Department of Student Engagement

Common Expenses

Below is a summary of common expenses that you might encounter. Keep in mind that many of these (such as the personnel costs) are an estimate and final cost will be determined after your event.

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Personnel

Custodians

Approximate cost for one custodian is $250 for a 4-hour shift.

Custodians are required at all events that occur outside of normal business hours and that include food and/or a room set-up. No exceptions. It’s a policy. Sometimes, two custodians are needed for large events.

Public Safety

Approximate cost for a Public Safety Officer is $225 for a 4-hour shift. Public Safety will likely be required at your event if:

You’re expecting over 50 people to attend.
Your event is in any way controversial.
Your event features a speaker that requires security.
You are serving alcohol.

Public Safety has a specific policy for use of metal detectors, which are sometimes required at events.

Wait Staff

Cost: $175 for a 5-hour minimum shift. If you choose to order catering from Brandeis Dining Services, you may need wait staff for your event.

Bartender

Cost: $200 for a 5-hour minimum shift. If your event features alcohol service, Brandeis Dining Services must staff bartenders and carder (one per 100 students).

Carder

Cost: $25 per hour for a 5-hour minimum shift. If your event features alcohol service, Brandeis Dining Services must staff bartenders and carders (one per 100 students).

Permits

Noise permit

Cost: $10. Mandatory any time you have projected sound outdoors.

Contact University Events to acquire a noise permit, unless your event is taking place on the Great Lawn, in which case you can contact the Department of Student Activities.

Liquor license

Cost: one-time use, $250.

Usdan, Sherman and the Faculty Club are the only buildings that come with an alcohol permit. All other spaces need the club to purchase a liquor license. If you decide to hold an event in a non-licensed location, your group is required to obtain a one-day liquor license which can take four to six weeks. University Events handles all requests for liquor licenses.

Grills

Materials

Note: Every rental order is subject to a $33 pick-up/delivery fee.

Tables

Tables are only necessary if they are not already in the space.

Round: $7.50 - $14 each
Long: $7 - $8 each

Chairs

Chairs are only necessary if they are not already in the space.

Cost: $0.98 - $7 each

Pipe and Drape

Cost: $30 per 10-foot section ($3/foot)

Stanchions and Velvet Ropes

Cost: $18.00

Staging

Cost: priced based on size