Host Your Event at the Heart of Campus
Hosting an Event
The Student Union features a variety of reservable spaces and services to accommodate meetings, events, and campus events.
Reserving Space
The Student Union is home to a variety of spaces that students and faculty can reserve for various meeting purposes and events. Interested individuals can find a space that works best for them and reserve a space through Campus Events Services.
Select your affiliation on the home page and complete the form to request a space.
Auditorium
Located in room 180, the auditorium holds hundreds of events throughout the year, supporting a wide range of student organizations and programs. The auditorium has a capacity of 985.
Meeting Rooms
A variety of meeting rooms, from small conference rooms to ballrooms, are located throughout the Student Union and available for reservation during Student Union regular business hours.
21st Mortgage Plaza
Located along Pedestrian Walkway between the Haslam College of Business and the Student Union is the 21st Mortgage Plaza, an open area with outdoor seating and home to various campus events throughout the academic year.
Catering
Catering services are located on the third floor of the Student Union. Planning on serving food at your event? Aramark’s Vol Dining is the exclusive caterer to the Student Union.
Parking
Event and Facility Policies
The Student Union follows specific policies to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. Policies apply to all indoor and outdoor spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reserve space a space in the Union?
All event reservations requests should be submitted through Campus Event Services.
How do I request specific room setups?
All setup needs should be submitted at the time of the request. Any changes should be submitted at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Late and last-minute setup changes may be fulfilled if there is time, staff, and resources available.
The Student Union reserves the right to charge departments in the event of a “no show” or if extensive preparation for items, such as zoom are requested but not used.
How do I request specific AV needs?
All AV needs should be submitted at the time of the requests. Changes should be submitted at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Late and last-minute AV changes may be fulfilled if there is time, staff, and resources available.
The Student Union reserves the right to charge departments in the event of a “no show” or if extensive preparation for items, such as zoom are requested but not used.
Can I use Zoom for our meeting?
Yes! Zoom capabilities are possible in all rooms; however, setting up the equipment is time-consuming. We ask that you let our team know a minimum of 5 business days prior to the event if you require the use of zoom.
The Student Union Reserves the right to charge department in the event of a “no show” or if extensive preparation for items such as zoom is requested but not utilized.
How do I order catering for my event?
Aramark’s Vol Catering is the exclusive caterer for the Student Union. To place an order visit utcatering.catertrax.com or call 865-974-2406.
The Student Union does not provide linens. Linens can be ordered through Vol Catering or with an external party of your choice.
Can I bring food from a different caterer?
No, Aramark’s Vol Catering is the exclusive caterer to the Student Union. Use of external caterers and other food distributors are prohibited and may cause cancellation of reservations for the remainder of the semester.
Exemptions can be made at the sole discretion of the Volunteer Catering director, you can contact them via catering@utk.edu to request a form to apply for exemption.
I reserved a space to table in the Union, what do I need to know?
When you first arrive for your tabling reservation please check in with the Information Desk. We will not set out a table for your use prior to checking in at the information desk.
We do not provide chairs for tabling locations.
What are the limitations around decorations for my events?
Glitter and/or confetti use will incur an excessive cleaning fee as applicable.
Candles and open flame decorations are strictly prohibited.
Please use painters tape if you are hanging any items.
What do I need to do after my event ends?
At the end of the event, the sponsoring group must remove all decorations.
If here is damage to the event / meeting space or other used spaces of the facility, event sponsors are responsible for the cost of repairs; cleaning, repair or replacement of equipment.
I need something delivered to the Union, what should I do?
The Student Union must be notified in advance of planned deliveries. Pick up of delivered items must occur no later than one business day after event. Any items left will be disposed of at the end of the courtesy business day.
Are you able to store items for an event?
The Student Union normally cannot provide storage for events due to limited space in the building.
The Student Union is not responsible for any damage, theft, or loss of items.