Events

Highsmith Student Union is the starting point for all events taking place at the university for both internal and external parties. From large-scale event assistance to facility management, our Events & Operations Team is here to support you and your function from beginning to end. In addition to assisting with event space within our physical facility, we are able to provide guidance and support for all campus-wide events and connect you to the right parties and resources to answer all of your questions.

The well-being of UNC Asheville students, faculty, staff, and visitors is of the utmost importance. As members of the UNC Asheville community, we have a shared commitment to take the necessary precautions to avoid spreading COVID-19 while following all recommended health guidelines. All community members and campus visitors are expected to follow UNC Asheville’s Community Expectations. Please take a moment to review our COVID-19 Event Capacity Guidelines.

  • Student Organizations

  • If you are a student organization or club registered with our office, please submit your event or meeting details through the Event Request Form on Rocky Connect. Not a registered organization but a student or student group? Email reservations@unca.edu with the details of your request.

  • Campus Departments

  • Do you need a simple meeting space, tabling spot, or classroom for a meeting? Are you planning a small- or medium-sized event? Please contact your department’s administrative support member (Office Manager, Administrative Assistant, or Executive Assistant) to do so!
  • Are you looking to plan a large-scale or uniquely-arranged event on campus? Please email reservations@unca.edu for support.
  • If you’d like to advertise your event to students, be sure to also submit your event details through the Event Request Form on Rocky Connect!

  • Off-Campus/External Groups

  • We would love to host your upcoming event or meeting! Please contact Madison Merrifield, Assistant Director of Reservations, at reservations@unca.edu to begin the reserving process. Be sure to include as many details about your event/meeting as possible, including its expected attendance, room style/set-up needs, and your desired date(s) and time(s).
  • Please note, we only allow reservations for the current academic semester; exceptions to this rule will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Reservation Availability

Spaces open for reservations based on the below semester-based timelines to prioritize student-centered events. For fall semesters, the “previous” semester is considered the spring semester. Winter break is considered an extension of the fall semester. 

  • Group A – Student Affairs: Reservations open beginning Week 8 of the previous semester. Spaces for signature campus-wide events (e.g. Rockypalooza, Open House, Turning of the Maples, Admitted Students Day, NextFest, Homecoming) may be held beginning Week 2 of the previous semester and will be confirmed during Week 8.
  • Group A/B – All Departments: Reservations open beginning Week 9 of the previous semester. Classrooms will not be available for non-academic reservations until Week 2 of the current semester to allow for initial course scheduling adjustments by the Office of the Registrar. 
    • Spaces for large conferences/events may be held beginning Week 2 of the previous semester and will be confirmed during Week 9, pending no conflict with campus signature events. 
    • Spaces that hold both events and classes (e.g. Laurel Forum) may be held beginning Week 9 but cannot be confirmed until Week 2 of the current semester due to academic course scheduling. 
  • Group A – Student Organizations: Reservations open Week 17 of the previous semester. Reservations for recurring general body meetings may be extended by a student organization starting Week 12 of the previous semester, as requested.
  • Groups C & D: Reservations may be confirmed beginning Week 2 of the current semester. This is to ensure priority for spaces is held for Group A & B events. 
    • E.g., spring semester reservations will not be confirmed until the second Monday of the spring semester. 
    • Reservations for May – August will be considered on a case-by-case basis.