Venues

The Office of Campus Life provides operational management of the Paresky Center, Goodrich Hall, and Dodd Commons. OCL also facilitates the online Room Scheduler (EMS) for requests to reserve space in most campus venues. Requests are not confirmed in the online Room Scheduler until the office has received all relevant information from the requestor and has determined that the requested usage is appropriate for the venue.

  • The Paresky Center, named in honor of David S. Paresky ’60 and opened in 2007, is the heart of the Williams campus–students, faculty, staff, and community members all merge into one in this vibrant and dynamic space. There are spaces to study, go to class, perform, eat, relax, watch movies, hang out with friends and professors, and hold meetings and events.

    The centerpiece of the building, Baxter Great Hall, is considered the “campus living room.” The soaring high ceiling with clerestory windows allows in lots of natural light, and the wood and slate give a feel of a modern ski lodge.

    Also on the first floor you will find the Jessica Park Mailroom, two classroom/meeting rooms, and two dining venues (Whitmans’ and the Lee Snack Bar).

    On the second floor you’ll find the offices for Three Pillars & MinCo, and the Nutting Family Record Office, home to the College’s student newspaper. The Office of Campus Life, Academic Resources, the Chaplains’ Office, the Grossman Outing Club, the Health Center Annex, Paresky Classroom 220 and Paresky 201 (Reading Room) are also located on the second floor.

    In the ground floor, you’ll find the Luetkemeyer Lounge, which includes seating, billiards, and a large flat screen television with cable service. A 150-seat auditorium, Grab & Go, and the ’82 Grill are also found in the lower level of the building.

    Paresky is open from 7am – 2am every day during the academic year, except during break periods. Students also have card access into Paresky from 2am – 7am, Sunday mornings through Thursday mornings.

    Hours during break periods and during the summer are announced to the campus community through Daily Messages.

    Requesting Space in Paresky

    The online room scheduler (EMS) should be used to request all spaces except Dining Services locations in Paresky. Requests are typically considered on a first-come, first-served basis. There are considerations for each type of space, and questions should be directed to the Assistant Director for Student Centers & Events:

    • Classroom (220): priority is given to academic courses between 8am and 4pm Monday through Friday.
    • Reading Room (201): this space can be reserved and is located on the second floor.
    • Lounges (Henze Fireplace Lounge, Class of ’58 Lounge, Luetkemeyer Lounge, Baxter Hall): as open spaces the noise, traffic, and capacity impact of events in these spaces will limit their use.
    • Porch: as an open air space, the porch may be used for tabling or events insofar as egress from the building, sound into the outlying community, and normal operations are not impacted.
    • Please note that failure to return furniture in any space to its original or to a satisfactory state may result in loss of privilege to reserved space in the future.

    To request spaces primarily utilized by Dining Services, contact Dining Services directly.

    Custodial Support
    Paresky has custodial support that covers day-to-day building usage.  Special events typically require additional custodial support at a cost to the person/organization/office organizing the event. Contact the Student Involvement and Events Assistant, Lauren Barenski at [email protected] for more information.

  • Once used as a chapel, Goodrich Hall enhances student life by providing programmable space to members of the Williams Community. Goodrich Hall offers a large assembly space (Payne Great Hall) for parties, dances, small musical events, workshops and lectures. The building features different spaces that are available reservations.

    In addition to the programming space in the building, Goodrich Hall houses the Goodrich Coffee Bar. The Coffee Bar (in operation during the academic year) is managed & run by students and serves the Williams Community.  The Coffee Bar has extensive preparation facilities which can brew anything from a simple cup of coffee to a sophisticated cappuccino or latte.  The Coffee Bar also sells a variety of teas, sodas, fruit and sports drinks as well as desserts and bagels.

    Requesting Space in Goodrich Hall
    To request space in the building you submit a request utilizing the online room scheduler (EMS) The space in Goodrich Hall will only be available for reservation for currently enrolled students, faculty, and staff during the Academic Year. Priority for usage of the space will go to students first and foremost.

    Goodrich Coffee Bar
    Goodrich Coffee Bar operates from within Payne Great Hall. The Coffee Bar is in operation only during the academic year and is managed by students. The student managers are advised by the Assistant Director for Student Centers and Events in OCL.

    The Coffee Bar typically begins operation each academic year in late September. The hours of operations for the Coffee Bar are:

    • Mondays, Thursday, and Fridays – 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
    • Tuesday and Wednesdays – 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
    • Saturdays – Closed
    • Sundays – 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
    Please note that Payne Great Hall is not available for reservation during the hours that Coffee Bar is in operation.

