Information Desk
The information desk is located on the first floor of Mary Graydon. You can also call the University Information line at (202)-885-1000 during operating hours.
Operating Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Your Student Center
Clubs tabling at the Involvement Fair.
Grab a snack and a Student Media publication!
The Bridge Cafe is a student-run coffee shop on campus.
As soon as the spring sunshine appears, quad season begins.
Don't like studying in the library? Find your new study spot here.
The Amphitheater is home to many outdoor events!
The Tavern features many eateries for students.
The University Center, which is a building complex that includes both the Mary Graydon Center and Butler Pavilion, is the hub of student life on campus. You can find student organizations, administrative offices for student services and engagement opportunities, comfortable spaces to chat with friends, and many different eateries. With roughly 2,000 student-generated events occurring here annually, the student center is always bustling.
Events in the Student Center
Event requests for spaces in the student center must be submitted through EMS.
Requests for simple events (i.e. a club meeting) should be submitted at least five (5) business days in advance of the event date. Requests for complex events (i.e. outdoor spaces and Tavern) should be submitted at least five (5) weeks in advance of the event date to be in accordance with the Center for Student Involvment guidelines.
Our office will review all event requests for logistics and operation's needs. If further information is required, an email will be sent to the event host requesting additional details or to schedule a meeting time. Once approved, an event confirmation summarizing the parameters of the reservation will be sent to the event host.
Event Setup Procedures
All event setup information must be communicated to the scheduler in advance of the event date - either when first submitting the EMS event request, or through email reply to your event confirmation.
Only University Center staff members are permitted to set up tables/chairs for events. All requests to change an event setup must be communicated to our office as soon as possible. Late or last minute changes might not be possible due to available staffing and resources.
Although event hosts may rearrange furniture during their event, all rooms must be returned to their original set-up. This includes removing any materials or leftover food that may have accumulated during the event. There are times where back-to-back events have the same set-up, so having the room returned to the original set-up an event host requests is crucial to making sure the next host gets the set-up they requested.
Food in Event Spaces
Catering is available but not required for campus events.
There are two restrictions for food service:
- Food at public events (i.e. open to the general campus community) must be pre-packaged or prepared by contracted, licensed vendors.
- Food cannot be distributed in the Tavern while eateries are open, unless vetted by the University Center and the Dining team.
For University catering, contact Catering Services at 202-885-3177.
AV Equipment & Support
To request a service or equipment that is outside of the built-in features of the reserved location, contact AU A/V directly at 202-885-2296, AV@american.edu, or submit an Audio Visual Service Request. For general services, contact AV at least 24 hours in advance (Thursdays by 5 p.m. for weekend requests). For special services, additional lead time may be required.
Student Center Policies
Fire Safety - Egress & Accessibility
All events and gatherings must not impede the accessibility to university buildings and services. Although we recognize and encourage the congregation of students on campus, we are also mindful of the impact that has on safety. If egress is blocked, groups will be asked to relocate so our building complies with fire code.
Health Safety - Allergies
- No Latex. Please do not bring any latex items to your events, which includes latex gloves and latex balloons. Latex can trigger severe allergic reactions.
Clean Building Policy
- No Tape. Do not tape flyers or directional signage to the walls. This leaves residue that peels paint and must be cleaned. The information desk has directional arrows that can display your signage for directions to events. Blue/Painters tape only.
- No Glitter. Do not use glitter or bring glittered items. Event hosts who leave behind glitter messes may lose space use privileges and be subject to carpet cleaning fees.
AU Freedom of Expression
American University defends the right to free expression, including the freedom to express dissent, within the context of the law and responsibility for one's actions. The university also reserves the right to specify time, manner, and place for the exercise of these freedoms, guided by factors that include safety, the rights of others, and the normal functioning of the university. Click here for American University's Freedom of Expression Policy
Contact Us
Mary Graydon, Room 228 on a map
University Center 4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW Washington, DC 20016-8113 United States