Space setups on campus are managed by two units, based on the location(s) being used. All space setups for locations in the University YMCA Student Center and Dawg House Student Lounge are managed by the Center for Student Involvement. All other campus locations (including William Philip Hall and outdoor spaces) are managed by Conference Services. More information is available below.

Types of Setups

UW Tacoma has adopted several "standard" setup types that are available in event spaces on campus. More information about each type is available below.

BANQUET
A banquet setup consists of round tables with chairs around the tables. The number of chairs per table varies based on the location. You can provide specific details regarding the number of tables/chairs, locations of tables/chairs in the space, etc.
CUSTOM
A custom setup consists of tables, chairs, equipment as you need it arranged. You can provide specific details regarding the number of tables/chairs, locations of tables/chairs in the space, etc.
EMPTY SPACE
An empty space setup consists of no tables, chairs, or other equipment. The location being used will be provided empty.
FAIR
A fair setup consists of rectangular tables with or without chairs at the tables. Tables are setup in rows or around a perimeter to allow for attendees move past tables. You can provide specific details regarding the number of tables/chairs, locations of tables/chairs in the space, etc.
LECTURE
A lecture setup consists of rows of chairs - with or without middle aisle. You can provide specific details regarding the number of chairs, locations of chairs in the space, etc.
OPEN SQUARE
An open square setup consists of rectangular tables in the shape of a large square (hollow middle), with chairs at each table. You can provide specific details regarding the number of tables/chairs, locations of tables/chairs in the space, etc.
U-SHAPE
A u-shape setup consists of rectangular tables in the shape of a large "U" (hollow middle, open on one side), with chairs at each table. This setup usually faces the front of the space. You can provide specific details regarding the number of tables/chairs, locations of tables/chairs in the space, etc.
WORKSHOP
A workshop setup consists of rectangular tables in rows, with chairs at each table. This setup usually faces the front of the space. You can provide specific details regarding the number of tables/chairs, locations of tables/chairs in the space, etc.

Campus Setups (Non-UWY/Dawg House)

Campus Setups are managed by Conference Services. They can be reached at 253-692-4615 or uwtsetup@uw.edu

Setup diagrams and information for campus spaces are due by the Thursday in the week before your reservation. Failure to submit a diagram and/or information may result in the setup team doing the best they can to understand your event needs and/or your reservation may be canceled.

Charges for Setups

If your setup can occur during the weekly student setups shifts there is no charge for your setup (with the exception of large setups on the Prairie Line Trail).

Setups occurring in campus spaces are centrally funded if they can occur during the daily setups shifts. The setup crew works Monday - Friday 8am-10am and 3:30pm-5:30pm. If a setup for your meeting/event needs to occur outside of these times there is a $40/hour (minimum 2 hours) setup fee. If a mid-day setup transition/change is required (and given 3 weeks advanced notice) during a break in an event, a $40/hour setup charge will be applied.

Setups are charged based on a first-come, first-serve basis. If another reservation was already scheduled and a setup shift is required outside regular setup hours to accommodate the second reservation, the second reserving entity will be charged.

Short notice for setups: Any short-notice changes 5 business days out from event will be charged a $100 fee.

Unique Space Information

Some spaces on campus have unique setup guidelines.

Tacoma Paper & Stationery Ground Floor Lobby

The TPS Ground Floor Lobby is not supported by the setup crew. Reserving entities can either use the space in its current configuration and leave the furniture setup as it is when they arrive for the duration of their event. If a reserving entity would like the space rearranged they can work with the Events and Sponsorships Office (eventuwt@uw.edu) and pay for UW Moving Services to move the furniture. Costs can reach up to $800 for the setup/breakdown and we request a minimum of two weeks to schedule the furniture move.

William W. Philip Hall - Stage Ramp

UW Tacoma Facilities Services will setup the William W. Philip Hall stage ramp for events requesting its use. Requests should be made as part of your space request and a minimum of two weeks prior to your event. Please note: if a Facilities Services staff member needs to come in outside regular business hours there will be a charge to the unit for the setup and/or breakdown of the ramp.

University YMCA Student Center & Dawg House Student Lounge Setups

Setups in the University YMCA Student Center and Dawg House Student Lounge are coordinated by the Center for Student Involvement. They can be contacted at uwyevent@uw.edu or 253-692-5974. These spaces, equipment, and furniture are funded and managed by student fees.



Setups in the UWY and Dawg House spaces are included in the reservation of the space. Setups do not occur on a standard schedule and are based on the reservation schedule. If two reservations are too close in end/start time that the setup crew cannot adjust the space, the reservation that reserved second would need to match their setup to the first reservation. Charges for setups may occur if a unique setup is requested that is outside the general scope of the setup team, or if a mid-reservation setup change is requested.