Friedman Conference Room

External and affiliate rates carry a two-hour minimum.

See Carleton Commons policy for details on 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 (none for this room), though the Office of the Dean may waive fees generally 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.

• Tables outside: 1 small reception table permitted outside; must not block exits/lobby, must allow circulation.
• Food/beverage inside: Permitted.
• Food/beverage outside: Not permitted.
• 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.
• Where food/beverage service is permitted, your department covers related facilities cleaning charges.

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."

Support: [email protected] or (212) 854-3633 (emergencies)

Touchpad-operated, with on-screen instructions; [email protected] · (212) 854-6447, option 2

Typically follows the CEPSR building hours of Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (closed on weekends and holidays)

1. Go to the SEAS Room Reservation Portal and log in with your Columbia UNI.
2. Confirm your eligibility and sponsorship, if required.
3. Answer every question on the form — incomplete forms are subject to cancellation.
4. 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].

• 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.