Table / Chair Rental

This page addresses several components of tabling on campus:

• Guide for whether you need a reservation/permit for popular spaces for tabling
• Guide for whether you need to rent tables and chairs for popular spaces for tabling
• How and where to rent tables and chairs
• How to request/reserve popular spaces for tabling

Do I need to reserve the space? Do I need to rent tables and chairs?

How and where to rent tables and chairs

Tables & Chairs from SORC

The Student Organization Resource Center (SORC, pronounced "source") offers EIGHT 6-foot tables, TWO 4-foot tables, and EIGHT folding chairs for student organization and department rentals. Prices:

Events can happen indoors or out, but must be on campus and must be sponsored by a UM department or student organization. Tables and chairs are not available for private use.

These items are available for pickup and return only between 10AM-6PM weekdays. SORC is located in the Michigan Union, but the tables and chairs are in a different area of the building. If you need them before 10AM or after 6PM, be prepared to pay for more than one day's rental. 

First, check availability of tables and chairs:  Click this link to view SORC Table/Chair availability calendar 

If items are available on the day and time you need them, you may complete a contract one of two ways:

• Submit an online request at least 2 business days before you need the items. Authorized signer approval is required. 
• If you need tables or chairs within the 2-day window, you may do so in person, provided that you are an authorized signer and there are sufficient funds in the SOAS account.
• Tables and chairs are not stored in our space; SORC staff members have to leave our desk to assist you. Because of this, there are restrictions on when you can pick up the rented items.
  • It is imperative that you show up AT THE AGREED TIME to pick up your rented items.
  • When you return items, DO NOT return them to SORC. Call 734-764-0436 when you are nearby, and our staff will meet you at the loading dock to put the items away safely.

SORC's number is 734-764-0436.  You can also email [email protected].  

Scroll down for more information about SORC policies for use of tables and chairs.

Tables & Chairs from external rental agencies

For a larger volume, you can rent tables and chairs from a number of local rental agencies. You can pick them up (they are off campus) or you can arrange for delivery, for a fee.

A-1 Rental

Classic Tent & Event

Delux Tents & Events

How to request/reserve popular spaces for tabling

The Diag:

Any Maize Pages registered student organization seeking approval to hold an event on the Diag should begin by reading the policies and completing an online request form.  There is no fee for the use of the space unless you have special needs such as electricity, amplification, etc. Policies related to the use of amplified sound, food/beverages, grilling, vehicles, electrical needs, table rental, etc. will be shared at the time of the request. For more information regarding the use of the Diag or other related questions, please visit this page or email [email protected]. Tables and chairs are not provided when you reserve the Diag or the Grove; you can provide your own or rent them from SORC or an outside rental agency.

The Gerstacker Grove (North Campus Diag):

Any Maize Pages registered student organization seeking approval to hold an event on the Grove should begin by reading the policies and completing an online request form.  There is no fee for the use of the space unless you have special needs such as electricity, amplification, etc. Policies related to the use of amplified sound, food/beverages, grilling, vehicles, electrical needs, table rental, etc. will be shared at the time of the request. For more information regarding the use of the Grove or other related questions, please visit this page or email [email protected]. Tables and chairs are not provided when you reserve the Grove; you can provide your own or rent them from SORC or an outside rental agency.

Other Outdoor Campus Spaces:

Any Maize Pages registered student organization seeking approval to hold an event on campus in locations other than the Diag should submit this space request form. Tables and chairs are not provided when you reserve outdoor spaces; you can provide your own or rent them from SORC or an outside rental agency.

Posting Wall, Chemistry Atrium, MLB, and East Hall Atrium:

LSA Facilities coordinates the use of these spaces. The information below is correct as of February 2022. Bear in mind that LSA policies are subject to change. Allowable groups must be a UM student organization or sponsored by a UM department.

Posting Wall Reservable Spaces

• In the Posting Wall area, there are 4 reservable spaces (A, B, C, D) which face the windows (toward the Diag).
• When you request and are approved for one of these 4 spaces, you do not need to rent tables or chairs. They are built in. Request one of these spaces
• There is no cost to use these spaces.

