Reservation Policy

Availability

A reservation request form must be appropriately submitted to the President’s Office before an event can be considered. Requests must be submitted 30 days prior to event date. Each request will be reviewed individually. The President and spouse, the President’s Executive Assistant, and the Vice President of External Affairs will review and approve all requests. No event is confirmed on the calendar until approval has been stated by the President.

Types of Events

Bon Aire is an ideal venue for several types of functions, although only one event takes place at a time. The residence includes spacious rooms and outdoor lawn and patio areas that can be used for special events. The house can accommodate both large and small crowds for reception and standing functions. The Great Room provides seating for approximately 60 guests while the dining room has a fixed table seating 16. Extending from the Great Room and overlooking Bayou DeSiard, the outdoor veranda and patio area provide a wonderful setting for receptions and backyard get-togethers.

Security/Parking

Security will be provided by the ULM Police Department (UPD) and arranged by the President’s Office. All charges will be paid directly to UPD with a two-hour minimum. One officer per 100 guests is required. Any sponsored event involving alcohol will require security. The President’s Office will determine if security is required for all other events.

The circular drive at Bon Aire can accommodate approximately 35 cars and is appropriate to use for small events or for VIPs attending large events (please submit VIP list 24 hours in advance). Parking for large events can be accommodated in the Grove area with valet service an option.

Guidelines

The President and/or spouse are the hosts of each event and must be present at each event at BonAire. The President may co-host an event with another vice-president, dean, university affiliated organization, or community organization.

Bon Aire is not a rental hall facility. In each event, individuals are invited as guests of the President and the University. Tickets are not sold for events held at Bon Aire, except in rare cases approved by the President.

Aramark, the campus food service provider, is the exclusive caterer for Bon Aire. All catering needs shall be reserved by contacting Aramark once an event has been approved. Catered events will be set up and cleaned up under the direction of Aramark and the cost will be included in the caterer’s service fee.

Additional Guidelines

A draft copy of the invitation to your event must be approved in writing by the President’s Office prior to distribution.
Events are expected to begin and end on time; it is the responsibility of the host organization to ensure that its event ends in a timely manner.
The hosting organization must have a contact person at Bon Aire from at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the event until the last guest leaves.
Guests are welcome to visit the public areas of the house; however guests are not allowed, unless invited, in the private residence areas.
Smoking is prohibited in Bon Aire.
Seated dinner parties held inside exceeding 60 guests are prohibited.
Award Banquets, Initiation and Recognition Ceremonies, and sit-down meetings are prohibited.

Fiscal Responsibility

The responsibility of paying for events rests with the sponsoring organization. It is not possible for the President’s Office to assume responsibility for paying for every event. While the President or spouse may host an event, it may primarily benefit one college or department, and that department will be responsible for the costs.

For more information, please contact Priscilla Turner, Assistant for Special Events/Projects at (318) 342-1010 or turner@ulm.edu.