Any EMU person, organization or department is welcome to make use of Common Grounds for an event during the Fall or Spring Semester while classes are in session. An event must first be requested by filling out and submitting an Event Request Form at least 2 weeks prior to the event. Each request will be reviewed by the Events Manager and the contact person will be responded to. Common Grounds reserves the right to refuse any event submitted with less than 2 weeks notice or that cannot be adequately supported. Common Grounds will take event requests in advance within a given academic year, but not more than 6 months in advance if requested for subsequent academic years.

Common Grounds management reserves the right to refuse a request to hold an event in the coffeeshop during mid terms and finals weeks.

Non EMU related groups may not hold regularly scheduled events in the space. By the same token, we are a business open to the public and many local community members enjoy using our space for a quiet conversation over a cup of coffee, keeping in mind the following common sense guidelines:

Event Cancellation
Common Grounds is a highly sought after space for activities and organizations. Anyone who schedules the space for use is asked to do so only after the time, date and setup logistics have been determined. “Last minute” changes or cancellations impact not only the operations of Common Grounds, but also other groups interested in using the space.

When event details change (eg. time or date) or an event is cancelled within 2 weeks of the reservation, a fee of $20 will be applied at the discretion of the Events Manager. In addition, any staffing costs and the cost of supplies or food purchased for the event will be invoiced to the reserving party for payment.

Outside Food
Common Grounds recognizes itself as a legitimate business and views any food brought in location for special events as a form of competition. An organization wanting to provide food for its event has two options:

Purchase the food from our Menu
Purchase the food from our Catering menu