FRIEDMAN STUDENT UNION

The Friedman Student Union is named after Sylvan N. Friedman. Born in Natchez, La., Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana in 1908, he spent his entire life giving and working in this area. Most of his adult life was spent in government. He served as a Natchitoches Parish Police Juror from 1932 until 1944, where he served as its President for eight years. In 1944, he was elected to the House of Representatives  and served for two terms.

In 1952, he was elected to the Louisiana State Senate and served there for twenty years. During that time, he variously represented Natchitoches, Red River, Winn, Grant and Rapides Parishes. He also served a term as President Pro Tempore of the State Senate. In this capacity he had an opportunity to be acting Governor, during the absence of the governor and the Lieutenant Governor from the state, as his Senate position made him the number three person in succession to the governorship.

During his tenure in the legislature, he was instrumental in securing many facilities currently standing at Northwestern State, including the Student Union, Prather Coliseum, several resident halls and classroom buildings. Sylvan Friedman was a cattleman and farmer.  He also served as the President of the Louisiana Cattleman’s Association and as a member of the Southern Regional Education Conference.  The Natchitoches Parish Chamber of Commerce selected Mr. Friedman as its Man of the Year. He died in 1979 and his family still resides in Natchitoches.

For the names of the building managers on campus Contact Mr. Alan Pasch at

• Email- pascha@nsula.edu
• Phone- +1(318)357-6512

To view Current events going on around campus click the link below:

View the Event Calendar Here

The Event Management System (EMS) provides for an avenue to bring together university events and activities into one calendar system. It helps avoid double scheduling of a single space. In addition to students, faculty and staff; Friends and alumni of the university benefit by visiting one site for all activities at Northwestern State University.

Click the features on the right to learn more about the EMS System:

• University Events Calendar-See what’s on now.
• How to Reserve Facilities-Instructions to enter request.
• Building Managers-Who to contact in each building.
• Event Reservation Form-Event Reservation Form (Non-university Request)
• Room and Rate List-See the rooms available at the Student Union, rates and available equipment /set-ups.
• Browse our facilities– Get more information on each building and it capacity.

These are mandatory forms to be completed and returned based on your event.  For summer camp facility use, visit the Summer Camps tab.

• Indemnification Agreement (required for all non-university events)
• Request to Serve Alcoholic Beverages (required to serve alcohol on campus)
• Food Service Waiver (for use of an alternate food service provider; not generally approved, but included for consideration)
• Student Union Ballroom Setup Diagram (complete and FAX to 318-357-4545 at least one week prior to event)

Northwestern State utilizes Event Management Software (EMS) to manage all facility use requests.  All such requests are ultimately submitted on-line using EMS.  

Note:  Anyone with access to the Internet may visit the University Events Calendar to browse for facilities available at the date/time they require.  However, to make requests for facility use they must follow the procedures indicated below.

EMS User Request Form – This form allows organizations to change the name of the individual who will book space on their behalf.

Requests for facility use are initiated based upon the requestor’s affiliation with the University:

NSU Recognized Student Organization (RSO).  Each RSO has designated one of its members (a current student) as the holder of their EMS User Account.  Having received the necessary training, this student has the authority to make requests for facility use for their organization only!  Using his/her on-line access to virtual EMS, they provide the information required to complete the facility use request.

Note:  A member of an RSO who is responsible for coordinating an event for the RSO, but does not have access to the EMS reservation system, simply needs to submit a      Reservation Request Data Sheet to their RSO’s EMS User for submission of their facility use request.  To facilitate the completion of the Data Sheet, they can browse the University Events Calendar to determine what facilities are available at the date/time they require and record that data on the Sheet.

NSU Department/Unit.  Each Department and Unit has designated personnel who are EMS User Account holders.  Having received the necessary training, this person has the authority to make requests for facility use for their department/unit only!  Using his/her on-line access to virtual EMS, they provide the information required to complete the facility use request.

