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Campus Resources

Policies & Protocols

Discover the full spectrum of campus services, venues, and specialized support options available to make your event at Santa Clara University a complete success. From event coordination and scheduling to logistics and safety, our campus resources provide everything you need to plan, host, and execute a seamless experience for your attendees.

Campus Safety Services works continuously to ensure a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for students, faculty, staff, and university guests. Their team provides 24-hour physical security, emergency assistance, and safety coordination for events held on campus grounds.

  • 24/7 Security Coverage: Officers maintain a active, round-the-clock presence across campus to monitor venues and respond to emergencies.

  • After Hours Assistance: Conference Services main line is directed after 10pm to Campus Safety. Guest can request assistance with lock outs, maintenance concerns, and after hours check in. 
  • Event Safety Planning: Large gatherings, high-profile speakers, or traffic-heavy events must coordinate with Campus Safety beforehand to arrange necessary security staffing.

  • Emergency Infrastructure: Hosts have access to campus safety protocols, emergency response guides, and strategically located blue-light call stations.

Non Emergency Campus Safety: 408.554.4441

Emergency (fire, medical): 408.554.4444

Here is a link to additional Campus Safety Resources

When Is Event Insurance Required?  

Event insurance is required any time an external organization or individual rents a Santa Clara University facility for a non-SCU-sponsored event, such as a wedding, recital, conference, or community gathering. Proof of general liability coverage must be submitted to both the booking department and the Office of Risk Management before the event takes place.

This requirement exists to protect all parties involved. If an incident occurs during the event, the facility user's insurance serves as the primary financial backstop, covering potential bodily injury, property damage, or other liability claims. Without adequate coverage in place, neither the facility user nor their guests would have that critical layer of protection.

Important: Your event must first be booked through SCU's 25Live reservation system before obtaining event insurance. Once your event is entered into 25Live, the appropriate University departments will be notified and insurance requirements can be addressed.

The certificate must show the following minimum insurance coverage:

Coverage Type  Minimum Limit
General Aggregate $1,000,000
Combined Single Limit (per occurrence) $1,000,000
Products/Completed Operations $1,000,000
Personal & Advertising Injury $1,000,000
Accidental Medical Coverage $50,000
Fire Damage (any one fire) $5,000
Liquor Liability $1,000,000
Abuse or Molestation $100,000

Obtaining Event Insurance 

SCU participates in URMIA's Tenant User Liability Insurance Program (TULIP), an online program that provides event liability insurance for eligible external facility users. This is a convenient, cost-effective way to obtain the insurance coverage required by SCU.

Coverage is event-specific and can extend to vendors, performers, and exhibitors as needed. Upon purchase, certificates of insurance are automatically emailed to both the facility user and the SCU Office of Risk Management.

How to Obtain Event Insurance:

  1. Use the link above to get a Quick Quote on Tulip
  2. Choose your state and entity (SCU)
  3. Enter your event date(s) and expected attendance
  4. Select your event type
  5. Choose coverage options and answer questions about vendors and alcohol service
  6. Review your premium quote
  7. Complete your purchase by credit card

Additional requirements:

  • Santa Clara University must be listed as an Additional Insured on all liability policies.
  • The certificate must include a description of the event, along with the anticipated dates and location on campus.

Note on alcohol: To serve or sell alcohol at your event, you must secure the appropriate license from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). At SCU, alcoholic beverages may only be provided or served by University Dining Services or Adobe Lodge. For more information, refer to the Auxiliary Services Food and Dining Policies.

Santa Clara University proudly partners with Bon Appétit Management Company to deliver fresh, sustainable, and high-quality dining experiences for all campus events. Their culinary team offers versatile menus tailored to fit any occasion, from casual staff breakfasts to formal multi-course dinners.

  • Catering Options: Full-service catering options include morning coffee breaks, boxed lunches, reception platters, and custom banquet menus.
  • Dietary Accommodations: Custom dishes and clear labeling are available to safely accommodate vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and allergen-sensitive guests.
  • Group Dining: Group dining is part of your conference package.  The dining hall provides a breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet for all conference services guests.
  • Ordering Requirements: All catering requests must be submitted through the online portal in advance, following strict guest-count deadlines.

