Outdoor Lawn

The Ingram Commons reserves use of its Lawns based on priorities for First-year Residents, Faculty Heads of House, The Dean of the Ingram Commons Staff, Registered Student Organizations, and University Partners seeking to contribute to the mission of The Ingram Commons.

Reserving a lawn:

The Commons Lawns (West Lawn, East Lawn, Lower Quad, Upper Quad, Amphitheater Lawn, South Patio, South Patio Lawn, Commons West Volleyball, & Commons Center Lawn) have been made available for reservations. Reservations can be made through the Reservation & Events website at www.vanderbilt.edu/reservations or by visiting the Reservation & Events Office. Reservations must be requested and confirmed at least 3 weeks prior to the event.

Scheduling will apply as follows:

  1. The Dean of The Ingram Commons and supporting staff of The Ingram Commons who develop and implement programming can reserve space on the Commons Lawns during the academic year. Commons programming has priority when a scheduling conflict arises. No events will be canceled once they are confirmed. Commons groups are as follows:
    • Houses of the Ingram Commons; FHOH’s; House Staffs (Commons AC’s), House Councils; Ingram Commons ResEd Professional Staff; Commons Council; and the Dean of the Ingram Commons Office/Dean.
    • Note: Registered Student Organizations who will offer activities for first year students can only reserve the Amphitheater Lawn, Commons Center Lawn, South Patio Lawn, & South Patio.
  3. University Partners can reserve the lawns during non-academic time periods.
    • Note: University Partners can only reserve the Amphitheater Lawn, Commons Center Lawn, South Patio Lawn, & South Patio.
  4. Reservations can be made up to 4 months prior to the requested event date. However, reservations cannot be made less than 3 weeks in advance of the requested event date.
  5. Each group will be limited to 2 event reservations within a month’s period.
  6. No standing reservations.
  7. Exceptions can be made by The Office of The Dean of The Commons.
  • In case of a cancellation, 48 hours (two business days) of notice is expected. Cancellations should be sent via email to the Assistant Director, Kenny Moore at kenny.moore@vanderbilt.edu. Cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen events will be managed on an individual event basis.
  • In the event of inclement weather, the event is cancelled unless a rain back-up site can be confirmed. If the rain back-up site is the Commons Multi-Purpose Room 235/237 additional rules will apply.
    • The Commons Center is exclusively VU Dining Services.
    • The Commons Multi-Purpose Room must be able to serve the expected outdoor lawn event guest total.
    • The Commons Multi-Purpose Room must be reserved within the 4 week time frame as well.
  • The Commons Lawns do not require an exclusive caterer. The Commons does reserve the right to determine what catering/restaurant companies can use the Commons lawns.
    • Note: The South Patio is exclusively VU Dining/Catering Services
  • There are no lawn reservation fees, but for additional services and equipment provided by Plant Operations, Special Events, etc., those costs can be incurred.
  • The Assistant Director of the Commons Center will notify Peabody of any outdoor Commons events.
  • Amplification must be approved by the Assistant Director of the Commons Center.
  • The Assistant Director of the Commons Center reserves the right to end an event if inappropriate activities or behavior result.
  • All other policies and procedures will be contained and outlined in the Student Centers Manual.

For clarification on reservation policies at the Commons Center please contact the Assistant Director, Kenny Moore at kenny.moore@vanderbilt.edu.

Reserving the Fire Pits:

Reservations for use of The Ingram Commons fire pits (2) have been made available. Reservations can be made through the Reservation & Events website at www.vanderbilt.edu/reservations or by visiting the Reservation & Events Office. Reservations must be requested and confirmed at least 3 weeks prior to the event.

  1. The fire pits (2) can only be used at The Ingram Commons.
  2. Reservations for the fire pit (2) require a Commons Lawn reservation through Special Events Registration.
  3. To reserve a Commons Lawn, contact the Reservation & Events Office (615) 322-2448.
  4. Reservations will be made on a first come, first serve basis.
  5. Registered Student Organizations and University Partners are responsible for providing any additional supplies, i.e. charcoal, matches, lighter fluid.
  6. All equipment must be cleaned before being returned to the Commons Center.
  7. Groups using the fire pits must abide by the rules set forth by Vanderbilt Environmental Health and Safety (VEHS).
  8. The Commons Center Management reserves the right to refuse fire pit reservations for inappropriate behavior or use of the equipment that is against university policy.
  • In case of a cancellation, 24 hours of notice is expected. Cancellations should be sent via email to the Assistant Director, Kenny Moore at kenny.moore@vanderbilt.edu.
  • There are no fees for the use of the fire pits (2).
  • Charges may be incurred if Commons Center property or equipment becomes damaged as a result of the reservation.
  • All other policies and procedures will be contained and outlined in the Student Centers Manual.
  • For clarification on reservation policies at the Commons Center please contact Kenny Moore at kenny.moore@vanderbilt.edu.