Davis Auditorium
Location: 412 CEPSR
Occupancy: `[PENDING — listed as 200 in one place, but 183 fixed + 5 wheelchair/portable seats = 188 elsewhere on the source page. Confirming correct figure.]`
Equipment: E-podium; wireless mic pickup at the Dean's Office
To resolve: Open items on this page: occupancy (200 vs. 188), and fire safety announcement scope (Davis-only vs. building-wide) — both pending confirmation.
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Rates
Booking as Rate SEAS department / student org $100/hr SEAS affiliate / center $200/hr Other Columbia school (Barnard, TC, etc.) $600/hr External and affiliate rates carry a two-hour minimum.
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Who Can Book
SEAS space is for Columbia University schools, departments, and student groups, for academic and administrative use only.
- SEAS departments & student orgs — book directly; internal fees apply, though the Office of the Dean may waive them at its discretion.
- Other Columbia schools & organizations — must book through an academic/administrative sponsor (or student advisor, for student groups). SEAS faculty and staff cannot book on their behalf without sponsorship approved by the Office of the Dean.
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Tables & Food/Beverage
- Tables outside: 1 small reception table permitted (panelist tables also permitted inside); must not block exits, must allow circulation.
- Food/beverage inside: Not permitted.
- Food/beverage outside: Not permitted.
- Events over 50 people must file a cleanup request regardless of food service.
- Where a table is permitted, your department is responsible for its removal after the event, and it must never block entry, exit, or foot traffic.
- Events over 50 people (Davis Auditorium) must file a cleanup request regardless of food service.
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Required Safety Announcement - Must Read
Read at the start of every event, verbatim:
"In compliance with FDNY Fire Code, in the event of a fire alarm, evacuation of this building is mandatory. Please carefully and calmly proceed to the nearest exit and assemble out on the campus level away from the building entrance. Do not re-enter the building without instructions from Public Safety, Fire Safety or FDNY." -
Microphones
- Requires a valid Columbia ID to sign out.
- Available: 8 wireless mics (2 lapel, 2 handheld, 4 table) + 1 podium mic. Listening devices available on request.
- Requests are accommodated where possible, but quantities may be limited per event.
- Return by 4:30pm same day, or 10am the next morning for after-hours events; late exceptions need prior approval.
Other scenarios Fee Late return (mic or listening device) $50/day (past 10am next-morning cutoff = 1 day) Lost (mic or listening device) Actual cost + $100 service fee -
IT & A/V Training
Unfamiliar with the auditorium's features (mics, listening devices, podium, projector, screen, door locks, lighting panel)? Book a free 30-minute training session with CUIT:
- Go to Columbia ServiceNow → Service Catalog → Computer Lab and Classroom Technologies → Classroom Technologies → Training Request
- On your reservation form, enter "1/2 HOUR TUTORIAL SESSION" in the description box
- Schedule it in the morning, with at least a 2-hour gap before the next reservation
Need software installed instead? Same path, but select Software Request.
Support: [email protected] or (212) 854-3633 (emergencies) -
Building Hours
- Monday–Friday: 8am–8pm
- Closed weekends and holidays.
- After-hours access requires arranging guard service through Public Safety.
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How To Reserve
- Go to the SEAS Room Reservation Portal and log in with your Columbia UNI.
- Confirm your eligibility and sponsorship, if required.
- Answer every question on the form — incomplete forms are subject to cancellation.
- Some events require an additional description form, reviewed by the Office of the Dean; approval may come with added conditions.
Trouble logging in? Email [email protected]. General booking questions: (212) 854-2993 or [email protected].
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Know Before You Book
- Cancellations — Notify the Dean's Office at least 5 business days before your event, emailing [email protected], subject line "SEAS ROOM CANCELATION" (all caps). Late cancellation: 50% of total cost, or $50/hour where no rental fee applies. 2 late cancellations in a semester → loss of booking privileges for 10 academic weeks. Weather/unforeseen-circumstance waivers granted at the Dean's Office's discretion.
- Keys — Sign out at the Dean's Office, 510 Mudd (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm), valid Columbia ID required. Lock the room at the end of your event; don't transfer keys without permission. Return same day (events ending by 4:30pm) or by 10am the next morning (after-hours); late exceptions need prior approval. Late return: $25/day. Lost key: actual cost + $50 service fee.
- Invoices & chartstrings — You'll receive an invoice after your event; some reservations require payment in advance. Chartstrings tied to government or private grants cannot be processed.
- Signage — Remove all posted signage at the end of your event (painter's tape recommended for posting). Your department covers any facilities charges for signage cleanup.
- Projector shutdown — Shut down the projector at the end of your event; leaving it on shortens the bulb's life and can lock the system for the next user. A $100 fee may apply if left running.
- Food, beverages & tables — Serving food or drinks? File with Facilities at least 2 weeks before your event. Need tables or linens? Submit a request via the Facilities Request Service. Questions: Special Events/Facilities, (212) 854-8607.
- Alcohol & event policy — If your event involves alcohol, follow the Columbia University Alcohol Policy. All events must also follow the Columbia University Event Policy.
- Good to know — Unauthorized sponsorship, or reserving on behalf of another school without approval, can result in loss of SEAS reservation privileges. The Office of the Dean may cancel a pending or confirmed reservation at its discretion to prioritize SEAS's own needs.
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Contacts
Need Contact General booking help (212) 854-2993 · [email protected] Technical & A/V support [email protected] · (212) 854-3633 (emergencies) Facilities & catering setup (212) 854-8607 Portal login trouble [email protected]