The decks within the Wisconsin Union facilities are primarily intended to be available to students and other Union members and their guests as an open gathering space for conversation, study, and relaxation. In order to preserve the functionality of the space for its intended use as decks, assignments of the deck for activities will be extremely limited.
- Activities assigned to the decks must meet all of the following four conditions:
- No other suitable space is available.
- The event has particular significance to the Wisconsin Union lifetime member or university priorities.
- The event will appreciably benefit from the particular ambiance of the space.
- The request is unique (i.e., the event is not part of a regularly reoccurring pattern of activity).
- Availability:
- All deck assignments must be approved by the Wisconsin Union Event Services Director or designee.
- Memorial Union decks:
- Upper Sunset Deck is reservable except:
- After May commencement – August 31 after 4:00 p.m. (Thursday – Saturday)
- When Shannon Hall has an active performance. All reservations must be coordinated by Wisconsin Union Event Services in conjunction with the Union Theater manager.
- Miscellaneous Information:
- Access to the theater upper lobby restrooms is possible for an additional labor charge.
- Due to the location and access to this desk, there is required security staff for any event (see 3a).
- Main Lounge and Tripp Commons decks are only reserved with their adjoining room.
- Union South decks
- Badger Deck is reservable except:
- During the academic year before 4:00 p.m. (Monday – Friday)
- UW-Madison home football gamedays
- Pavilion is reservable.
- Fees:
- There is a $1,500 non-refundable deposit for the reservable decks listed above.
- $1,000 of this deposit will go toward any food or audio-visual charges for the event and $500 is a special use fee (see 4a).
- Registered Student Organizations are exempt from the deposit and special use fee. All other users are responsible for the fees stated in 3a.
- Security charges for the event will be the responsibility of the customer and will be arranged by the Wisconsin Union.
- Set-up:
- In general, the space is available for use “as is.” However, if a customer requests that the deck be completely cleared, there may be additional staff charges for the removal of furniture.
- Minimal amplification is permitted; however, the volume must be kept under 80dB.
- Weather:
- A rain location must be reserved for the event. The rain location may be a designated large space if the catering minimums are met and guaranteed for the large space in addition to the deck catering minimums.
- The weather call will be made by the customer to catering at least 4 hours before the event. No changes in the event’s location will occur after that decision.
- Tents will be allowed on decks with approval from the Wisconsin Union Event Services Director.
For interpretations, resolution of problems, and special situations, contact: The Wisconsin Union assistant director of facilities management.
