
Catering Policy
CATERING POLICY
General Information
Northern Center & Event Services is your link to Northern Michigan University’s event resources. We offer the services, facilities and professional staff to meet the needs of groups up to 1000 at the Northern Center. Our staff is dedicated to providing the highest level of hospitality and service to faculty, staff, students and guests of NMU. All events are catered by NMU Dining Services.
Reservations
Reservations for your event should be made as early as possible to enable us to best serve your group. Large events with over 250 guests have a lead time of six weeks. Reservations can be made in office 1104 of the Northern Center, by calling (906) 227-2623 or by submitting direct inquiries to northerncenter@nmu.edu. Reservations made after 3pm will be considered the next business day.
Prices
Prices are subject to change without notice. Written price quotes are good for 90 days. Michigan State sales tax, delivery charges or special event charges are additional to all food and beverage prices quoted. There may also be additional charges for events requiring complex set-up, delivery, and/or service. No gratuity will be added to your catered event.
Deposits
Northern Center & Event Services requires a $500 deposit for wedding receptions, class reunions, high school proms and galas and will be charged the facility use fee. We require that this deposit be paid at least 14 days after the reservation has been made.
Menu Selection
In order to ensure availability, we request that you select your menu four weeks prior to your event with small adjustments made no later than 3-business days prior to the event.
Guaranteed Guest Counts
You must contact the Northern Center & Events office 3-buisness days prior to your event with your final guaranteed guest count.
Changes to your count after 3-business days cannot be guaranteed and may result in substitution of products. You will be charged for the actual number served or your guaranteed guest count, depending on which is greater.
ALL BUFFET MEALS REQUIRE A 20 GUEST MINIMUM.
Time, Set-Up, Other Changes and Cancellations
Change requests with less than a five-business day notice may not be possible to accommodate and may result in additional costs to the customer and/or substitution of products. We understand that changes, excluding guaranteed guest count, may sometimes be unavoidable and we will do everything possible to assist with the changes.
Cancellations require a seven-business day notice and will not result in any charges (exceptions will apply to specialty products). Cancellations received less than five-business days prior to the event will result in charges for the time, product and labor incurred thus far. Events cancelled the day of will result in a full charge. The Northern Center remains open for business when NMU otherwise closes for inclement weather. Events booked for these days will not be affected by school closure. University events outside of the Northern Center will be cancelled unless approved by the NMU Chief of Police.
Service Time
We will be ready to serve your meal at your requested time. In order to maintain food quality and sanitation standards; buffets and continentals will only remain displayed for up to 3 hours unless prior approval Is granted by NMU Dining Services. Please make every effort to begin your function on time.
Alcohol Policy
Northern Center & Event Services adheres to the State of Michigan Liquor Control Code and Rule book and related policies established by NMU Dining Services and the University.
All alcohol must be provided by NMU Dining Services and no carry-ins are allowed.
Decorations
Linen table cloths, napkins, simple centerpieces and table skirting are included with served or buffet meals. When decorating on your own or using an outside decorator, please adhere to the following: No crepe paper, glitter, loose sequins, sparkle, rice or confetti and no open flame candles. All decorations must be removed immediately following the event and additional cleaning charges may be incurred for excessive circumstances.
Excess Food
Due to the State of Michigan Health Department regulations, food and/or beverages not consumed during an event catered by Northern Center & Event Services cannot be taken off the premises. Items purchased for customer pick-up are the property of the customer and cannot be returned for credit.
Billing
Northern Center & Event Services offers convenient billing options, including NMU departmental transfers and billing directly to an event or event planner. Forms of payment accepted are cash, check, credit card and departmental transfers. Please provide accurate billing information when booking an event. For charges to an NMU account, provide department name, account number, customer name and phone number. For a non-university account, please provide a full name, billing address, home and cell phone numbers and any other relevant contact information. Payment is expected upon receipt of your bill. If your organization is tax exempt please provide a completed Michigan Sales/Use Tax Certificate prior to your event.
Payments may be sent to:
Northern Michigan University
Financial Services
1401 Presque Isle
Marquette, MI 49855
Wedding Cakes
Northern Center & Event Services does not provide wedding cakes; however, the customer is welcome to bring in cakes from an outside licensed vendor without a fee as long as the cake is being used for a wedding reception.
Audio/Visual Information
NMU’s exclusive audio-visual team provides dedicated live event support, pre-planning and coordination, preparation of cost estimates and audio, video, and lighting system technical design.
Non-Discrimination Statement
Northern Michigan University does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, height, weight, marital status, familial status, disability, sexual orientation or veteran status in the employment or provision of services and provides, upon request, reasonable accommodation including auxiliary aids and services necessary to afford individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in all programs and activities.
Last Revision: | 10-31-2024 |
Last Reviewed: | 10-31-2024 |
Approved By: | President |
Oversight Unit: | AUXILIARY SERVICES |