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Marvin Center and University Conferences

Frequently Asked Questions


o        When will I hear from you?

o        How can I order A/V equipment?

o        How do I change something about my event?

o        What are the different set up styles?

o        What happens if I do not show for a scheduled space?

o        What is your cancellation policy for meeting spaces?

o        How can I advertise my event in the Marvin Center?

o        Why are there UPD charges listed on my confirmation report?

o        What is an authorized scheduler?

o        Who are my group’s authorized schedulers?

o        How do I become an authorized scheduler?

o        Why do I need SAC approval for my major events?

o        My request was not processed because, as I was told, my group is not a registered student organization.  What does this mean?

o        I registered my organization with the SAC office but was told I am not a registered student organization.  How is this possible?

o        How do I know who my event planner is?

o        It is less than one month before my event and I have yet to be contacted by an event planner.  What should I do?

o        What is the cancellation policy for major and outdoor space events?

o        Why must I book a rain site or date for my outdoor space request?

o        Will my rain site AND outdoor location be set the day of my event?

o        Can I bring my own food for a meeting in the Marvin Center?

o        My event does not take place in the Marvin Center.  Can I still use Colonial Catering?

o        I would like to serve alcohol at an event.  Is this possible?

 

 


General Space Questions

 

When will I hear from you?

            It takes up to 2 business days for us to process an incoming meeting space request.  Be certain to fill in all information on your form, as we cannot process a request unless we have all of the information.  If it has been more than 2 business days since you submitted your meeting space request, please call us.

            Incoming major space requests take up to 3 days to process depending on the complexity of the event and the information provided.  Please contact us if it has been more than 3 days since you submitted your major space request.

 

How can I order A/V equipment?

            Please indicate your needs on the form prior to submitting it.  If your request has already been turned in, you will need to submit an Event Modification form located in suite 204 of the Marvin Center.

 

How do I change something about my event?

            All changes to an event, including location, time, and equipment, can be submitted on an Event Modification form.  If your event is in an outdoor or major space, you may also discuss changes with your event planner.

 

What are the different set up styles?

            Please take this link to see diagrams of our various seating styles.  If you do not see what you are looking for, please give us a call!

 

What happens if I do not show for a scheduled space?

            1st time= You receive a warning.

            2nd time= Current and future requests and reservations will undergo review.

            3rd time= Your organization is put on probation from scheduling events.

 

What is your cancellation policy for meeting spaces?

            You may cancel a meeting space reservation any time prior to noon the day before your event with no penalty.  Cancellations submitted after this time period   will be treated as a “No show” and penalized accordingly.

If you have signed a contract (this applies to sponsored, 1918, and 1957 events only), you will pay a cancellation fee as outlined in your contract.  Please note that a contract is not the confirmation report signed to confirm all reservations.

 

How can I advertise my event in the Marvin Center?

            If you would like to advertise your event in the elevators of the Marvin Center, please bring 3 copies of your flier to Marvin Center suite 204 at least 72 hours before your event takes place.  All elevator fliers must meet the following criteria:

-          Printed on 8.5x11” paper, portrait orientation;

-          Advertise for events that take place in Marvin Center space;

-          Identify event information (date, time, location);

-          Provide a contact phone number or e-mail address; and

-          Display an official University logo.

If you would like to place your flier on the bulletin boards around the building, you may hang those on your own.  Students interested in distributing fliers through Mount Vernon Campus Life must submit 15 posters to the SAC office in Marvin Center room 427.

You may also advertise your event in Quibeca, the Hippodrome bowling alley’s display system.  To arrange this, please contact the Hippodrome Manager at 202-994-7471.

 

Why are there UPD charges listed on my confirmation report?

            If you are serving alcohol, UPD will be assigned to your event.  Events that collect donations, charge admission, sell items costing more than $5, or have VIP’s in attendance also require UPD coverage.  If you are still uncertain as to why UPD was assigned to your event, please contact us.

 

 

Authorized Scheduler and Registered Organization Questions

 

What is an authorized scheduler?

            An authorized scheduler is someone registered with SAC and approved by your organization to schedule events for your group.  Each organization may have up to three authorized schedulers.

 

Who are my group’s authorized schedulers?

            Unfortunately, we cannot tell you who your authorized schedulers are; however, we can confirm if you yourself are authorized.  If you are unsure of who your authorized schedulers are, please talk to your club president or SAC advisor.

 

How do I become an authorized scheduler?

            You must speak with your SAC advisor.

 

Why do I need SAC approval for my major events?

            Without SAC written approval (given via event checklist), your event will be cancelled.

 

My request was not processed because, as I was told, my group is not a registered student organization.  What does this mean?

            Your organization is not registered with the SAC office.  Without this registration, you will be charged for room and equipment rental fees.  To register your organization, please visit Marvin Center room 427 to speak to a SAC advisor.

 

I registered my organization with the SAC office but was told I am not a registered student organization.  How is this possible?

            It takes about 24 hours for the registration software to update.  If it has been longer than 24 since you registered your group, please speak with your SAC advisor.

 

 

Major and Outdoor Space Questions

 

How do I know who my event planner is?

            You will be contacted by your event planner via e-mail 20 to 30 days before your event takes place.

 

It is less than one month before my event and I have yet to be contacted by an event planner.  What should I do?

            Please call us at 202-994-7470 with all of the information on your event.  We will research your event and give you the contact information for your event planner.

 

What is the cancellation policy for major and outdoor space events?

            A cancellation request for major and outdoor space events must be submitted at least 10 days prior to the event.  Events cancelled after this time period will be treated as a “No show.”  If you have ordered catering for your event, you must also inform your caterer of the cancellation.

 

Why must I book a rain site or date for my outdoor space request?

            Our goal is to facilitate your needs as much as possible.  With a rain site or date, we can still host your event even if there is inclement weather.

 

Will my rain site AND outdoor location be set the day of my event?

            No.  If there is no rain, only your outdoor space will be set.  If it is raining, only your indoor space will be set.

 

 

Catering Questions

 

Can I bring my own food for a meeting in the Marvin Center?

            No.  Events in the Marvin Center must use our in-house caterer, Colonial Catering.  They are available by phone at 202-994-7472, by e-mail at gwcater@gwu.edu, or on-line at www.gworlddining.com.

 

My event does not take place in the Marvin Center.  Can I still use Colonial Catering?

            Yes, Colonial Catering is also available to clients using space at 1957 E Street, 1918 F Street, and all outdoor spaces.  Student organizations also have the option of bringing in their own caterer, provided the company is licensed to serve food in the District of Columbia, at these locations.

 

I would like to serve alcohol at an event.  Is this possible?

            In order to serve alcohol on campus, you must register your event with CADE by calling 202-994-2599.  All events on University property are subject to DC and federal law and restrictions.




800 21st Street NW, Suite 204, Washington, DC 20052
Phone: 202-994-7470     Fax: 202-994-7442

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