Host an Event at Detroit Mercy

 **Please note, while we transition to the Coursedog platform, we will NOT be able to fulfill room reservation requests between November 23 and December 15.  Please submit any requests before or after these dates.  Thank you!

Step 1: Read the Policy

  • Read the Policy for Use of Detroit Mercy Facilities prior to submitting the form.
  • Unfortunately, the University is:
    • not able to host high school graduations
    • not able to host regularly reoccurring events or meetings for external groups
    • not able to allow alcohol at external events
    • not able to allow alcohol at internal events if money is being exchanged for guests to attend (whether at the bar, for tickets, etc.)
      • For internal events where any consideration is being exchanged (if the event requires the purchase of a ticket, a donation, a fundraiser), a special one day liquor license must be acquired. Please review the and use the State of Michigan  and .

Step 2: Complete the Event Request Form

  • Please note: This form creates a REQUEST only and, once submitted, your request is under consideration. Submitting this form does not automatically reserve the requested event date/space.
  • Reservations are honored on a first come, first serve basis, and a 30-day lead time is required.
  • Event Request Forms:
  • For catering services and/or set-up, use CaterTrax:
    • If you are planning to have food at your event, you must use Metz Culinary Management.
    • Catering orders must be placed at least two weeks prior to your event. The earlier you place your order, the more money you save!
  • Check date availabilities on our and check out venue descriptions here!

Step 3: Expect University Services Response

  • University Services will internally process the Event Request and notify the Event Contact Person once the event has been scheduled.
  • If applicable, costs and additional considerations will be quoted and returned to the Event Contact Person. Please be sure to look at our Costs and Considerations below during your event planning process.

Questions?

For any questions about this process or event coordination at Detroit Mercy, please contact:

University Services
Email: universityservices@udmercy.edu
Phone: 313-993-1488

Venues (Buildings, Classrooms, Spaces)
Public Calendar of Events

Considerations

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    Fees

    Use of Facilities Fee

    The Use of Facilities Fee is intended to cover utility costs and wear-and-tear on the facilities. This Fee does not include any extra services or costs incurred as a result of the event. There is no charge to Detroit Mercy Departments for facility usage as long as the activity is University-related and within operational hours. Operational hours are defined as Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. for all buildings excluding the Student Union and Student Fitness Center. A Detroit Mercy Department requesting space for non-University related activities or space outside normal operational hours will be charged the Use of Facilities fee. Events are not to exceed 12 hours/day.

    Rental fees
    Space Fee
    Architecture Exhibition Space $75/hour
    Ballroom $75/hour
    Calihan Hall $125/hour
    Classroom $30/hour
    Conference/Meeting Room $25/hour
    Dining Area $50/hour
    Dorm Room $10/day
    Fitness Center By Estimate
    Fountain Lounge/Patio $50/hour
    Parking Lot $15/hour

    Audio Visual Services

    The below rates are internal rates; external rates will be estimated upon request.

    Costs for AV
    Service Fee
    Flat rate to include AV in space as well as an on-call technician $300
    Additional AV items:
    Projector $25
    Projection Screen- Large $50
    Projection Screen- Standard $25
    Regular Employee Support Staff $50/man hour
    Student Employee Support Staff $15/man hour

    Dining Services

    Catering Costs
    Service Fee
    Catering: Food & Drink By Estimate
    Linens By Estimate
    Table/Chair Set-Up By Estimate
    Table Settings By Estimate
    Waitstaff By Estimate

    Facility Operations

    Facility Operations costs
    Service Fee
    Support Staff By Estimate
    Environmental Control/Heating & Cooling By Estimate

    Housekeeping

    Housekeeping costs
    Service Fee
    Trash Receptacles By Estimate
    Clean-Up Support Staff Before or After $23/man hour

    Marketing & Communications

    Photographer information
    Service Fee
    Photographer By Estimate

    Media Services

    Cost for Media Services
    Service Fee

    Media Services and Sound Systems Support Staff

    $50/hour and $75 set-up/strike fee

    Public Safety

    Cost for Public Safety
    Service Fee

    Public Safety Support Staff due to the below reasons:

    • Opening the Livernois gate
    • Corktown- Saturday or Sunday event
    • Law School- Outside normal operating hours
    • Large event (including Student Organizations)
    • Money being exchanged at an event
    		 $55/man hour
    (Minimum of 4 hrs)
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    What to Expect

    University Services would like to ensure that you and your event audience have a pleasant experience while at Detroit Mercy. Listed below is what you can expect while on campus and from University Services.

    For those who have never been to ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ before:

    • Our McNichols Campus is located at 4001 W. McNichols Road, Detroit MI 48221.
    • McNichols Campus has one gated entrance:
      • Entrance on McNichols Rd. is closest to Lansing-Reilly Hall, CHP, Briggs, Library, Commerce & Finance, and athletic facilities. View McNichols campus map
    • If event guests were issued an Event Parking Permit, that permit must be displayed on their dashboard as they enter campus.  If no permit was issued, guests may stop at the welcome booth as they enter campus to receive a visitor's pass.
    • Our School of Dentistry is located at 2700 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Detroit MI 48208.
       | View Corktown campus map
    • Our Law School is located at 651 East Jefferson Avenue, Detroit MI 48226
      | View Riverfront campus map

    General:

    • The event space will be set up and clean when event guests arrive.
    • University Services will provide a positive and spacious venue for all events.
    • Dining services may be provided for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, or desserts upon request of event coordinator.
    • Housekeeping or audio/visual services are available upon request.
    • Opportunities for the University Bookstore to sell gifts or merchandise at event can be arranged.
    • University Services can request the attendance of Board Members, University President, faculty, or students.
    • University Services can arrange Public Safety Officers to be present.
    • University Services can help coordinate overnight stays in our Residence Halls (during the Summer).
    • Should a speaker or guest of an event require short term housing, the University has 4 rooms available in the McGovern Guest Center, located on campus. Keep in mind these living arrangements will be first come, first serve.

