RESERVATION PROCESS
Submit a request form!
- Expect to receive an email from us within 3-5 business days of submitting your request. Response times may vary during our busy seasons.
- If we are able to accommodate your request, you will receive a link to your personalized Space Use Agreement. Your reservation is confirmed after signing and sending this agreement back to us.
- Have a great event! Please don't hesitate to come to our hosting staff with any questions. After you are done, your group will be responsible for clean up and resetting your room, with our hosting staff nearby to help facilitate the process.
Room Reservations at Upper House
Each academic semester, we host approximately 500 external meetings and events and welcome approximately 60,000 guests. Before requesting a room, we ask that you view our Mission, Vision, and Values as we desire to build honoring partnerships in service to the UW—Madison community.
Explore the information below before making your request. All requests must be approved by Foundation staff and are subject to terms and conditions. If you have any space-related questions, please contact Jaclyn Schmitt (JSchmitt@slbrownfoundation.org).
Explore the information below before making your request. All requests must be approved by Foundation staff and are subject to terms and conditions. If you have any space-related questions, please contact Jaclyn Schmitt (JSchmitt@slbrownfoundation.org).
RESERVATION FAQs
Who can reserve the Upper House space?
- In keeping with the SLBF mission of "leading Christian thought and formation to shape the University of Wisconsin community and beyond", we are equipped and delighted to host like-minded Christian organizations and the UW faculty and staff. All space users must agree to the terms of the Upper House space use agreement before a reservation can be confirmed.
- Due to abundant interest and limited staffing and space capacity, we are unable to accommodate all of the space requests that we receive. We are not currently equipped to host classroom reservations for student study or virtual meetings, RSO meetings, birthday parties, weddings, funerals, or other non-ministry or UW-affiliated get-togethers.
When is the Upper House space available for reservations?
- Reservation availability is determined on a semester basis (spring, summer, fall) and is based on space and staffing capacity.
- Spring & Fall Requests:
- Due to our current commitments with recurring campus ministries, we have very limited availability for weeknight (M-F; 5-10PM) reservations. Sometimes ministries shift hours or location, so you are always welcome to inquire about our most updated availability.
- We do not accept reservations on Tuesday nights or all day on Sundays due to our commitment to our Church-in-Residence.
- Saturday reservations are available upon request, pending staff and space availability.
- The Grand Hall is typically only available for reservation outside of Open Study Hours (9-5 M-F).
- Summer Requests:
- Summer reservations are typically limited to classroom use during our Open Study Hours (M-F 9-5). Inquiries for outside of these times are always welcome. We love saying yes to requests when we can!
- Summer reservations are typically limited to classroom use during our Open Study Hours (M-F 9-5). Inquiries for outside of these times are always welcome. We love saying yes to requests when we can!
How much does it cost to reserve a space at Upper House?
- The cost of reservations at Upper House vary. Generally speaking, M-F reservations of our classrooms have no fees associated with them. Reservations that require cleaning services over the weekend or that require AV support at any time, will be charged a small fee. A/V support is billed hourly and Cleaning is a flat rate. Discounts may be available for campus ministries.
- Please submit a request form for a pricing quote.
- Payment is issued through Square. You may pay with a credit or debit card online. You also may write a check made out to the Stephen & Laurel Brown Foundation.
I'm a UW Madison Student. Can I book a room to study/take a virtual meeting?
We don't currently have the classroom capacity to offer study/virtual meeting space to students outside of Finals Week. During Finals Week, we offer first-come-first-serve signups for classrooms. We love that time of year because we love you guys. Go Bucky!
Can I reserve Upper House for a Wedding, Birthday Party, Anniversary Gathering, or some other generally festive gathering?
Congratulations on your festive gathering! We are wishing you every happiness as you plan for your exciting event. Unfortunately, we don't have the capacity to host functions outside of ministry work that relate to the Christian faith or UW affiliated work. We hope you find the perfect venue for your awesome day!
Can I serve food? Do you provide refreshments/catering options?
- We do allow food in the Upper House space. (Food is one of our favorite things). Please include any information about what kind of food you'd like to serve in your reservation request form and we'll let you know what the space can accommodate.
- We don't provide catering from Upper House, but there are many wonderful catering options available nearby. Check out Fresh Madison Market, coffee from Valentia, or any nearby restaurants for their availability to cater your event.
- You may request to use the Upper House commercial kitchen and Steve's Cafe, which come with ovens, a griddle, some cooking and serving utensils, and counter space. Fridge and freezer space is limited and cannot be guaranteed.
- We do not allow alcohol of any kind in the Upper House space.
What kind of tech/AV options are available in the Upper House space?
We've got mics, screens, hookups for instruments, and an amazing staff of A/V geniuses. Please include any tech that you might need in the space request form and we'll let you know what's available for the date of your event.