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Mary Graydon Student Center, Room 319 on a map
Student Center 4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW Washington, DC 20016-8113 United StatesConnecting You to Campus Resources
Planning an event often involves coordinating with multiple campus partners. This page connects you with the offices, services, and resources commonly used during the event planning process. Whether you're reserving space, arranging catering, requesting audiovisual support, coordinating parking, or promoting your event, you'll find the appropriate contacts and helpful information below.
University-wide Services
The following services are available regardless of where your event is held.
The Office of Student Disability Support (formerly "Academic Support & Access Center") provides guidance and resources to help event planners create accessible and inclusive events. OSDS can assist with planning accommodations, accessible event practices, and coordinating disability-related services when needed.
Event Resources
⭐ Creating Accessible Environments
⭐ Making On-Campus Events Accessible
Event Services
- Accessible event planning guidance
- American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters and CART (real-time captioning)
- Assistive listening devices
- Closed captioning guidance for videos and presentations
- Alternative format materials (e.g., large print, Braille, accessible electronic documents)
- Accessibility consultation for event locations and room setups
Contact
Office of Student Disability Support
📍 Butler Pavillion, Room 300
📞 202-885-3360
✉ [email protected]
Some events involving outside vendors, performers, external organizations, or higher-risk activities may require additional review, contracts, insurance, or liability documentation. Event schedulering offices may direct you to complete additional forms to assess whether these requirements apply to your event.
Before signing agreements or confirming services with outside vendors or performers, contact Procurement & Contracts for guidance on university contracting requirements. Some events may also require insurance documentation, liability waivers, or additional risk review through Risk Management. (Recognized Student Organizations whould work with their advisors in the Center for Student Involvement to fullfill these requirements.)
Event Resources
⭐Procurement & Contracts Website
⭐Preferred Vendor List ⇔ find vendors for catering and event equipment rentals (such as tenting, staging, dance floors, tables/chairs, etc.)
⭐Request a Participation Waiver (Email)
Event Services
- Guidance on university purchasing and contract requirements
- Review of contracts involving outside vendors, performers, and service providers
- Preferred vendor recommendations and procurement assistance
- Insurance and certificate of insurance (COI) guidance for vendors and external organizations
- Event risk assessment and consultation
- Liability waiver guidance and participation waiver requests
- Public assembly and emergency planning guidance for large events
- Environmental health and safety consultation, when applicable
Contact
Procurement & Contracts
📍 4801 Massachusetts Avenue NW, 3rd Floor
📞 202-885-2840
✉️ [email protected]
Risk Management
📍 Don Myers Technology & Innovation Building, Terrace Level
📞 202-885-2722
✉️ [email protected]
The Office of Special Events provides guidance and support for presidential, executive, and other high-profile university events. Event planners should consult Special Events when hosting distinguished guests, coordinating presidential appearances, or planning events that require university protocol, ceremonial elements, or executive-level support.
💡Contact the Office of Special Events early in the planning process when hosting the AU President, members of the Board of Trustees, elected officials, ambassadors, distinguished guests, or other VIPs. Early coordination helps ensure appropriate protocol, branding, scheduling, and ceremonial arrangements are incorporated into your event.
Event Services
- Presidential event coordination and appearance requests
- Executive and VIP event planning guidance
- Formal event protocol and etiquette
- Proper titles, forms of address, and invitation wording
- Seating arrangements and ceremonial protocols
- Flag etiquette and display guidance
- University banners, podium logos, and ceremonial event materials
- Consultation for high-profile university events
Contact
Office of Special Events
📞 202-885-2159
✉ [email protected]
AU Dining provides food and beverage services for university events, offering contactless catering options ranging from boxed meals to seated dining. Visit the AU Dining website to browse menus, place orders, and learn about available catering services.
💡Catering orders should be placed as early as possible to ensure menu availability and allow time to accommodate special dietary requests.
Event Resources
⭐ AU Dining & Catering Website
Event Services
- Boxed meals, continental breakfasts, and light refreshments
- Buffet, plated, and reception-style catering
- Beverage service, including coffee and break stations
- Catering for meetings, conferences, and special events
- Menu planning and dietary accommodation options
- Event catering consultation and ordering assistance
Contact
📞 202-885-3177
✉ [email protected]
The Bridge Café is a student-run coffee shop located in Butler Pavilion that offers coffee, tea, espresso beverages, pastries, and bagels for university meetings and events during the Fall and Spring semesters. In addition to serving as a popular campus gathering space, The Bridge Café provides coffee and light refreshment service for small university events.
💡Café service is available during the Fall and Spring semesters, and is best suited for meetings and events requiring coffee and light refreshments. For larger meals, receptions, or full-service catering, please refer to AU Catering.
🌱 Student Impact
The Bridge Café is a student-run campus business that provides AU students with hands-on leadership, customer service, and business operations experience. By choosing The Bridge Café for meetings and small events, you're also supporting experiential learning opportunities for students.
Event Resources
⭐ Café Menu (Coming Soon)*
⭐ Café Service Order Form (Coming Soon)*
* The Bridge Café is currently developing an online menu and ordering process for event planners. In the meantime, please contact [email protected] for current menu offerings and pricing.