    What Will Not Provide:

    • Although University Services will provide and schedule venues, University Services cannot plan specific details of any event.
    • ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ McNichols Campus is not able to host high school graduations or regularly reoccurring events.
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    Event Layouts

    TheatreTheater Style

    The theater style features seats arranged in rows facing a stage area, head table, or speaker. This setup is a very flexible room set-up as the rows can be circular, semi-circular, straight, or angled toward the focal point. This is a perfect set-up when attendees will act as an audience. It is not recommended for food events or note taking.

    Advantages

    • Great for large group

    Disadvantages

    • Elevation changes needed for large groups 
    • No writing surface 
    • Minimal group interaction

    ushapeU-Shape Style

    The u-shape style features a series of conference tables set in the shape of an U, with chairs placed around the outside portions of the tables. This layout is ideal for Board of Directors meetings, committee meetings, or discussion groups where there is a speaker or audio-visual presentation.

    Advantages 

    • Good work space
    • Great interaction between participants
    • Perfect for presentations or speakers

    Disadvantages 

    • Not ideal for a large group

    classroomClassroom Style

    The classroom style features rows of conference tables with chairs facing the front of a room. This provides writing space for each person. This is perfect for meetings that require reference materials, laptops, or refreshments.

    Advantages

    • Presenter can see all participants
    • Accommodates large groups in less space 

    Disadvantages

    • Minimal interaction possible
    • Participants only see each other’s backs

    BoardroomBoardroom Style

    The boardroom style consists of a rectangular or oval table set up with chairs surrounding the tables. This table layout can be used for Board of Directors meetings, committee meetings, or discussion groups. 

    Advantages

    • Great working atmosphere
    • Good interaction between participants 

    Disadvantages

    • Not ideal for audio-visual presentations or speakers
    • Not ideal for larger group

    HollowHollow Style

    The hollow style features tables arranged in a square or rectangle while leaving the center open. Seating is placed around the outside of the tables.

    Advantages

    • Good for large groups
    • Good for attendee interaction
    • Perfect for no designated leader or presenter

    Disadvantages

    • Not good for a small group
    • Not ideal for presenters

    BanquetBanquet Rounds Style

    Banquet rounds style features a group of round tables, typically seating 6-10 people. This design is good for a sit down dinner or refreshments.

    Advantages

    • Good for medium groups
    • Good for refreshments and group interaction

    Disadvantages

    • Not designed for a large groups
    • Arrangement may take up a lot of space

    cocktailCocktail Style

    Cocktail style features small, round cocktail/reception tables. Great for cocktail parties and receptions. Perfect in meeting spaces before a large event.

    Advantages

    • Good for large groups
    • Good for cocktails and refreshments

    Disadvantages

    • Not ideal for note taking
    • Not ideal for presentations
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    Additional Considerations

    While planning your event at Detroit Mercy, make sure to consider all the questions below to help make your event application simple and quick! (Many of these questions are asked on Detroit Mercy's event request form.)

    Once you know the answers to these questions, you are ready to fill out an event request form!

    • How big is your event? What kind of venue would best suit your event?
    • Who is your audience?
    • Will your event support the mission of ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ?
    • Is your event a fundraiser?
    • Is your event a Greek Life event?
    • Does your event need food services, housekeeping, or audio visual services?
    • Does your event require internet services?
    • Does your event require special access?
    • Does your event have special electrical needs?
    • Does your event conflict with our lawn or snow removal service?
    • Does your event require the McNichols fountain to be turned on?
    • Does your event involve special deliveries to Mail Services?
    • Does your event require assistance in decoration/set-up?
    • Does your event require banners/signs to be hung?
    • Does your event conflict with a current construction schedule or project?
    • Does your event require special communication, such as email, webpage, mailing, etc.?
    • Does your event involve a Food Truck? See our policy in the accordion.
    • What vendors will be present? Do you have event set up instructions?
    • What kind of parking will your event need?
    • Is your event at the Ss. Peter & Paul Church and require the Law School parking lot?
    • Would your event benefit if the Bookstore was available?
    • Do you want your event publicized on the main Detroit Mercy marketing page?
    • Is the University President or other Executive Board members attendance requested?
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    Food Truck Policy

    Due to Detroit Mercy's exclusive contract with our dining services vendor, any events involving a Food Truck on any of the three campuses, the below guidelines must be followed:

    • Request must be made through University Services
    • Event must be for Detroit Mercy students only.
    • Truck vendor must be fully funded by the University; retail sales of individual items to the customer are NOT allowed.
    • Truck vendors will not be allowed to provide service to any location during normal meal periods (breakfast, lunch, or dinner).
    • All approve food truck vendors must provide a copy of their food license and permit to operate in Wayne County.

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