Know Before You Reserve

What We Do

Reservations schedules non-academic function space for groups eligible to book space. That means we take all the components of what you want to do and connect you with an appropriate, available location.

  • Make your request as far in advance as possible. A confirmation will be sent once the facility is booked.
  • We only reserve the locations. Please see below about services available from campus service providers.
  • The individual listed as “requestor” for the reservation assumes complete responsibility for compliance with these Requirements for Use of University Facilities.
  • Failure to comply with these Requirements for Use of University Facilities and other pertinent University policies may result in cancellation of the event or loss of the privilege to use University facilities.

Who can reserve space

  • BU Departments, including university-affiliated departments, and other bona fide organizations which are sponsored by BU departments
  • Registered student organizations that are in good standing with the Student Activities Office and groups sponsored by student organizations as approved by the Student Activities Office (see additional detail about Student Organizations)
  • At the University’s discretion, faculty & staff and non-University organizations may contract with the University for the use of space for private functions. Events & Conferences (617-353-2932 | roomres@bu.edu) should be contacted to discuss date availability, fees, and other contractual obligations. Departmental resources cannot be used for private functions.

    Any University group/department sponsoring an outside company or organization assumes ALL responsibility for that outside company or organization, including contact to University service departments, submission of required ISRs/FSRs and paperwork, and all charges incurred. A representative of the sponsoring group/department must be present at all planning meetings or site visits involving the outside company/organization and any University department. A representative of the sponsoring group/department must be present throughout the duration of the actual function.

    Events & Conferences can help if your department is not willing or able to take responsibility for an event. Our Event Services team specializes in planning non-University events on campus and we offer discounted facility usage fees for organizations with an affiliation to BU.
    Learn more & submit an inquiry.

    Priority scheduling / Conflicts

    In case of a conflict for University facilities, facilities shall be scheduled in the following order of priority:

    1. BU scheduled classes
    2. Official BU functions of highest institutional significance such as commencement, convocations, dedications, athletic events, admissions events for prospective students, registration, and orientation
    3. Groups with legally-binding contracts
    4. Functions sponsored by student organizations registered with or approved by the Student Activities Office
    5. Functions sponsored by University departments

    Cancellation

    The scheduling group/department shall give Reservations & Sales notice of changes to and/or cancellation of facilities reservations at least 5 business days prior to the function date. For cancellation of facilities reservations for which a room usage fee is charged, that fee is non-refundable. Failure to comply with the change/cancellation deadline may jeopardize the group’s privilege to book University facilities in the future. In addition, the scheduling group/department must notify any University departments providing services to the function of the said space changes or cancellation. There may be an assessment of service charges in accordance with the service department’s schedule of fees for any cancellation.

    Attendance / Guest Conduct

    Boston University may limit attendance at functions on campus to students, faculty, staff, and/or alumni, as appropriate to the function. In some cases, individually escorted guests of students, faculty, staff, or alumni may be welcome. In some cases, only guests with appropriate tickets and/or written invitations will be eligible to attend. The general public may be admitted to events which are recorded with Reservations & Sales by the scheduling group/department as “open to the public.”

    The scheduling group/department holding the reservation shall be responsible for the conduct of any person attending the function, including any damage caused by such person, and the University reserves the right to eject or cause to be ejected from the facilities any person that:

    1. Blocks or otherwise interferes with the free flow of vehicular, bicycle, or pedestrian traffic. The right of way on streets and sidewalks must be maintained
    2. Blocks or otherwise interferes with the ability of others to go into and out of University buildings
    3. Prevents or attempts to force the cancellation of any University class, or any event or activity sponsored by the University or by any persons authorized to use University facilities
    4. Incites imminent lawless action
    5. Harasses, threatens, or is physically abusive toward another person or persons present
    6. Fails to comply with the directions of any University official acting in the performance of their duty
    7. Leaves placards, banners, or other signs unattended, unless they are affixed securely to a location that has been approved for posting (e.g., a Free Expression Board)
    8. Leaves temporary structures unattended
    9. Otherwise violates University policies or applicable law

    Service Providers

    It is the responsibility of the scheduling entity to contact all University service providers, e.g., Facilities Management, Catering, Learning & Event Technology Services, Parking, Sourcing, BU Police, etc., to arrange for services to be provided. It is the responsibility of the sponsoring group/department to submit all required ISRs/FSRs and/or other paperwork to the appropriate service provider and to pay for all charges incurred.

    Facilities Management

    Any function can be subject to Facilities Management charges for room set-up, cleaning, and/or function coverage. It is the responsibility of the scheduling group/department to discuss  these charges with the Facilities Management area manager, including overtime for a function held outside of established facility hours of operation. Reservations & Sales can provide the established operational hours and the name of the area manager for the facility booked, or Facilities Management & Planning can be contacted at 617-353-2109.

    Any scheduling group/department using a University facility is responsible for leaving the room in a neat and orderly state. This requirement shall be strictly enforced. Departments or groups leaving a room in a disorderly or unclean state may be liable for a premium service charge for cleaning and resetting the room, in addition to the normal applicable charges.

    BU Police

    Boston University reserves the right to require the assignment of Boston University Police to an event. When a function is open to the public, involves more than 150 people, an admission fee is charged, or is located outdoors, assignment of Boston University Police is likely to be required. The Chief of Boston University Police shall have the sole responsibility to determine the appropriate assignment of police for a function. The group reserving the facility shall pay any fees and costs for such police in accordance with the then current schedule of fees.

    Catering

    Food and/or beverages served in University facilities must be purchased through Catering on the Charles, 617-353-2957. It is a University policy that NO FOOD OR LIQUOR may be removed from the facility where a function is being held. The state law of Massachusetts provides that “no alcoholic beverages may be sold, delivered, or given in any way to a person under twenty-one years of age.” The Catering department may require an additional room or area for preparation and/or service; arrangements for these areas must be made by notifying Reservations & Sales. Food and beverages are not permitted in any classroom.

    Discrimination

    The University reserves the right to reject requests for the use of its facilities, provided that the University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, or because of marital, parental or veteran status in the admission to or enjoyment of the use of its facilities. No person(s) or organization(s) sponsoring a function may so discriminate.