    Payne Great Hall
    When requesting this space users must use the online room scheduler (EMS)  All reservation requests must be submitted a minimum of one week in advance.

    Request for events will alcohol must be reviewed by the Director of Student Involvement & Events, Assistant Director for Student Centers and Events, and the Event Review Logistics committee to determine the feasibility and if changes need to be made to the preposed event.  In addition, all events must abide by all college policies.

    Occupancy and Capacity

    • 118 – people with tables and chairs
    • 330 – people without furniture

    Additional Important Notes

    Stressbusters

    • Stressbusters occurs in Payne Great Hall every week on Wednesday from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
    • The space is unavailable for reservation during this program.

    Student Group Rehearsals

    • Payne Great Hall can be reserved for a maximum of three consecutive days prior to a scheduled performance date.
    • Each reservation may not exceed three hours in length (i.e. a user could have one rehearsal each day in the space and each rehears could be for only three hours).
    • Rehearsal request submitted outside of the defined parameters will be denied and the user will be asked to resubmit their request.

    Technology Requests

    • All requests for services must be made in writing to the Assistant Director for Student Centers and Events at least seven days in advance of the proposed usage date to ensure that needs can be met.
    • Student Dance Groups must make requests and meet with with the Assistant Director for Student Centers and Events a minimum of thirty days prior to their scheduled performance.

    Technology Services Provided by OCL

    • Basic speakers and microphone set-up.
    • Basic stage lighting with minimal light cues.
    • The space is not equipped with a projector and screen. If you need projection for your event you need to reserve and obtain it from the Equipment Loan Center.
    • OCL does not provide technical support for any band performances and/or festival style stages. Individuals/Groups looking for band performance level support must meet with the Assistant Director for Student Centers and Events and/or the Director of Student Involvement & Events a minimum of thirty days prior to their requested performance date.

    Host/Servers, Furniture, and Set-up Requests 

    • If you event requires crowd managers, host/servers, removal of furniture, special set-up, and/or other facilities work requests you must connect directly with the Student Involvement & Events Assistant in the Office of Campus Life.
    • These requests must be made a minimum of seven days in advance of the event. The user is responsible for paying for all associated costs.

    Academic Courses

    • This space is not available for academic courses, including Winter Study courses.
    • Performance that are a part of Winter Study course must be requested using the online room scheduler (EMS)

    Custodial Support

    • Goodrich has custodial support that covers day-to-day building usage.  Special events typically require additional custodial support at a cost to the person/organization/office organizing the event. Contact the Student Involvement and Events Assistant, Lauren Barenski at [email protected] for more information.

    First Floor Meeting Room
    When requesting this space users must use the online room scheduler (EMS)  All reservation requests should be submitted a minimum of one week in advance. Please note that events and meetings with alcohol will not be permitted in this space.

    Occupancy and Capacity

    • 49 – people

    Availability

    • The space is available for reservation Monday through Sunday form 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 a.m. during the academic year only.

    Additional Important Notes

    Furniture

    • The space has no furniture within it currently.

    Technology

    • The space is not equipped with any audio or visual technology.

    Technology Requests

    • All Requests for services must be made in writing to the Assistant Director for Student Centers and Events at least seven days in advance of the proposed usage date to ensure that needs can be met.

    Student Group Rehearsals

    • The space cannot be reserved for more than two hours per night for a rehearsal. Rehearsal requests submitted for more than two hours will be denied and the user will be asked to resubmit their request.

    Academic Courses

    • This space will not be available and cannot be used as a space to hold academic courses.

    Winter Study Courses

    • The space will not be available for and cannot be used as a space to hold Winter Study Courses.

    Custodial Support

    • Goodrich has custodial support that covers day-to-day building usage.  Special events typically require additional custodial support at a cost to the person/organization/office organizing the event. Contact the Student Involvement and Events Assistant, Lauren Barenski at [email protected] for more information.

    Goodrich 207 – Resource Room
    When requesting this space users must use the online room scheduler (EMS)  All reservation requests should be submitted a minimum of one week in advance.

    Request for events will alcohol for Goodrich 207 must be submitted through the online room scheduler (EMS) a minimum of 10 business days in advance of the event. These event requests will be reviewed by the Event Review Logistics committee to determine the feasibility and if changes need to be made to the preposed event.  In addition, all events must abide by all college policies.

    Occupancy and Capacity

    • 49 – people with tables and chairs
    • 49 – people without furniture

    Availability

    • The space will be available for reservation Monday through Sunday form 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 a.m. during the academic year only.

    Additional Important Notes

    Furniture

    • The space has 24 nesting flip-top tables on casters and 50 nesting chairs on casters.

    Technology

    • The space is not equipped with any audio or visual technology.

