Campus Facility Reservations and Rentals

University-Sponsored Events

Merrill House

To reserve Merrill for a dinner or event, sign up using EMS. Contact Cassidy Rodman (crodman@colgate.edu; extension 7220) if you have an issue scheduling through the EMS.

Merrill House University-related Event Guidelines

Faculty, staff and groups are permitted to use dining areas for university-related meetings and functions as long as the following guidelines are adhered to:

  • Access to the kitchen, including equipment, may be permitted if a professional caterer is being used and with prior approval from Auxiliary Services. To contact Auxiliary Services please email auxiliaryservices@colgate.edu or call x7760.
  • At the end of the event, the kitchen must be thoroughly cleaned and any items brought in by the caterer must be removed.
  • The dining areas must be cleared of all linen and china immediately after the event, and tables must be wiped down.
  • Trash and recycling items must be placed in the shed outside of the Merrill House, located in the parking lot between Merrill and Campus Safety.

Summer Break

During summer break, the summer programs office (summerprograms@colgate.edu; 315-228-7760) will schedule the following facilities:

  • Alton Lounge
  • Clark Room
  • Commons
  • Hall of Presidents

Other Facilities

Go to ems.colgate.edu to reserve other space at Colgate.

Non-university Events

The Division of Finance & Administration schedules all facilities for non-official, non-university purposes. These facilities may be rented for private events by current and retired Colgate faculty, staff, employees and alumni. 

Colgate facilities may not be used for fund-raising or political purposes. Colgate may however, allow volunteer, non-profit public service organizations which render a recognized public service to the university or university community to use its facilities. 

Summer events and weddings may not be scheduled earlier than one week following Reunion weekend in early June and no later then two weeks prior to the arrival of first-year students in late August. Events may be scheduled on semester breaks, but not on holiday weekends. The university's academic and summer programs have priority use of all facilities at all times. Summer facility reservations may be cancelled if they conflict with these programs. 

If you are interested in hosting an event on campus, please contact the summer programs office at summerprograms@colgate.edu or 315-228-7760. Requests are processed on a first-come, first-served basis in accordance with the guidelines above. 

There is no room fee for scheduling a university-related event. A facilities or custodial fee may apply for setup or cleanup of the facility. The work order can be completed using the online work order system (contact facilities for details) and should be transmitted two weeks prior to the event when possible.

If you have questions regarding completing a work order, please contact facilities.