Ern Commons is located at 567 McCormick Road in between Balz-Dobie and Watson-Webb houses. Named after former Vice President for Student Affairs, Ernie Ern, the facility is able to accommodate a variety of events including dances, banquet-style dinners, and performances.

Ern Commons Map

Hours

Ern Commons is only open for reserved events. Events may take place between the hours of 9:30am - 11:30pm daily. Doors will automatically unlock at the beginning of a reservation.

Setups and AV

CIO event organizers are responsible for setting up the space for their event and returning it to the way they found it prior to leaving. A/V will only be provided if requested, but you will be prompted to make this request during your space reservation request.

Parking

Parking at Ern Commons is limited. Use loading dock on the back of the building for immediate loading and unloading only. If parking vehicles after loading/unloading, event organizers and their guests must utilize standard employee/student lots with appropriate parking permit and/or guest lots paying any fees required to Parking and Transportation. Cars parked in loading/unloading areas are subject to ticketing and tow at the owner’s expense. 

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Available Setups & Capacities

• Standing Capacity: 300 people
• Banquet for 120 (15 tables)
• Banquet for 120 (15 tables) with stage
• Chairs in Rows for 188
• Chairs in Rows for 188 with stage
• Classroom for 57
• U shape for 41
• Resource fair of 20 tables

Amenities

• 8' tables (20 available)
• 6' round tables (30 available)
• Chairs (188 available)
• Podium
• 8'x6' stage piece (4 pieces available, stairs)
• Storage room with sink for caterers
• Outdoor reception patio entrance located near wooded area
• ADA Accessible entrance
• Access to restrooms and water fountains

Available Audio-Visual Equipment (must request in EMS)

Audio:

• Sound System
• Wireless handheld microphones and lapel microphones (can use up to 3 at once)
• Corded handheld microphones
• Bluetooth connectivity and aux input for audio only

Visual:

• Projector and screen available
• Client must provide their own laptop

Video Conferencing:

• 1 camera, must use microphones from sound system

Reservation Scheduling

Additional time is automatically added to your reservation in order to give our staff proper time to setup and breakdown your events. When entering your event time, be aware that you will automatically have that additional time added to your reservation.

Ern Commons Auto Setup & Breakdown Times: 2 hour auto setup time and half hour breakdown

Space Specific Policies

• CIOs MUST setup this space themselves - make sure to include enough time on reservation requests to setup and breakdown the setup
  • This excludes staging - all stages must be requested and setup by Event Management Staff
• Event Management Services will coordinate with departments to complete the setup for them
• If A/V is requested, A/V staff will setup equipment for both CIOs and Departments

Food Policy

• No restrictions on catering