    Technology Requests

    • All Requests for services must be made in writing to the Assistant Director for Student Centers and Events at least seven days in advance of the proposed usage date to ensure that needs can be met.

    Technology Services Provided by OCL

    • Basic speakers and microphone set-up.

    Other Technology Services

    • The space is not equipped with a projector and screen. If you need projection for your event you need to reserve and obtain it from the Equipment Loan Center.
    • OCL does not provide technical support for any band performances and/or festival style stages. Individuals/Groups looking for band performance level support must meet with the Assistant Director fo Student Centers and Events and/or the Associate Director for Campus Life a minimum of thirty days prior to their requested performance date.

    Student Group Rehearsals

    • The space cannot be reserved for more than two hours per night for a rehearsal. Rehearsal requests submitted for more than two hours will be denied and the user will be asked to resubmit their request.

    Host/Servers, Furniture, and Set-up Requests 

    • If your event requires crowd managers, host/servers, removal of furniture, special set-up, and/or other facilities work requests you must connect directly with the Programming Coordinator in the Office of Campus Life.
    • These requests must be made a minimum of seven days in advance of the event. The user is responsible for paying for all associated costs.

    Storage

    • There is no storage allowed in this space and users cannot leave items out in the space.

    Academic Courses

    • This space will not be available and cannot be used as a space to hold academic courses.

    Human Resources Wellness Benefit Classes

    • This space will not be available for and cannot be used as a space to hold classes for the 2018-2019 academic year.

    Winter Study Courses

    • The space will not be available for and cannot be used as a space to hold Winter Study Courses.

    Custodial Support

    • Goodrich has custodial support that covers day-to-day building usage.  Special events typically require additional custodial support at a cost to the person/organization/office organizing the event. Contact the Student Involvement and Events Assistant, Lauren Barenski at [email protected] or more information.

    Wightman Room
    The space is located on the Mezzanine on the Second Floor of the building. When requesting this space users must use the online room scheduler (EMS)  All reservation requests should be submitted a minimum of one week in advance. Please note that events and meetings with alcohol will not be permitted in this space.

    Occupancy and Capacity

    • 15 – people with tables and chairs
    • 15 – people without furniture

    Availability

    • The space will be available for reservation Monday through Sunday form 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 a.m. during the academic year only.

    Additional Important Notes

    Furniture

    • The space has couches and soft seating within the room.

    Technology

    • The space is not equipped with any audio or visual technology.

    Technology Services Provided by OCL

    • There are no technology services provided within this space.

    Storage

    • There is no storage allowed in this space and users cannot leave items out in the space.

    Academic Courses

    • This space will not be available and cannot be used as a space to hold academic courses.

    Human Resources Wellness Benefit Classes

    • This space will not be available for and cannot be used as a space to hold classes for the 2018-2019 academic year.

    Winter Study Courses

    • The space will not be available for and cannot be used as a space to hold Winter Study Courses.
  • The second floor of Greylock offers space for programs & events. Previously used as a dining hall, the space is large and can accommodate events that include up to 487 attendees. (The first floor is used primarily as classroom space.)

    The second floor of Greylock does not have regular hours, but is opened based upon approved usage. Requestors are responsible for any costs associated with using the space, including custodial, special set-ups, etc.

    The Dance Department Program oversees the use of this space. If you are interested in utilizing the space please contact Nathaniel Wiessner at [email protected].

  • Formerly the Dodd Dining Hall, Dodd Commons is located on the first floor of Dodd House, on the north end of the building.

    Requesting Space in Dodd Commons
    The space is only open with advance reservations through the online Room Scheduler (EMS). Reservation requests should be submitted a minimum of one week in advance.

    Hosts/Servers, Furniture, and Set-up Requests
    If you event requires crowd managers, host/servers, removal of furniture, special set-up, and/or other facilities work requests you must connect directly with the Student Involvement & Events Assistant in the Office of Campus Life. These requests must be made a minimum of seven days in advance of the event. The user is responsible for paying for all associated costs.

    Custodial Support
    Events at Dodd Commons typically require additional custodial support at a cost to the person/organization/office organizing the event. Contact the Student Involvement and Events Assistant, Lauren Barenski at [email protected] for more information.

  • The following policies and procedures apply to the venues managed by OCL (Paresky, Goodrich, Greylock, Dodd Commons).  Additional policies and procedures may also apply, from Dining Services and from the Dance Department (Greylock Hall).  Contact those offices for more details on their policies and procedures.

    Tidiness

    It is not appropriate for patrons to leave messes in the buildings. All patrons are expected to clean up after themselves and to leave the space they occupied in good condition.

