Policies & Guidelines

As an event planner at UB, it’s important to familiarize yourself with university policies and guidelines. This page highlights key policies and resources that are commonly referenced throughout the event planning process.

Policies

To support your event planning, the links below highlight commonly used New York State, SUNY, and UB policies. Visit the UB Policy Library to view all policies.

Guidelines

Food Permits

All campus events where food is served or sold must have an approved Food Service Permit. The only exceptions where a food permit is not required are:

  1. If the food is prepared by Three Pillars Catering.
  2. For Informal gatherings (10 people or less): The gathering occurs naturally with little to no planning. No items have been purchased for this event.  Individuals consume their own food. Attendees did not receive a formal invitation (e.g. work group, study group, friends meet up at the library).
  3. For events that are serving commercially packaged snack items (e.g. granola bars, chips, etc.)
  4. For events that are serving traditional baked goods (e.g. donuts, cookies, cake) that do not contain custard, cream or cheese.

Food Permits

Environment Health & Safety

Phone: (716) 829-3301

Email: FoodPermit@facilities.buffalo.edu

Bars and Alcohol

If alcohol will be served, a liquor license is required. Three Pillars Catering, UB’s exclusive on campus caterer, will secure a liquor license for events where they have been contracted for catering services and alcohol is requested. The function location and menu, including substantial food and non-alcoholic beverages, must be submitted 30 days in advance of the event date to complete the liquor license application. 

Revocable Permits are used for the rental of UB space or facilities with state funds. The dollar amount of the anticipated revenue associated with the permit determines the procedure. 

Revocable Permits and proof of insurance are required for any external group doing business with or on UB property. For more information, please visit the Revocable Permits webpage

Phone: (716) 645-4547

Email: kschaal@buffalo.edu

Event planners may arrange to use a tent for an event at UB on approval by space owners and Environment, Health and Safety. All tents erected on UB property must comply with the Fire Codes of New York State and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 102. The Office of Environment Health & Safety (EH&S) must approve all tents being erected and their location. Event planners should complete the tent space request.

Phone: (716) 829-3301

Email: ehs@facilities.buffalo.edu