Event Services
- Beverage & pastry service for meetings and small events
→ Coffee, tea, and espresso beverages
→ Pastries and New York-style bagels - Delivery within the Student Center
- Pick-up service for campus events outside the Student Center
- Student event venue for performances, open mic nights, panels, and other programming
Contact
The Bridge Café
📍 Butler Pavilion, 2nd Floor
✉ General Questions: [email protected]
🎤 Event Inquiries: [email protected]
The Office of University Communications & Marketing (UCM) provides resources and services to help promote university events, support media engagement, and ensure communications align with American University's brand standards. Event planners can request photography services, access marketing resources, and receive guidance on media relations and storytelling.
Event Resources
⭐ Event Photography Release Notice
⭐ Individual Photo Release Form
⭐ Print Procurement & Preferred Vendors
⭐ 🎤 Faculty Experts Guide - Featured Resource! Find faculty speakers, moderators, and subject matter experts.
Event Services
- Event photography services
- Media relations and press guidance
- Event promotion and storytelling support
- Filming and photography guidance for campus events
- University branding and communications resources
- Print procurement and preferred vendor information
Contact
Office of University Communications & Marketing (UCM)
✉ General Inquiries: [email protected]
The AU Police Department (AUPD) partners with event planners to help provide a safe and secure environment for campus events. AUPD can assist with security planning, police staffing, crowd management, and other safety considerations for events requiring additional public safety support.
💡 Submit event security requests at least two weeks before your event to allow adequate time for review, staffing, and coordination.
Event Resources
⭐ AU Police Department Website
Event Services
- Event security planning and consultation
- Police officer and event security staffing
- Crowd management and safety planning
- Security assessments for special events
- Coordination with event organizers to address public safety needs
Contact
American University Police Department
📞 202-885-2527
✉ [email protected]
The Office of Sustainability provides resources and guidance to help event planners host environmentally responsible events. Whether you're planning a small meeting or a large campus event, the Office of Sustainability offers best practices for reducing waste, minimizing environmental impact, and supporting American University's sustainability initiatives.
💡Planning for a sustainable event starts before you place your catering order. Consider reusable or compostable serviceware, reduce single-use plastics, encourage attendees to bring reusable water bottles or coffee mugs, and plan ahead for recycling, composting, and food recovery.
Event Resources
⭐ Hosting Green Events at AU (Workday Training)
⭐ Zero Waste Guidelines & Waste Sorting Resources
⭐ Transportation & Sustainable Commuting Options
Event Services
- Sustainable and zero waste event planning guidance
- Green event best practices and consultation
- Food recovery planning for leftover catered food
- Zero waste station guidance and educational signage
- Sustainability interns to staff waste stations for larger events (advance notice required)
- Campus sustainability education and resources
Contact
Office of Sustainability
🌐 Sustainability at AU
📍 Butler Pavillion, Room 601
📞 202-885-3360
✉ [email protected]
Zero Waste Program
✉ [email protected]
AU Audio/Visual supports classroom and event technology, including microphones, presentation equipment, recording, streaming, and technology consultation.
⚠️ Locations with Limited A/V Support: While AU A/V is generally a University-wide services, some facilities maintain specialized or restricted access spaces which AU A/V is unable support - this includes: Katzen Arts Center, McKinley, MGSC Tavern, and the Washington College of Law. For these, see Venue-Specific Resources.
Event Resources
⭐ List of A/V Services & Requirements
⭐ Audio/Visual Service Request Form
Event Services
- Microphones, sound systems, and audio support (indoor and outdoor; outdoor requires prior approval)
- Video projection, displays, and general presentation support
- Wireless projection (available in select campus spaces)
- Audio recording and lecture capture support
- Streaming and video conferencing support
- Portable streaming equipment and mobile technology setup
- A/V consultation and event technology planning
Contact
Main Campus
📍Anderson Residence Hall, B43
📞 202-885-2296
✉ [email protected]
Spring Valley Building
📍Spring Valley - Room 328
📞202-885-8205
✉ [email protected]
Normal Business Hours
Mon-Fri: 7:30am-11:00pm
Sat-Sun: By Request
Help your guests get to campus by providing parking information, driving directions, public transportation options, and campus maps. The Office of Parking & Commuter Services can assist with guest parking permits, while the University's transportation resources include Metro connections, the free AU Shuttle, and printable campus maps.
💡If your event includes invited guests, speakers, or VIPs, request guest parking permits at least 48 hours in advance and include parking instructions with your event communications.
Event Resources
⭐ Visitor Parking Info, Driving Directions, and Campus Maps
⭐ Guest Parking Permit Information
Event Services
- Guest parking permits for university-sponsored visitors
- Visitor parking information and Pay-As-You-Go parking options
- Driving directions and public transportation information
- AU Shuttle service connecting Main Campus and the Tenleytown–AU Metro station
- Campus, parking, and accessibility maps
Contact
Office of Parking & Commuter Services
📞 202-885-3111
✉ [email protected]
Facilities Management's Customer Response Center (2Fix) coordinates facilities support for campus events, including furniture requests, housekeeping, utilities, and maintenance-related services. Event planners should contact 2Fix for facility support needs that go beyond standard room setups, particularly for outdoor events or events requiring power, water, or special services.
Event Resources
⭐ Event Planning Guidelines for 2Fix Requests
⭐ Submit a 2Fix Request (portal)
Event Services
- Trash and recycling containers
- Electrical power and water connections (for outdoor events)
- Housekeeping and custodial support
- Maintenance and facilities assistance (room temperature)
- Folding table and chair delivery/pick-up
- Consultation for event setup and facility support needs
Contact
Facilities Management Customer Response Center (2Fix)
📍 Asbury Building (Lower Level)
📞 202-885-2349
✉ [email protected]