    Anyone reserving a space is responsible for ensuring the space is tidy after their class, meeting or event concludes. Should a facility be open and utilized without a reservation in the online room scheduler (i.e. classroom), the parties utilizing the space are still responsible for ensuring the space is tidy. If additional custodial support is deemed necessary due to inadequate clean-up, the organizer and/or affiliated group will be charged fines and fees accordingly.

    Student Offices

    • All student offices should be kept orderly, welcoming and clean.
    • All activities and meetings in these spaces must abide by all college policies.
    • These spaces may not be used for summer storage.

    Fines

    • Failure to return furniture to its original or to a satisfactory state: $75 or Facilities cost to return furniture to its proper state, whichever is greater.
    • Failing to clean up and dispose of the trash after a meeting or event: $100 (unless arrangements were made in advance to pay for additional custodial support)
    • Failing to mop up any spills (including spills on the floor as well as on any tables): $50

    Damages & Theft

    Individuals and/or groups are responsible to pay for any damages that occur during the time of their use, beyond normal wear and tear. The Associate Director and Operations Coordinators will determine what percentage beyond the cost of repair is to be charged, depending upon the individual incident. In addition the individuals and/or groups may lose other privileges.

    Fines

    Damage to any piece of furniture in any room: cost of repair + up to 10%

    • Damage to AV equipment (including screens) and/or to lighting equipment: cost of repair + up to 20%
    • Damage to any equipment that belongs to the Goodrich Coffee Bar: cost of repair + up to 15%
    • Theft of an item belonging in one of the venues: cost of item + $25 fine, and referral to Campus Safety & Security and/or the Dean’s Office.

    Luetkemeyer Lounge Gaming Equipment

    As the lower level of Paresky is a communal space, it is expected that all members of the Williams community uphold the standards of the space. Equipment is available for check-out in the Office of Campus Life, and missing items or gaming equipment will not be replaced regularly.

    Sound Levels

    Not every space is ideal for every kind of event. The Associate Director and Assistant Director for Student Centers & Events have the final decision on whether the sound of an event will conflict with other nearby operations. Contact the Assistant Director well in advance for more information.

    Please note: Music may be on in Paresky during lunch and dinner hours as appropriate during the academic year.

    Outside Vendors

    This section applies to all outside vendors wishing to sell goods or services on the Williams College campus. They are intended to maximize convenience to students and fairness to vendors, and to minimize bureaucracy.

    At Williams College, being private property, the sale of goods and services by outside vendors should occur only when doing so contributes to the College’s functioning as a residential institution. Williams College reserves the right to refuse access to this service to any vendor who has not satisfactorily followed the policy in the past, or to any vendor selling goods or services deemed inappropriate. For example, no credit card companies will be allowed to vend on campus, and items such as incense, candles, etc., which would violate life safety regulations for campus housing, may not be sold. Williams College requires that all vendors provide the College with a certificate of insurance demonstrating adequate general liability coverage and workers’ compensation, and naming the College as additional insured.

    Process

    Vendors wishing to sell at Williams College must make their request by submitting it in email to Sam Boyden, Assistant Director for Student Centers & Events. If approved by the Assistant Director, vendors may sell goods and services in the Paresky Center tabling area on a schedule determined by the Assistant Director. Vendor setup space is limited, and vendors are limited to two sale days during a selling period. Before beginning to sell, the vendor must check in with the Assistant Director. Vendors unable to follow through on their reservations should notify the Operations Coordinator as soon as possible.

    At the end of the sales day, or at the end of the last of the two days’ series, the vendor must present to the Assistant Director a check payable to Williams College or cash covering 10% of their gross sales during their vending period.

    Pets/Dogs

    Pets are prohibited from Paresky, Goodrich, and the Log, due to the buildings partial function as food service venues. Pets are also prohibited from being left or tied up outside of the buildings, both for the safety of the pet, and also due to the need to keep these buildings approachable for all patrons, including those who are afraid of pets.

    Please note, however, that administrative employees whose offices are located on the 2nd floor of Paresky are allowed to bring in their dogs – these employees must sign a statement of understanding in advance and adhere to special rules regarding bringing in and taking out their dogs. Contact Mike Bodnarik, Associate Director, for details on this exception.

    Smoking

    Per College policies, smoking is not permitted inside the venues or within 25 feet of any of the buildings.

    Bicycles

    Any bicycles attached to a handrail will be detached and confiscated by Campus Safety and Security, per federal requirements.

    Recycling

    It is expected that all members of the Williams community recycle appropriately. Recycling containers can be found throughout the venues. Contact the Zilkha Center or Facilities with any questions or concerns.