Posting Wall Drop-in Spaces

• In addition to the 4 "reservable" spaces above, there are a few other drop-in spaces in this same area. You do not need to submit a request, but the use of these spaces is first-come, first-serve.
• Please contact [email protected] and request to speak with the Building Manager of Angell Hall for table placement.
• Tables and chairs are not provided, so you will need to either provide your own or rent them from SORC.
• There is no cost to use these spaces.

Chemistry Tabling space

• There are 2 reservable spaces in the Chemistry Building, located on either side of the main staircase to the lower level.
• Tables and chairs are not provided, so you will need to either provide your own or rent them from SORC. Request this space
• There is no cost to use these spaces.

Modern Languages Building

• There are 3 reservable spaces in the Modern Languages Building (MLB) on the 1st floor.
• Tables and chairs are provided, but please do not move them. Request this space
• There is no cost to use these spaces.

East Hall Atrium

• There are 2 East Hall Atriums (north, south) available for events but not for setting up tables and chairs to promote your organization. 
• There is a cost associated with the use of this space.
• Tables and chairs are not provided, so you will need to either provide your own or rent them from SORC. Request this space

Chemistry Atrium

• The Chemistry Building Atrium is available for events but not for setting up tables and chairs to promote your organization. 
• There is a cost associated with the use of this space.
• Tables and chairs are not provided, so you will need to either provide your own or rent them from SORC. Request this space

Michigan Union:

Do not rent tables from SORC for tabling in the Michigan Union, because you won't need them!

However, space is limited and you must have a reservation. You may reserve space on the Ground or 1st floor of the Michigan Union to promote your event. To reserve space, email [email protected], call 734-764-2000, or stop by the Conference & Event Services Office at 3200 Michigan Union. A narrow 6-foot table and two chairs are provided when you reserve this space.

More information about SORC policies for use of tables and chairs

Pick up & delivery

All table/chair rentals must be picked up and returned during SORC business hours.  If you have a weekend event, you will need to pick them up between 4PM-6PM on Friday and return them on Monday; you will be charged for 2 days' rental. You may not return items when SORC is closed, so you will have to hold onto them until Monday.

• Tables and chairs are not stored in our space; they are stored elsewhere in the Michigan Union. SORC staff members have to leave our desk to assist you. Because of this, there are restrictions on when you can pick up the rented items.
  • It is imperative that you show up AT THE AGREED TIME to pick up your rented items.
  • When you return items, DO NOT return them to SORC. Call 734-764-0436 when you are nearby, and our staff will meet you to put the items away safely.

The tables are slightly cumbersome because of their size, but they are lightweight. An average-sized person can usually manage two tables (or one table and two chairs). SORC does not offer delivery of tables or chairs.

Cleaning / Replacement Cost

Your group is responsible for returning tables and chairs to SORC clean and unharmed. Misuse may result in additional charges for necessary cleaning or replacement. When you sign a contract to rent a table and/or chairs from SORC, you agree to return the items in thier original condition to SORC or pay the applicable cleaning or replacement costs.

Lead Time

In most cases you can pick up tables or chairs with little or no notice. However, during the warm months, these items are higher in demand, and may be booked in advance (hence, unavailable). In order to use these items, an authorized signer for your group must authorize the contract. This can be done via email, but must be done before you leave with the items. Table and chair rentals must be paid via shortcode. If you don't have the funds in your SOAS account, you won't be able to complete a contract or use these items.

To request tables and chairs online, you must submit the request 2 business days in advance. If you need the tables within 2 days, please visit the SORC during regular business hours to start a contract. Your group's authorized signer will need to verify the charge before you can take the items, so it is not recommended that you come to start a contract and pick up the tables/chairs at the same time, unless you are an authorized signer.

Larger Volume

If you need more tables and chairs than SORC is able to provide, we recommend Delux Tents & Events, Classic Tent & Event, or A-1 Rental. Allof these companies are local but are not within walking distance. You will need to either have a large vehicle to pick up the items, or you will have to pay the company to deliver them. Their prices are roughly the same, although they will likely charge a delivery fee. These companies do not accept U of M shortcode, so you would need to pay out of pocket and get reimbursed.

SORC Prices