University Catering recommends booking all event requests at least two weeks prior to the event with a tentative guest count. An additional 25% service fee will be applied to events requested within seven days of the event. Requests within seven days of the event are subject to a limited menu selection based on availability. We reserve the right to refuse events that are requested late and/or exceed our capacity to provide service.

A final guaranteed guest count is due no later than seven days prior to the event and may not be reduced. If no final guest count is provided within this time frame, the estimated guest count will automatically become the final guaranteed guest count. A 15% service fee may be applied based on increased counts. Billing is based on actual attendance or final guaranteed guest count, whichever is higher.

We will honor event cancellations up to three days prior to the day of the event without penalty. If you cancel with less than three days’ notice, a fee of up to 25% of the quoted amount may apply. The full cost will be charged for cancellations made within 24 hours of the event.

Don’t see what you are looking for on our menu? University Catering has a team of dedicated professional chefs committed to meeting the needs of a diverse population. From buffets and beverages to receptions and plated meals, we are here to serve you. Please reach out and let us know what your needs are, and we will schedule time for you to meet with our culinary team at no charge. We believe in the power of collaboration and look forward to meeting with you!

We will accommodate almost any special dietary need for catered events. Please communicate your guest’s needs to our booking manager during the menu planning. We have a variety of items within our Core Menu that meet the most common requests, such as gluten-free, Halal, lactose-free, vegan, vegetarian, and nut-free items. We have several 'all-in-one’ choices that are perfect for large groups. Whatever your guests’ needs are, our culinary team will provide a solution so that they are well fed and happy. 

Final counts for all special meals are due with the guest count guarantee seven days before the event date. Some special meals may incur an additional fee greater than the meal price for the group.

Due to health department regulations, leftover perishable foods may not be removed from any event by anyone except University Catering food service staff. This policy addresses public safety concerns and is non-negotiable.

Non-perishable items such as whole fruit, baked goods, and canned soda may be taken from events. University Catering works closely with the Pullman Community Action Center to donate unused food items.

Menu selections for your reception are just as important as the main event. At University Catering, we can work with you to create a custom reception menu that will set the stage for the evening and complement your selected meal. This is the first chance to please the palate with taste sensations of things to come. When hosting a reception before dinner, a good rule of thumb is to allow 4 – 6 pieces of hors d'oeuvres per guest. If the reception fare is the main event, 10 -12 pieces per guest are standard. The allocation of hot items to cold is generally 2:1.

WSU DEPARTMENTS AND EXTERNAL ORGANIZATIONS

All catering for WSU departments and External Organizations in the Compton Union meeting and event spaces must be purchased through University Catering. 

An individual may purchase or bring food to a meeting room provided it is an individual serving size and is for their own consumption only (e.g. a soda, sandwich, etc.) – food that is being provided for the attendees of a meeting must be purchased through University Catering.

STUDENT ORGANIZATION

University Catering is the preferred caterer for RSOs in CUB event and meeting spaces. University Catering also provides a 20% discount to all RSOs. Registered Student Organizations have the option to use any food provider for catering in the event venues, with the following exceptions and requirements:

• May not compete with CUB’s 3rd Party Vendors who have exclusivity agreements (Asian Concept, Pizza, Made to Order Sandwiches, Mexican)
• Must be an approved Whitman County Caterer

If an organization uses an outside caterer that requires use of the 2nd floor commercial kitchen, additional rental fees for that space, equipment, and supervision will apply depending on scope of event, and all food and outside equipment must be delivered and removed within the RSOs event venue reservation times.

Student Organizations may purchase or bring their own snacks or light refreshments from outside vendors to a regular organization meeting in CUB meeting rooms (not for events in CUB event venues). Failure to comply may result in a group’s inability to utilize CUB meeting rooms.

POTLUCKS 

Registered Student Organizations are able to host potluck type events in Butch’s Den only if they are not open to the public and are not advertised outside of their RSO membership and invited guests. RSOs that hold office space within the CUB are allowed to have potlucks within their office suite in addition to Butch’s Den. Departments within the Compton Union are allowed to have potlucks within their office suite or in Butch’s Den.

For clarification, Potlucks are events that are not open to the public and intended to serve the employees/colleagues of that department. Departments that reside outside of the Compton Union are not allowed to host potlucks inside the Compton Union.

BEVERAGE EXCLUSIVITY

WSU is currently in a contractual agreement with Coca Cola that requires all beverages served on campus to be coke products except for brewed coffee and tea. Other exceptions may be approved by WSU Catering.

Events that include alcohol must obtain special permissions and permits with longer lead times than other events. University Catering can serve beer and wine provided by your group for your event at WSU, with staffing charges applied.

Centerpieces and decorations are available, and/or you may provide your own. Please inform the Scheduling Office and University Dining of your needs and/or plans so that we may ensure our planning team has time and room to accomplish your event's goals!

NOTE: In accordance with Washington State Safety Regulations, burning candles used for decoration must be contained within glass or fireproof enclosures, 1 inch below the rim.

All prices are subject to change based on market and product availability. For events that go longer than the confirmed event time, additional labor charges may result. Registered Student Organizations get a 20% discount on all regular menu pricing with University Catering.

All events outside of the Compton Union Building will have a delivery fee ranging from $35 to $200. All menus include appropriate tableware. China service is available for events that require disposable tableware. However, outside of the Compton Union Building, there will be an additional charge depending on the range of services requested. Tablecloths for non-food tables are also available to be rented.

Tax (currently 7.9%) must be added to all catering prices. There is no mandatory gratuity. If you wish to offer gratuity after receiving your billing, please enclose a note indicating the amount of gratuity that is to be awarded to the wait-staff that worked during your event.

As an auxiliary unit of Washington State University, WSU University Catering is required to add a 10% Administration Fee to all pricing. The Administration Fee supports the University General Fund.

We are happy to plan a customized menu for your special event. Please request to speak with the Catering Chef when discussing your event with our catering coordinator. Additional planning time is necessary and we will provide the appropriate price for the requested menu.

Incorporated into our menus includes many gluten free, dairy free and vegetarian options. When booking your catering, please specify the requested dietary needs.

You will receive an invoice about 2 weeks after your event, through either campus mail or United Postal Services. Once you receive the invoice, please submit payment. We accept campus IRI’s, checks and Visa or MasterCard payment.

Pay invoice with a credit card.