Alcoholic Beverage Services

Sale or service of alcoholic beverages requires the proper license from the State of California Alcohol and Beverage Control (ABC) Board. Any event where alcoholic beverages are provided (hosted or not) must be provided/served by either University Dining Services or Adobe Lodge. No person or entity may individually provide alcoholic beverages. Events planned through either University Dining Services or Adobe Lodge will ensure that the proper licenses are secured, and that service staff are properly trained in the service of alcoholic beverages. Please refer to the University’s Alcohol Policy for complete information on the sale and service of alcohol.

Bon Appetit

Bon Appetit is the exclusive caterer to the Santa Clara University campus.  As part of having a dedicated food provider for campus, there are specific requirements in our agreement with Bon Appetit.    

  1. Bon Appetit has the first right of refusal for ALL catering events. 
  2. Bon Appetit is the exclusive caterer of the Adobe Lodge. 
  3. All alcohol service on campus MUST be provided by Bon Appetit.  
  4. Catering (including external catering) is not to be resold for fundraising, profit or convenience.

Catering Costs over $750
If your event requires catering that costs more than $750, please complete the following.

  1. Contact Bon Appetit Catering catering@scu.edu or call (408) 554-1792 and inquire whether they can accommodate your catering needs.  You must contact them at least 14 days prior to your event.
  2. If Bon Appetit declines your event, then an outside caterer or food truck may be used.  Complete the Catering Form over $750. Include a signature or email from Bon Appetit stating that Bon Appetit declines to cater your event and send to auxiliaryservices@scu.edu.
  3. After the completion of your event (within 7 days), please email an invoice from the caterer or food truck to auxiliaryservices@scu.edu.
  4. Auxiliary Services will complete the necessary steps to charge your department, club or organization for the 7.5% fee based on the cost of the food, delivery and tax.  This 7.5% is equal to the commission the University would have received from Bon Appetit if they catered the event.  These collected fees help fund the University General Fund.

Catering Costs under $750

For events with no alcohol service, and for which food and beverage costs are below $750 for the event, an external caterer may be used and an External Catering Form is NOT required.  Each University entity (University department, club or student organization) that uses an external caterer must ensure all trash, empty food containers, plates, utensils, napkins etc. are disposed of by the group and not left for the building staff to clean up.

Food Trucks

The following is required before a food truck can be brought to campus.

  1. Follow and complete the External Catering form.   A 7.5% fee based on invoice for food, service, tax and fees is required to be paid to Dining Services.  Auxiliary Services will process the transfer of funds. 
  2. Notification and approval by Bon Appetit is required.
  3. The General Counsel's office requires completion of the Food Truck Agreement Template and a copy of the food truck's Certificate of Insurance.  The department or student representative paying for the food truck must countersign the
    Food Truck Agreement.  
  4. Email your completed External Catering form, approval from Bon Appetit, food truck invoice, Food Truck Agreement and Certificate of Insurance to auxiliaryservices@scu.edu. 
  5. If everything is complete, Auxiliary Services will approve your External Catering form and email it back to you.
  6. With the completed and approved External Catering form, contact Parking & Transportation (P&T) to arrange for food truck parking (x7092 or email transportation@scu.edu).  P&T charges $100 per truck. 

Food truck parking is NOT ALLOWED at the following locations: 

  • The end of Santa Clara Street, nearest Benson (red-zone).  This is a fire lane and parking is not allowed.  Parking IS allowed on the northside of Santa Clara Street (facing the observatory across from McLaughlin/Walsh residence hall). 
  • Market Street (in front of Swig or Benson)
  • The Alameda (in front of the Bronco statue, Graham or Finn Hall.

Media Services supports university events with professional audio-visual technology and technical expertise to enhance your program's presentation quality. Their staff assists with setup, operations, and troubleshooting to ensure your event runs without technical delays. Late requests will incur additional charges. 

  • Audio-Visual Support: Event spaces are equipped with an in room computer, projector, and screen.
  • Advance Booking: Additional media equipment and staffing requests must be submitted at least two weeks before the scheduled event date.
  • Additional Support and Services: View Media Service Rates Here

OUTDOOR SOUND AMPLIFICATION

Santa Clara University encourages recognized student organizations and all other university entities to bring life to the campus through programming, gatherings, and other means. Event reservations and planning takes into consideration the day of the week, time of day, location, impact upon adjacencies, the academic, administrative, and liturgical processes and upon the local neighborhood. 

The general hours available for outdoor amplification of sound at Santa Clara University are:

  • Friday from 4:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
  • Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
  • Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

One PA speaker and one microphone will be allowed outside of these general hours for events on campus with approval from the Event Planning Office. 

