Center Resource Form 2023-2024


Event Space (FLR 104)

“But when knowledge comes, the whole world is turned upside down. The meaning of things begins to emerge. And more importantly, the relations between things are seen for the first time. Questions are asked and answers are sought.”

The Inward Journey, 17.

What is a university without an auditorium to host lectures, panels and presentations? This multipurpose space takes that concept one step further with its three projection screens and in-house microphones, serving as a home to discourse, live performances, film screenings and banquets.

Capacity:
160 (seated auditorium-style)
200 (standing reception)

Tech Specs:

  • Ceiling-mounted projection screen at the front of the room
  • Ceiling-mounted video projector
  • Camera mounted on the side of the room
  • Wall-mounted flat-panel displays mounted at the front of the room
  • Audio and microphone input plates
  • (8) Wireless and (8) lavalier microphones
  • Wall-mounted touch panel for system controls
  • Loudspeakers mounted on columns at the front of the room
  • Stream over WIFI capabilities using Crestron Software

The Gathering Space (FLR 105)

“Community is the native climate of the human spirit. It is for this reason that we seem most our true selves when we are deeply involved in relations with other selves.”

​Meditations of the Heart,​ 122.

Whether you are looking to break bread or prepare a warm pot of tea, our kitchen-esque nook allows for groups to gather for nourishment of a body, a mind, or even a soul. For example, Tea Time and Book Club, two of the HTC’s longest-running programs, have a home in the Gathering Space. In the spirit of Sue Bailey Thurman’s advocacy for intercultural and international understanding, Culinary programs highlighting different cultures, religions and countries are a staple of the Gathering Space.

Capacity:
18 total (15 around the large table + 3 bar stools)

Tech Specs:
No A/V offered


Commons (FLR 205)

“Contact without fellowship tends to be unsympathetic, cold, and impersonal, expressing itself often in sick or limited forms of ill will; ill will easily becomes the grounds for suspicion and hatred. The reverse is also true. Contact with fellowship is apt to be sympathetic; sympathetic understanding often leads to the exercise of goodwill.”

  With Head and Heart: The Autobiography of Howard Thurman

With an inspiring view of Commonwealth Avenue and available video-conferencing system, this shape-shifting room (removable glass wall) is the perfect place to engage in dynamic conversation. From “Coffee & Conversation” to “Late Night Listens,” the Commons invites students to break down the issues of the day and connect over popular culture. Student clubs and organizations make this room their second home as they host their weekly, monthly and annual programs and events.

Capacity:
60 (town hall style a la “Coffee & Conversation”)
90 (lecture style)

Tech Specs:

  • (2) Ceiling-mounted projection screens at the front of the room
  • (2) Ceiling-mounted video projectors
  • (1) Camera mounted in the ceiling
  • Audio and microphone input plates
  • Wall-mounted touch panel for system controls
  • Wall-mounted loudspeakers mounted at the front of the room
  • Wall-mounted AV rack (includes DVD player)
  • Stream over WIFI capabilities using Crestron Software

Course and Meeting Rooms (FLR 206, 207, 209)

“It takes time to cultivate the mind. It takes time to grow in wisdom.”

The Inward Journey, 61

At the HTC, we prepare students to enter the professional world to do well and good. Our classrooms may be used for classes, programs, or workshops that effectively promote curiosity, intellect and character. Courses that satisfy the BU Hub area of Diversity, Civic Engagement and Global Citizenship will have a natural fit in the HTC. In the evenings, student clubs and organizations  use these rooms for their meetings and conversations.

Capacity:
24 (classroom style) Please note we have 24 total chairs per classroom.

Tech Specs:

  • Ceiling-mounted projection screen at the front of the room
  • Ceiling-mounted video projector
  • Camera-mounted in the rear of the room
  • Wall-mounted touch panel for system controls
  • Wall-mounted loudspeakers mounted at the front of the room
  • Wall-mounted AV rack

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Meeting Room (FLR 211)

Capacity:
14 (boardroom style)

Tech Specs:

  • Wall-mounted flat-panel display at the front of the room
  • Wall-mounted soundbar loudspeaker
  • Wall-mounted button panel for system controls

Dean George K. Makechnie Meeting Room (FLR 218)

Capacity:
14 (boardroom style)

Tech Specs:

  • Wall-mounted flat-panel display at the front of the room
  • Wall-mounted soundbar loudspeaker
  • Wall-mounted button panel for system controls