Student Organizations
Please follow the guidelines set forth by Student Life, which uses MavSYNC, to plan your event. The information that follows will only pertain to university colleges and departments within UNO.
STEP 1: Consider Your Budget
Do you know what your budget is? Do you know how much to estimate for each aspect of your event?
STEP 2: Choose Your Date(s) Carefully
Do your dates conflict with a major university event such as Commencement, Honors Convocation, etc.? Please visit the UNO Events Calendar and Academic Calendar to avoid scheduling conflicts that coincide with the university.
STEP 3: Take Care of Your Special Guests
If you have a special guest coming to campus, please contact the UNO Events Team at unoevents@unomaha.edu. These are considered guests who are likely to draw significant media attention, such as a well-known lecturer, political figure, celebrity, etc.
Please inform the Events Team of the guest and any core event details and this will allow the team to give recommendations moving forward.
STEP 4: Reserve Your Campus Space
Reserve classrooms, meeting rooms, and green spaces by contacting the UNO Reservations Office at unoreservations@unomaha.edu.
Are you unsure of what space you need? Contact the Reservations Office for advice and suggestions. They will provide room capacity details and set-up reservations.
STEP 5: Outfit Your Meeting Space
For larger events, you may need to meet with the building manager to plan your event set-up. Imagine that your meeting space is a blank slate. Try to envision everything you will need for your event. This could include tables, chairs, trash cans, tech carts, panel tables, and various equipment for your meeting space(s).
The building may not have the exact equipment that you need, so you may need to rent equipment from an outside vendor. You can contact the UNO Events Team for preferred vendors if that arises.
STEP 6: Arrange Your Audio-Visual Needs
Are you planning to use equipment that is already installed in a classroom, such as showing a PowerPoint, video, or speaking in a room that requires a microphone? Check with the appropriate building or IT manager about having the correct technology and equipment you will need for your event. This could include a projector, screen, microphone, speakers, monitor, camera, and/or other equipment for your meeting space(s).
It is always good practice to inform the building or IT manager what you plan on using and how you will use it, even if you know it is already available. Some buildings on campus require training before you use their equipment, or their other equipment may be locked up.
STEP 7: Order Food & Beverage
Any event on the UNO campus must order food through UNO Catering, with the exception of the Thompson Alumni Center. No outside catering or food is allowed at University events. Please contact them by email at unocatering@unomaha.edu.
If you are hosting an event at the Thompson Alumni Center, their exclusive caterer is Catering Creations. They will provide you with the contact after signing the reservations agreement.
STEP 8: Make Your Event Safe & Accessible
Think of your audience for the event. If your event is open to the public, you should use a space that is easy to locate, with available parking nearby.
Consider the following when thinking about accessibility for your event and ask if the following questions apply to it:
- Is the space easily accessible to all the guests?
- Does your event require the use of a Sign Language Interpreter?
- Do guests plan on bringing Service Animals to campus?
- Will guests need to know where Accessible Parking is located?
- Is there a need for a Lactation Room or All Gender Restrooms?
For more of this information, please visit the Accessibility Services Center website.
If you are hosting a larger event with 200 attendees or more, please inform UNO’s Public Safety of the event details. This will allow them to properly plan their day and check in on the event to ensure everyone’s safety. If events are much larger than 200 attendees, Public Safety may need to get involved in the actual planning of the event. Please contact Public Safety at unopublicsafety@unomaha.edu, in this case.
STEP 9: Advertise Your Event!
Register your event with the UNO Event Calendar. If you would like your event to appear in the Maverick Daily or Bullseye, remember to submit your event information well in advance.
Your event can also be shared on your department website, social media accounts, newsletters, and email lists.