Event Planning

Event Planning Portal

Room Reservations

*Note: The Student Involvement & Leadership advises RSO's not to advertise or promote your events until you have a confirmed reservation.

Arkansas Union

  • The Union uses an online reservation system - visit union.uark.edu
    • Only individuals listed as checkwriters can request space.
    • Room reservations are free for RSOs, but there is a charge for equipment.
  • If you need to cancel a reservation, email auevents@uark.edu at least 24 hours in advance
    • If you do not show up, the Union will charge you $10.
    • If you have 3 no-shows, the Union will not allow you to book space anymore.
    • Please be sure to check with the Union after officer changes to ensure you do not have any pending events for your organization.

Outdoor Facilities Reservations

HPER Reservations

For all other buildings on campus consult the Building Reservation Guide

Catering

The Union is the only building on campus which requires all food to be catered by Ozark Catering Company, due to a contract with them.

  • Exception:  If your RSO wishes to bring in less than $200 worth of food (total) for consumption by that RSO at a meeting or other function, you may bring in a limited selection of packaged foods only. Details are located in the Union Outside Food Policy.
  • To avoid late fees, you should place food orders at least 5 days in advance. More time is recommended if you have a very large order or a specialty order.
  • Ozark Catering Company orders may be placed online
  • Ozark Catering Company offers a special menu for RSOs (includes discounts)
  • Ozark Catering Company contact: catering@uark.edu 

For other buildings on campus, you may use a caterer of your choice. Check with the specific building reservationist to make sure that food is allowed in the building or room you are reserving. 

Publicity

Publicity – both the method in which you advertise and the time frame in which you do so – will have a large impact on your event’s success.

Start with the Publicity Checklist to make sure you are taking advantage of publicity opportunities. Most of these methods are free!

Be sure that any images you use are allowed by copyright!

RSO Weekly Email

All official communication from the Student Involvement & Leadership will be sent out in the official RSO weekly email. If you have an event that you would like to be submitted to the RSO Event listserv that goes out to all RSO officers each week, please send a description of your event to rsoga@uark.edu by noon on Friday of the week prior to the event.

Request Forms

Would your RSO like to request a University email account? Fill out the E-mail Request Form .

Looking to request Coke products for your RSO event or meeting? Fill out the Coke Donation Form .
*This form should be submitted at least 1 week before the event date.

Travel Information

If your RSO is traveling outside of Benton or Washington counties, please review the Student Travel Policies and fill out any necessary forms.

Risk Management

When planning any event, always consider the risks! Physical, reputational, emotional, financial, and property risks should all be considered when planning any RSO event, and steps should be taken to identify and minimize risks, and to plan for emergencies. Certain activities carry inherent risks, and participant waivers may be necessary for some events.

The Risk Matrix is a very helpful tool that you can use to determine how risky your activities are. Download this tool to properly prepare for your event!

If you have any questions about how you can minimize risks, contact the Assistant Director for Registered Student Organizations at rso@uark.edu

More Event Resources

If you are planning a large event and don’t know where to begin, check out the Event Planning Workbook for some helpful tips. Also, feel free to schedule an individual event planning appointment by emailing rso@uark.edu.

The Campus Resource Guide is a valuable source of contact information for a wide variety of resources and departments on campus.