Wisconsin Union Catering

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Policy Number:
UW-2045
Responsible Office:
Wisconsin Union

University Policy

Rationale/​Purpose:

This policy provides clarification on the ordering and use of catering in Wisconsin Union facilities.

Definitions:
Full-service Event
Events where Wisconsin Union Catering is responsible for setup, takedown, or delivery of food (all non-pickup catering options).
Registered Student Organization (RSO)
A group, composed mainly of, and directed by, students, consisting of at least four students and an advisor, and which has filed all appropriate registration forms with the Office for Student Organizations, Leadership & Involvement (SOLI) and been confirmed by SOLI as meeting the eligibility criteria for registration.
Wisconsin Union Facilities
Indoor and outdoor locations under the control and responsibility of the Wisconsin Union (e.g., Memorial Union, Union South, The Terrace).
Scope:

All Wisconsin Union facilities, outdoor spaces, and reservable locations. Patrons and guests using Wisconsin Union facilities.

Policy:
  1. Requirements
    1. All event hosts, attendees, guests, or other event participants must follow the terms of the event contract.
    2. Full-service events and catering deliveries must meet order minimums as outlined on the Wisconsin Union Catering FAQs website.
    3. Catered events taking place outside of Wisconsin Union facilities will need to provide appropriate service materials, locations, and food safety measures as determined by Wisconsin Union Event Services (WUES) and Wisconsin Union Catering.
    4. Alcohol Service
      1. Must comply with applicable university, local, and state laws, ordinances, and policies (e.g., UW-2003 Registered Student Organization Alcohol Policy, UW-2047 Wisconsin Union Registered Student Organization Large Events, UW-6003 UW–Madison-Specific Alcohol Beverage Regulations).
      2. At events taking place outside of Wisconsin Union managed spaces, a minimum of two bartenders are required.
      3. Alcohol beverage service is only provided after 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and after 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
  2. Pricing
    1. Catering prices are subject to change without notice.
    2. Prices will not be guaranteed more than 60 days before an event.
    3. All catering is subject to applicable sales tax.
    4. Fees will be assessed as determined by WUES and Wisconsin Union Catering. Additional information about catering related fees can be found at Wisconsin Union Catering FAQs website.
    5. Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) will receive a 20% discount on pick-up orders and 10% discount on full-service catering when paying with RSO funds (e.g., organization account, university grant)
  3. Cancellation
    1. Must be received in writing (events@union.wisc.edu) by the WUES office at least five business days/one calendar week prior to the event.
    2. Cancellations not received in writing by the deadline will be responsible for the full cost of the planned event.
Related UW-Madison Policies:
Related UW–Madison Documents, Web Pages, or Other Resources:

Policy Administration

Approval Authority:
Associate Vice Chancellor and Director of Wisconsin Union
Policy Manager:
Deputy Director of Wisconsin Union
Contact:
Associate Director for Dining & Hospitality Services, Wisconsin Union -- Carl Korz, carl.korz@wisc.edu, (608) 262-8733
Revised Dates:

10-24-2025

Retrieved:
11-01-2025 08:15:50