Host an Event at Detroit Mercy

 

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.)

Step 2: Complete the Event Request Form

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

Considerations

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)

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 University of Detroit Mercy 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.
    Visit the School of Dentistry website | View Corktown campus map
  • Our Law School is located at 651 East Jefferson Avenue, Detroit MI 48226
    Visit the School of Law  websiteView 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.
  • University of Detroit Mercy McNichols Campus is not able to host high school graduations or regularly reoccurring events.

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

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 University of Detroit Mercy?
  • 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?

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.