How many guests can your facility accommodate?
The Ruth Garvey Fink Convocation Hall can accommodate between 175-200 guests seated at round tables.

How much does it cost to rent the Ruth Garvey Fink Convocation Hall for a wedding reception and what’s included?
The rental for a wedding reception/dance costs approximately $1,400.

What rooms are accessible when I rent the Ruth Garvey Fink Convocation Hall?
During your rental time you would have access to the following: Convocation Hall, Garden, lobby, first floor restrooms. The second floor and lower level is not accessible unless rented.

Can we start decorating prior to our contracted rental time?
No. The Bradbury Thompson Center staff plans around your contracted time and other events held throughout the facility. We will have the facility ready when you arrive. All decorating, deliveries, clean up, etc. must occur during contracted time. It is the renter's responsibility to arrange with their caterer, florist, or any other service provider under contract by the user, for deliveries, set up, clean up etc. Access to the facility is for contracted time only. Caterers usually require at least an hour to an hour and a half prior to an event for preparation and at least an hour after your event should be allowed for your cleanup and removal of items.

What’s the first step in booking the Ruth Garvey Fink Convocation Hall?
Contact the University Scheduling Office to determine availability. Before paying a deposit it is strongly suggested that you check with an insurance provider to determine if obtaining insurance is possible. Once a date is chosen, we will send a contract with an invoice for the deposit to you; they are both due back within 30 days of booking the facility. All remaining fees, an alcohol approval form, and certificate of insurance are due no less than 30 days prior to your event date. Failure to provide all requirements by required date will result in the cancellation of the contract without notice and loss of deposit. All cancellations result in loss of deposit.

Are we required to have insurance?
Yes. Anyone requesting use of the Ruth Garvey Fink Convocation Hall must secure and have in force during the event a comprehensive general liability insurance policy and must submit a certificate of insurance to the University. The limit for bodily injury and property damage shall not be less than $1,000,000.00 per occurrence. This "special events liability endorsement" policy may be obtained through the agent handling an organization's general insurance or an individual’s homeowners’ policy.

Are we allowed to serve alcoholic beverages?
Alcohol may be served in the Bradbury Thompson Alumni Center, subject to the policies of Washburn University, ABC regulations, and the laws of the State of Kansas, Shawnee County, and the City of Topeka. Alcohol must be purchased and provided by Washburn Dining Services. The Approval to Serve Alcohol form is part of the contract and violations will result in loss of the deposit. Under age drinking is prohibited.

An Application for Approval to Serve Alcoholic Liquor/Cereal Malt Beverages is required to serve alcohol in the Bradbury Thompson Alumni Center at any event. This form must be filed at least 30 days before the event and can be obtained from the Coordinator.

Non-university groups or individuals serving alcohol in any Bradbury Thompson Alumni Center space, must procure and have in force during the event a comprehensive general liability policy and a liquor policy and shall submit to the University proof thereof. The limit for bodily injury and property damage shall not be less than $1,000,000.00 per occurrence. Alcoholic liquor/cereal malt beverages may be served and /or consumed at an event only inside the Bradbury Thompson Alumni Center and garden and grounds. Guests found drinking in restricted areas, such as the east side of the building or in parking lot is subject to arrest.

Where can guests park?
The parking lots south and west of the Bradbury Thompson Alumni Center are open parking lots for guests and students.

What’s your policy on foodservice?
All food served in the public areas at the Bradbury Thompson Alumni Center must be prepared, by Washburn University Dining Services.

Do you supply linens or table skirting?
Yes. They are available through by Washburn University Dining Services.

What size tables do you have?
We have 60” round tables that can seat up to 8 guests per table.

What are we required to clean after our event?
Everything brought into the facility must be removed prior to the end of your contracted time (i.e. floral arrangements, decorations, all food/beverages, etc.)

When are fees due?
The deposit and contract are due 30 days after you book the facility. A certificate of insurance, application to serve alcohol, and all remaining fees are due no later than 30 days prior to your event date.

Can more furniture be setup during our event or can we move tables and chairs around during our event or?
No. All furniture arrangements must be done by staff and arranged for prior to your event. All fire exits, pathways, and means of egress are to be kept clear of obstruction as per state and local fire codes.

Can we put decorations on the walls?
No. Taping, tacking, stapling, nailing, gluing, etc. to any painted surface is prohibited.

Do you have a sound system?
Yes. The sound system may only be operated by a Bradbury Thompson Alumni Center custodian.

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