  • Please review the Campus Posting Policy found here.

  • (For Paresky and Goodrich only. Please note – OIT provides support for the five classrooms/meeting rooms in Paresky, so if you have difficulties with the equipment in those rooms, follow the instructions located near the equipment for assistance.)

    If you anticipate that your event will require any level of technical assistance, contact the Operations Coordinators at least 5 business days in advance of your event to discuss your audio/visual needs. The Operations Coordinators will determine whether to utilize a student A/V tech or if you will need to contract an outside A/V tech expert, depending upon the program and staff availability. Costs associated with a student A/V tech or an outside A/V tech expert are the responsibility of the person/organization/office organizing the event.

    If your event or program requires adjustment to the normal lighting, please contact the Operations Coordinators at least 5 business days in advance of your event to discuss your lighting needs. The Operations Coordinator will determine whether to utilize a student A/V tech or an outside A/V tech expert, depending upon the program and staff availability. Costs associated with an outside A/V tech expert are the responsibility of the person/organization/office organizing the event.

  • If your event requires a special set-up in Paresky Center, Dodd Commons, Goodrich Hall, and/or Greylock Hall you must contact the Student Involvement and Events Assistant, Lauren Barenski at [email protected].

    All requests should be made no less than 5 business days prior to the event date. It is preferred that all requests are made at least 10 days in advance.

    The furniture provided in Paresky, Dodd Commons, and Goodrich is there to be utilized by the campus community on a regular, day-to-day basis, and is to stay in its designated areas. In the other four venues, the furniture has a standard arrangement.

    Some spaces may have furniture moved or removed for special events. In some cases and with advance permission from the Office of Campus Life, campus organizers may move the furniture themselves. Or the furniture may be moved or removed at a cost. Furniture must always be reset to its regular position after an event has taken place.

    Special set-ups include services offered by Facilities or outside vendors. There are costs involved with special set-ups, which are the responsibility of the person/organization/office organizing the event. Contact the Student Involvement and Events Assistant, Lauren Barenski at [email protected] to request permission to move the furniture for an event, or to inquire about costs for furniture moving and special set-ups.

    Both Paresky and Greylock have two portable stages that are available for usage within the buildings, and are relatively easy for event coordinators to set up and tear down. They measure 6’ x 8’ each. Contact the Operations Coordinators at least 5 business days in advance of your program if you’d like to utilize the stages.

    Goodrich has a fixed stage which is available for usage for performances, concerts, etc.  For more information about these stages, contact the Operations Coordinators.

  • Tables/Tabling by Students, Faculty, Staff
    Campus community members (students, faculty, and staff) may request to use a table in the Paresky tabling area for advertising events, offering sign-ups, or conducting fundraising activities to benefit a student organization. Tables will only be set up for those organizations that have requested space and have been approved via the online room scheduler (EMS) .

    Requests to sell goods or services outside of the parameters listed in the previous paragraph must adhere to the policy entitled “Outside Vendors.”

    Tabling is only allowed in Paresky.

    Computers & Printing
    Paresky:  A few computers are available in the Paresky Reading Room. A networked printer is available for students near the Jessica Park Mailroom. The computers and printer require a Williams user id and password.

    Fax/Copy Machine
    A small fax/copier machine is available in the Office of Campus Life (Paresky 219) during the office’s open hours. The machine is for basic use – a quick copy of one or two pages, or a quick fax. This machine is not for larger copy jobs. Visit the Administrative Assistant or the Student Assistant at the front desk to use the fax machine.

    ATM
    An ATM is located on the first floor of Paresky, near the west entrance off of Park Street.

    Board Games, Cards, and Lawn Games
    These items are available for check-out at the Jessica Park Mailroom window during the Mailroom’s open hours. They are to be returned after usage.

    Lost & Found
    Items that are deemed “lost & found” in Paresky, Goodrich, Greylock, or Dodd Commons should be brought to Campus Safety in Hopkins Hall.

    Art Installments
    In Paresky, there are several areas that can accommodate certain types of rotating art installments. Art installments have also been on display in Goodrich. To inquire, contact the Associate Director at [email protected].

    Fireplaces
    The fireplaces in Baxter Hall and Henze Lounge are maintained by the Operations Coordinators. The fireplaces will be turned on during the winter months during times when the Office of Campus Life is open.

    Goodrich Coffee Bar (Operating in Dodd Dining Hall for 2017-2018)
    The Goodrich Coffee Bar is a student-managed and student-operated business operated out of Payne Hall. The Coffee Bar offers coffee drinks and other snacks for patrons’ enjoyment. The Operations Coordinator acts as supervisor & advisor for the program.