Outdoor amplification of sound that will exceed (1) PA speaker and/or will extend beyond the approved hours for outdoor amplification requires a City of Santa Clara’s “Outdoor Amplification of Music Permit. *Per Schedule A of the SCCC Section 9.10.040

Outdoor amplification is not permitted Monday through Thursday. No outdoor amplification is allowed during the undergraduate and graduate final exam periods and law school reading period, final exam periods, and Commencement Weekends. Amplification of music or speech is not permitted in outside areas immediately adjacent to classroom buildings while classes are in session. Some exceptions may be made and will require additional review and approval from The Event Planning Office.

Enforcement:
Noise levels are enforceable by Santa Clara Police Department (SCPD) and Campus Safety Services (CSS). SCPD and/or CSS reserve the right to request that the sound be turned down or turned off, or to cancel the event at any time.

Any request for tent and canopy space on campus must begin with the Event Planning Office. Each submitted request must ultimately be approved by:

  • Event Planning Office
  • Facilities Department
  • Campus Safety
  • President’s Office

A copy of all city and insurance permits must be filed with the Event Planning Office no less than 24 hours prior to the event.

Maximum time for delivery, setup, function, and tear down may not exceed 5 days.

Tent stakes are not permitted anywhere on campus.

Currently Mission Gardens Section C is the only area on campus automatically approved for tents.

 

Transportation Services manages campus parking facilities to make arriving at Santa Clara University convenient and organized for all event attendees. Clear guidelines and parking options ensure smooth access to primary event spaces and university buildings. 

  • Accessible Parking: Dedicated ADA accessible parking stalls are conveniently located near every primary campus facility and event site.
  • Bus Parking: Bus parking is not available onsite.
  • Commuter Parking: Passes can be purchased at the gate, online, AIMS Mobile Parking, or by scanning the QR code on provided parking lot signage.
  • Overnight Residential: Event hosts can arrange bulk guest permits or reserve designated parking lots in advance to accommodate attendees. 
    • Parking passes or parking codes (50+ guests) must requesting parking 14 days in advance.
    • Orders placed for parking passes or codes are paid up front and cannot be returned. 
    • Group will be charged for all requested parking permits. University will not refund any unused or underused permits.
    • Residential permits are valid only in the Group's designated lot and in lots of C, CW, or CN. Permits must be displayed Monday - Sunday, 24/7.  
  • Permits: All vehicles parked on university property during enforcement hours must display a valid SCU parking permit or pay at visitor kiosks.
    • Residential permits are valid only in the Group's designated lot and in lots of C, CW, or CN. Permits must be displayed Monday - Sunday, 24/7.  

The Pat Malley Fitness and Recreation Center serves as the primary hub for recreational activities, physical fitness, and wellness events on campus. Select spaces within the complex can be reserved for specialized group activities, athletic clinics, and summer camps.

  • Facility Reservations: Event planners may request access to multi-purpose activity courts, gymnasium space, and studio rooms for structured group programs.

  • Guest Guidelines: All external participants must abide by center regulations, operational schedules, and safety protocols while using the facility.

  • Scheduling Approval: Special event bookings are subject to approval by Campus Recreation to ensure minimal disruption to regular student recreation hours.

Malley Policies and Forms

Resident Hall Policies and Procedures

Alcohol

  • University guests, faculty, staff, and students who are 21 years of age or older may consume and possess alcoholic beverages in the privacy of their own rooms in residence halls and apartments, provided the space is not shared with an underage roommate.
  • Alcohol cannot be stored in common kitchen areas. 

Common Areas

  • Public areas, including lounges, kitchens, recreation areas, laundry rooms, and similar facilities, are shared by occupants of several residence halls.
  • These areas may not be used for meetings, parties, or events unless scheduled in advance.
  • Proper attire must be worn in all public areas at all times. Common areas may not be used as sleeping areas.
  • Do not store items in common areas. 

Cooking

  • Cooking is permitted only in designated common-area kitchens.
  • Guests must use appropriate cooking utensils, pots, pans, and other kitchen equipment intended for the type of cooking being performed. Cooking appliances and equipment must be used safely and in accordance with their intended purpose.
  • Cooking is not permitted inside guest rooms, including the use of hot plates or other similar cooking appliances.

