The final guest count and confirmation of all details is due four business days before the event. For weddings, the final guarantee guest count is due 8 business days prior to the wedding.
Public Events that are not being billed to a University Department must be pre-paid by credit card four (4) business days prior to the event. We accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover cards. In the case where payment will be made by check, the sales department must receive the check at least ten (10) business days prior to the event. If pre-payment is not received, your event may be subject to cancellation.
Any additional numbers received after your guaranteed due date or changes to your event will be subject to an additional charge per change of $25. If you have an event that pops up within four business days before the event date, please contact University Catering for availability. Added events, within four business days before the event date, will be subject to a flat fee of $50, in addition to the cost of catering.
Cancellations within four business days of your event will be assessed a $50 cancellation fee. The cost of ordered or prepared food will be added to the $50 cancellation fee if applicable.
These policies will aid us in appropriately setting your room, in staffing the event, and in preparing the food & beverage ordered. In the event a guarantee is not received, we will use your estimated number for the guarantee.
Payment of the full estimated total charge for your event is also due four business days prior to your event date. For Weddings, your full estimated charges are due 14 days prior to the wedding date. Should there be a credit it will be paid out using the same form of payment that was received. Outstanding balances are due upon receipt.
Dietary Concerns
University Catering at The University of Iowa cannot guarantee the accuracy of nutrition information. Nutrition & ingredient information may vary due to product substitutions and formulation by the manufacturer prior to product purchase by the University. Additionally, cross contamination and other variables are beyond the University’s control. Individuals with food-related dietary concerns should be aware of this risk and understand that University Catering does not assume any liability for adverse reactions to foods consumed, or items with which one may come into contact while eating at any University Catering event. For questions or concerns please call one of our sales coordinator at 319-335-3116.
Alcohol Procedures
University policy and state law stipulates that University Catering must be the sole provider of alcoholic beverages served on the University of Iowa Campus. Under no circumstances may any alcoholic beverage be dispensed by anyone other than University Catering staff. Alcoholic beverages may not be taken out of designated service areas.
Service is provided on a hosted or non-host basis. A guaranteed number of guests is required and must be made four business days prior to the date event.
Service of alcohol will not exceed six hours in length and generally does not start before noon. Alcohol will not be served where the majority of the guests will be under the legal drinking age. Service must end 30 minutes before the event end time with last call being one hour before the event ends. The end of service policy overrides the length of service policy should an event be shorter than 6 hours.
All bar orders must be accompanied by an appropriate food order and non-alcohol beverages must be provided at no cost to the guests. University Catering reserves the right to increase food orders to meet appropriate food requirements.
For service in buildings on the UI campus a liquor approval form must be filled out and approved by the Vice President of Student Services. The form is started with a Catering Coordinator in 154 IMU or by calling (319) 335-3116. The following buildings have a standing approval and will not need to complete the alcohol approval form: Iowa Memorial Union, Hancher Auditorium, Kinnick Press Box, Hall of Fame, Art Museum, Theater Building, Levitt Center and Carver Club Rooms.
University Catering reserves the right to control all events by requiring additional security at the user’s expense. These arrangements will be made in advance of the event and planned with the group contact. Service may also be limited or terminated at any point during the event at the discretion of the Manager on Duty.
Additional Policies
Catering prices are subject to change without notice. We will not guarantee prices prior to 60 days before your scheduled function.
Due to health department regulations, leftover perishable foods may not be removed from any event by anyone except University Catering staff. This policy addresses public safety concerns and is non-negotiable. University Catering works closely with Table to Table to donate unused food items.