Policies

UMBC Catering Services has an exceptionally experienced staff that is dedicated to your every catering request. For your convenience, we have created a selection of frequently requested and popular menu items. Please realize that these menu items are just a sampling of what we can offer. We have a full culinary staff with an Executive Chef, Sous Chef, and Pastry Chef who can customize a menu to fit your needs.

Whether your plans call for a small reception or a gourmet dinner, our catering staff will work with you every step of the way to not only meet, but exceed your expectations. All events are artistically prepared, beautiful presented and served with a gracious attention to detail that has genuinely become a hallmark of our department. Thank you for choosing UMBC Catering. Enjoy planning your event.

Room Reservations

The first step in planning your event is booking a room. There are a number of rooms in The Commons designed for functions of various sizes. Or you may choose to have your event in another building on campus or even off-campus. Regardless of the location, we will be happy to work with you once your room reservation has been made. For rooms in The Commons, and various other locations, please contact 410-455-3615.

Be sure to specify any special needs and the room requirements (such as table and chair arrangements, AV equipment needs, etc.) you will need when making your room reservation. Catering Services does not provide set up of tables, chairs, podiums, microphone, etc…

Menu Planning

We ask that you place orders 7-10 in advance of your event date to ensure product and staff availability.  In order to ensure that your event is perfect, please confirm food and beverage arrangements at least 5 working days prior to the date of the event. This allows us time to provide appropriate staffing, to order linen, and to offer the very highest quality product at the best possible cost to you. Events scheduled with less than 5 working days are subject to a $75.00 late booking fee and in some cases, may not be accomodated.

For events requiring more detailed menu selections, such as luncheons, dinners and larger groups, please reserve the date with us two weeks in advance. This will ensure our availability and help us to customize a menu to suit your needs.

Guarantees

Please let us know your final number of participants at least 72 hours prior to the event to ensure that enough food is prepared. If the final count is not received, we will consider the number indicated on the original order as the guarantee. The guarantee is not subject to reduction after the deadline and the billing will be based on the final guarantee. If the number of guests is higher than your final guarantee, we will charge accordingly.

Off-Site Catering

The primary purpose of the Catering Department at UMBC is to provide outstanding services for the campus. We enjoy working with groups outside of the university as well, and if availability permits, we will be happy to cater your event. Please contact our catering office for more information 443.612.8378

Payment

Services may be paid by cash, check, credit card or UMBC billing account.

Service Fee

Continental breakfasts, breaks and receptions are priced for Self-Service. Events are based on a 2 hour service period. Events, including served meals and buffets, requiring longer service periods or additional serves, will be charged $31 per hour, per attendant. For all of our events, we exclusively offer eco-friendly, compostable options. The cost of these products is $1.75 per person. If your event does not require all the necessary disposables, we will work with you to reduce the cost of your serviceware. All serviceware charges are based on the event and the amount you will need.

Flowers, Linen and China

We will be glad to order special flower arrangements or decorative requests for an additional fee.

Linens for the Catering Tables are included with your food or beverage order. Additional linen and skirts (for guest and registration tables) are available for an additional charge and requests must be made in advance.

·  Tablecloth & Skirt: $20.99 each table

·  85” Square Tablecloth: $6.99 each

·  Rented table Linens $35.00 each

·  Linen Napkin: $1.00 each

For University Personnel

Quality disposable products are supplied for receptions and breaks. China is included at no extra charge for all buffets and served meals inside The Commons. On campus china service is available for any event outside The Commons for an additional $4.95 per guest.

Late Arrivals, Cancellations and No Shows

In the event your group will arrive later than scheduled, please notify the Catering Director as soon as possible. All cancellations of food service should be made no less than 48 hours prior to your event. Cancellations made less than 48 hours prior to the event are subject to charges to cover expenses incurred by Dining Services.

Delivery Fee

This fee includes all time spent organizing and packaging china, silverware, linens, paper products, and all items needed for the event. For coffee breaks or receptions it also includes the time spent preparing and packing the coffee, juices, baked goods, etc. for proper service. This charge also includes the cost of the catering staff returning to clean up after an event. Off campus events are subject to a deliver fee based on the travel time from campus along with a mileage charge.

Left Over Food

It is a violation of Maryland Health Codes to allow food to be packaged up after an event and taken off of the premises. UMBC Catering Services cannot provide containers for this purpose, nor can we allow food to be removed from buffets, receptions, etc. even if less than the guaranteed amount of guests show up for your event. UMBC Catering guarantees to provide enough food for the guaranteed amount of guests. Any remaining food is property of UMBC Catering.