Campus Center
UMass Boston
100 Morrissey Boulevard
Boston, MA 02125
campus.center@umb.edu
Catering Services
On-Campus Catering Services
UMass Boston Catering Services can prepare meals to accommodate any type of event. Whether you are planning a corporate meeting, conference or evening gala, UMass Boston Catering can assist you with your catering needs. Sodexo prices are extremely competitive and in most cases, more reasonable that local catering companies. From box lunches to upscale presentations, UMass Boston catering can design and provide a menu to meet any group’s needs. If you have questions about UMass Boston catering services, please call 617.287.5114.
Using Off-Campus Catering Services
The University does permit private caterers to serve meals on campus. Non-university caterers must sign a catering contract, provide proof of insurance and tour the facility/serving areas before being permitted to serve food at UMass Boston. If you are hosting an event at UMass Boston and you would like to see a list of approved caterers, please contact the venue where you are scheduling your event. Note: The term “approved” means that the caterer currently has a catering contract on-file, has served previously at UMass Boston and has provided the appropriate insurance documentation.
What Does UMass Boston Define as Off-Campus Catering?
Non-university caterers/restaurants/food service providers coming on-site to provide hot, prepared food for events, regardless of service-style (buffet, food-drops, bar service and waiter-served meals, etc.) Pizza/sandwich delivery, deli-tray pick-ups or snack/soda purchases set-up by the department/student group/organization etc. are not considered catering.
Catering Fees Associated with Off-Campus Catering Services
UMass Boston bears certain costs in providing access to space for contracted catering services (clean-up, staffing, damage, facility maintenance, utilities, etc.). For these reasons, there is a catering fee of $1 per head for breakfast, lunches and receptions, and $2 per head for dinner service. This fee is billed to the department/organization booking the space and/or contracting the event. It applies to all non-university catering services for large events, regardless of service-style (buffet, food-drops and waiter-served meals, bar service, etc.) The fee is based upon the head-count and room set-up provided by the department/organization.
Note to Departments/Organizations:
Many event venues charge outside caterers a commission to serve food in their facility. While UMass Boston’s practice is to bill the department/organization for the catering fee, the department/organization may require that the caterer adjust their final catering invoice to compensate for this fee. University departments and non-university organizations are strongly encouraged to work with their caterer, and ask to have their final bill adjusted to cover fees as described above. Information related to the catering fee/commission is also listed in the contract signed by each caterer, so they are aware that you may be inquiring about compensation for this fee.
>>Special Note
Serving large groups or events with home prepared food can create food-safety, liability and health-related challenges. Event food services must be provided by UMass Boston catering services or a licensed and insured caterer.