Decorations

  • Decorations in hallways and common areas are prohibited. The only decorations permitted in residence halls are door decorations.
  • The following decorations are strictly prohibited:
    • Confetti
    • Glitter
    • Streamers
    • Decorations in hallways
    • Decorations in common areas
  • Room decorations may not cover more than 50% of the total ceiling area, door, or wall in any residential space.
  • Decorations may not be hung from the ceiling  or T-bar metal framing that supports ceiling tiles.
  • To prevent damage to painted walls within residence halls, the University permits the use of:
    • Blue tape
    • Push pins
    • Quick-Tak
    • All other adhesives are prohibited.
  • When an unusual amount of custodial labor is required to remove decorations or trash is left by the Group will be responsible for the actual custodial costs, as determined in the sole discretion of the University.

Departure and Arrival

  • All guests must vacate their respective bedrooms by the scheduled departure date and time of 12:00 p.m.
  • Requests for early arrival or late departure must be submitted no less than thirty (30) days prior to arrival and are subject to University approval.

Designated Areas

  • Group leaders are responsible for ensuring that participants remain in areas designated for use by the Group and do not enter areas designated for use by other groups, including, but not limited to, residence halls.

Exits, Doorways, and Hallways

  • Exits, doorways, and all hallways must maintain a minimum 48-inch clearance from obstructions, including boxes, bicycles, mattresses, and similar items, at all times.

Kitchen and Food

  • All food stored in common-area kitchens must be clearly labeled by the guest or the Group.
  • All food and beverages must be removed and properly disposed of upon departure. If food or beverages are left behind, the Group will be charged a $250.00 cleaning fee.

Notice of Entry

  • The University will take all reasonable steps to ensure that Guests receive adequate notice prior to entry by University officials for the purposes of repair, maintenance, inspection, or other authorized University business.
  • When a Guest or Group requests maintenance, assistance with air conditioning (A/C), or an inspection of a room due to a suspected pest issue, the University and its authorized personnel may enter the room to respond to the request or address the reported concern. Notice of entry will be provided when reasonably practicable; however, advance notice may not be possible when immediate access is necessary to address an urgent maintenance, safety, or health concern.
  • By submitting a request for maintenance, A/C assistance, or a pest inspection, the Guest or Group acknowledges and authorizes University personnel to enter the applicable room for the purpose of responding to and completing the requested service or inspection

Open Flames

  • No open flames are permitted in residence halls. This prohibition includes, but is not limited to:
    • Candles
    • Incense
    • Smoking
    • Burning of any materials
    • Other flame-emitting articles
  • If this policy is incongruent with a Group's religious, cultural, or spiritual beliefs, prior approval must be obtained from the Conference Housing Office.

Personal Belongings

  • The University is not responsible for any personal belongings left behind upon departure.

Posting and Printed Materials

  • Printed materials may not be placed on campus bulletin boards or inside buildings without authorization.
  • Posting materials on light poles, trees, floors, ceilings, elevators, planter boxes, exterior walls, or other building surfaces is prohibited.
  • Unauthorized materials will be removed, and the responsible Group may be subject to a removal and/or cleanup charge, as determined in the sole discretion of the University.

Room and Building Security

  • Propped-open exterior doors seriously jeopardize the security of occupants and property within residence halls. The University reserves the right to fine Groups when propped-open doors are repeatedly found.
  • Side doors to all residence halls cannot be accessed after 7pm. All guest must enter through the front doors of Graham. 
  • Entrance into residence halls is permitted by Access Card only.
  • Residential participants who are locked out of residence halls should contact:
    • SCU Conference Services: (408) 554-4302, between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
    • SCU Campus Safety: (408) 554-4441, during non-business hours

Smoke-Free and Tobacco-Free Campus

  • Santa Clara University is a smoke-free and tobacco-free campus. The use of all forms of tobacco, tobacco products, and electronic smoking devices are prohibited everywhere on-campus, including all University-provided undergraduate and graduate student Housing and the surrounding outdoor areas.

Trash and Cleaning

  • Any trash left in residence hall common areas or bedrooms must be disposed of in the appropriate compost, recycling, or trash receptacles.
  • When an unusual amount of custodial labor is required to remove trash left outside of designated receptacles, the Group will be responsible for the actual custodial costs, as determined in the sole discretion of the University.

University-Issued Furniture

  • All University-issued furniture must remain in its designated room or apartment.
  • Any unauthorized removal of furniture will result in a $250.00 fee per item.

Youth Participant Supervision

  • The Host is responsible for ensuring that Group leaders accompany youth participants while traveling to and from the residence halls and all campus facilities.
  • Failure to comply with this requirement will result in a fine per occurrence, as determined in the sole discretion of the University.
  • Please review additional Youth Policies.