Catering for Student Orgs and Journals Events

Office of Community Engagement, Equity, and Belonging (CEEB)
Wasserstein Hall (WCC), Room 3039
1585 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138

617-496-2573

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Catering from Harvard University Dining Services

All events held in Harkness Commons, The Pub, Milstein Function Space, Caspersen Patio, Kumble Plaza, or on Jarvis Field must use Harvard University Dining Services (HUDS) for catering. These spaces are reserved throught the Events Office.

We are transitioning from Restaurant Associates to Harvard University Dining services for our internal catering service. We will update this page with the booking process when details are finalized.

Catering from Outside Vendors

Student organizations and journals may use an outside vendor as long as the event complies with the following conditions:

  • The space is one other than those noted above, reserved through the Events Office, and the reservation indicates the use of an outside caterer.
  • The food is takeout, dropped off by a delivery person, or purchased from a grocery store. No outside catering staff may be present to serve the food.
  • The group ordering the food is responsible for cleaning up the room at the end of the event. Leftover food can be brought to the Student Org Workroom (WCC 2063).
  • The group is not serving alcohol.
  • The Restaurant Associates kitchens, food preparation areas, and utensils are not used by outside vendors.

Ordering

If you are ordering outside catering for an event, be sure to order enough food to cover the size of your venue (i.e. 90 people for WCC 1010). Use your judgment, but know that it is better to have extra food than to run out.

  • Remember to keep dietary needs in mind – many students require Kosher, Vegetarian, Vegan, Nut-free, Gluten-free, and Halal meals.
  • If you plan to serve alcohol at your event, you must follow the HLS Drug and Alcohol Policy. For on-campus events, you will need to work with RA. For off-campus events, work with a licensed restaurant or bar and use drink tickets.

Use your organization’s Harvard FCU debit card to order outside catering and submit the receipt via your organization’s Receipt Submission Formstack Form immediately after the event.

Timing

Have food delivered at least 20 minutes before the event.

  • Order extra plates, napkins, and utensils.
  • Make sure someone is available to set-up the room 20-30 minutes before the event so everything goes smoothly (set-up food, arrange the room, check A/V, etc.).

Clean Up

Extra food can go to the Student Org Room, WCC 2063. Email the free food listserv at freefood@lists.law.harvard.edu to let people know!

  • Food leftover from events is not permitted in the Lounge or in the Pub.
  • Leave the room better than how you found it. Make sure all trash is thrown away and wipe down tables if needed.