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University Center

University Center

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Welcome to Western's University Center

University Centers and Student Unions represent the essence of a campus and are indicators of a healthy student body that subscribes to both an active lifestyle and academic integrity. Western’s University Center is just this—a hive teeming with energy and collaboration. The University Center is not only home to the Rare Air Cafe dining facility, but also Mad Jack’s, Western’s coffee and snack shop. The University Center also demonstrates student and community engagement by housing several ballrooms and conference rooms, a movie theatre, Wilderness Pursuits equipment rentals, LEAD & Orientation offices, the Multicultural Center and the Residence Life offices.

DAYS HOURS
Monday-Friday  7:15 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

 Rare Air Cafe Hours

DAYS BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER
Monday-Thursday 7:15-10 a.m. 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 4:45-7 p.m.
Friday 7:15-10 a.m. 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 4:45-6:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday Brunch 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Brunch 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 4:45-6:15 p.m.

Mad Jack’s Retail Hours

DAYS HOURS
Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday 1-9 p.m.

Full Ballroom (South and North combined)

Features:

  • Fixed screen and projector
  • Full audio and visual capabilities
  • Stage

Capacities:

  • Theater style – maximum capacity: 400 guests
  • Banquet style – maximum capacity: 200 guests
  • Classroom style – maximum capacity: 128 guests
  • U-Shape style – maximum capacity: 128 guests

South Ballroom:

Features:

  • Fixed screen and projector
  • Full audio and visual capabilities
  • Stage

Capacities:

  • Theater style – maximum capacity: 250 guests
  • Banquet style – maximum capacity: 112 guests
  • Classroom style – maximum capacity: 60 guests
  • U-Shape style – maximum capacity: 60 guests

Nouth Ballroom:

Features:

  • Fixed screen and projector
  • Full audio and visual capabilities

Capacities:

  • Theater style – maximum capacity: 75 guests
  • Banquet style – maximum capacity: 56 guests
  • Classroom style – maximum capacity: 18 guests
  • U-Shape style – maximum capacity: 32 guests

North and South Conference Rooms:

Features:

  • Fixed screen and projector
  • Full audio and visual capabilities

Capacities:

  • Theater style – maximum capacity: 60 guests
  • Banquet style – maximum capacity: 40 guests
  • Classroom style – maximum capacity: 27 guests
  • U-Shape style – maximum capacity: 30 guests

Board Room:

Features:

  • Fixed screen and projector
  • Full audio and visual capabilities
  • Conference phone
  • Fixed conference table

Capacities:

  • Conference table style – Maximum capacity: 16 guests

Theater:

Features:

  • Fixed movie theater screen and projector
  • Chairs

Capacity:

  • Theater set-up – maximum capacity: 199 guests

 

Western Reservations

Meeting spaces are available to the Western campus community at no charge during regular operating hours. A fee of $25/hr. is applied to special events requiring additional support staff and for events held outside of the regular operating hours of the University Center.

Please contact University Center Operations for current rates and to check availability. Reservation requests for rental of the University Theater must be submitted minimum of 30 days prior to event date.

Reservation Process:

  1. Go to https://reservations.western.edu/EmsWebApp/samlauth.aspx. Use your Western ID and password to login.
  2. To look for space – Click “Location” under the Browse heading on the left bar. Use Add/Remove Locations to select University Center.
  3. To make a reservation-select “Create a Reservation” on the left side bar. Select the “book now” button to the right of University Center Request Form.
  4. Contact Sodexo at catering@western.edu or call 970.943.2005 to make arrangements for catering service.
  5. Cancelations must be made 72 hours prior to event start.

Non-Western / Community Reservations

Meeting and event spaces are available to non-Western groups for a fee. A discounted rate may apply for government and non-profit organizations. For current rates and availability, please contact Svea Whiting at sveawhiting@western.edu.

Contact Sodexo at catering@western.edu or call 970.943.2005 to make arrangements for catering service.

Cancelations must be made 72 hours prior to event start

University Center Event Policies

The rules of conduct of Western Colorado University will apply. The University Center Director of Operations or authorized personnel shall have the right to order any person in violation of the policies and procedures to leave the building.  Security personnel may be used to enforce policies and procedures.

Meeting Space:

  • Scheduled on a first come, first served basis.
  • Activity must be confined to designated space.
  • Activity must stay within time granted for occupancy and not extended without permission of University Center representative.
  • Furniture and equipment property of University Center shall not be removed from space.
  • Western Colorado University and the University Center shall not be held responsible for any goods and materials brought in by event planner or outside contractors.
  • Individuals, groups and organizations will be held accountable for any damages or losses occurring during or resulting from individual conduct or group activity in the University Center.  The amount of assessment will be in terms of actual cost of repair or replacement.
  • The University Center Reserves the right to deny any activity or equipment usage that may cause damage to facility.
  • Meeting space must be left in the same condition it was found. A cleaning fee of $25/hr. will be assessed for any cleaning/servicing of space beyond standard service.
  • Meeting/event may be relocated to another space to facilitate University Center schedule of events.
  • Western club, organization or department  may be required to assist with any setup/breakdown request outside of standard room layouts.

 Decorations:

  • No stapling or tacking of linens or decorations to fixtures or furnishings.
  • No banners, placards or other materials may be attached to walls, ceilings or floor.
  • Glitter and confetti are not permitted
  • Candles are not permitted unless fully contained and with permission.
  • All personal decorations must be removed immediately following the event.  No personal items/equipment shall be left overnight unless permission has been granted and arrangements have been made in advance.

 Audio/Visual Equipment:

  • All meeting spaces are equipped with LCD projector and screen.
  • Wireless microphones available in ballroom and theater.
  • Additional fee may be assessed for any A/V support beyond standard service provided.

 Smoking and Alcohol:

  • Smoking is not permitted within 30 feet of building.
  • No alcoholic beverages may be consumed, served or sold in the University Center unless provided by Sodexo.
  • Event holder must complete Alcohol Request Form and submit to Vice President of Student Affairs for approval.

 Catering:

  • Sodexo America, LLC is the exclusive caterer for all events hosted at the University Center.
  • Please contact Sodexo at 970.943.2005 or email catering@western.edu to make arrangements for catering service.

Department Information

University Center Operations

Director

Svea Whiting

University Center Operations Director

Contact Information

970.943.2066

970.943.2702

Campus Location

Western Colorado University
University Center 102
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231

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