Note:  A member of a Department or Unit who is responsible for coordinating an event for the Department or Unit, but does not have access to the EMS reservation system, simply needs to submit a Reservation Request Data Sheet to their Department or Unit’s EMS User for submission of their facility use request.  To facilitate the completion of the Data Sheet, they can browse the University Events Calendar to determine what facilities are available at the date/time they require and record that data on the Sheet.

Individuals or Organizations Not-affiliated with NSU.  Requests for use of NSU facilities for individuals or organizations not-affiliated with the University must be initiated by the Building Manager concerned. In other words, the individual making the request on their own behalf of, or for a non-affiliated organization, must contact the Building Manager to initiate a facility use request.  Once the Building Manager has completed the EMS facility use request, the non-affiliated individual who made the request, must report to the Office of Facility Use and Friedman Student Union (ODFU) at Room 214 in the Student Union.  At that time they will pay the 10% Non-refundable Reservation Fee which is required prior to their request being confirmed and placed on the University Calendar.  Additionally, other requirements such as: Due date for full paymnet, Liability Insurance, Indemnifcation documentation, police on-site at the event, and Catering will reviewed.  Ultimately, it is the requestor’s responsibility to ensure that all of these requirements are met or the event will be cancelled.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact Mr. Alan Pasch at 318-357-6512

Please select the appropriate link below regarding use fees for Northwestern State University.

• Athletic Facility Use Fee Sheet
• Campus Facility Use Fee Sheet
• Old Fine Arts Theater Fee Sheet

In addition to rental fees, charges for event security, Lifeguards, Sound/Lighting Technicians and custodians will apply as needed.

Rooms Available for Reservations

Northwestern State utilizes Event Management Software (EMS) to manage all non-academic facility use requests.  All such requests are ultimately submitted on-line using EMS.  

Note:  Anyone with access to the Internet may visit the University Events Calendar to browse for facilities available at the date/time they require.  However, to make requests for facility use they must follow the procedures indicated below.

EMS User Request Form –  This form allows organizations to change the name of the individual who will book space on their behalf.

Requests for facility use are initiated based upon the requestor’s affiliation with the University:

NSU Recognized Student Organization (RSO).  Each RSO has designated one of its members (a current student) as the holder of their EMS User Account.  Having received the necessary training, this student has the authority to make requests for facility use for their organization only!  Using his/her on-line access to virtual EMS, they provide the information required to complete the facility use request.

Note:  A member of an RSO who is responsible for coordinating an event for the RSO, but does not have access to the EMS reservation system, simply needs to submit a      Reservation Request Data Sheet to their RSO’s EMS User for submission of their facility use request.  To facilitate the completion of the Data Sheet, they can browse the University Events Calendar to determine what facilities are available at the date/time they require and record that data on the Sheet.

NSU Department/Unit.  Each Department and Unit has designated personnel who are EMS User Account holders.  Having received the necessary training, this person has the authority to make requests for facility use for their department/unit only!  Using his/her on-line access to virtual EMS, they provide the information required to complete the facility use request.

Note:  A member of a Department or Unit who is responsible for coordinating an event for the Department or Unit, but does not have access to the EMS reservation system, simply needs to submit a Reservation Request Data Sheet to their Department or Unit’s EMS User for submission of their facility use request.  To facilitate the completion of the Data Sheet, they can browse the University Calendar to determine what facilities are available at the date/time they require and record that data on the Sheet.

Individuals or Organizations Not-affiliated with NSU.  Requests for use of NSU facilities for individuals or organizations not-affiliated with the University must be initiated by the Building Manager concerned. In other words, the individual making the request on their own behalf of, or for a non-affiliated organization, must contact the Building Manager to initiate a facility use request. Once the Building Manager has completed the EMS facility use request, the non-affiliated individual who made the request, must report to Mr. Alan Pasch The Director of Student Union Operations located in office 214 in the Student Union. At that time they will pay the 10% Non-refundable Reservation Fee which is required prior to their request being confirmed and placed on the University Events Calendar.  At that time they will pay the 10% Non-refundable Reservation Fee which is required prior to their request being confirmed and placed on the University Calendar.  Additionally, other requirements such as: Due date for full paymnet, Liability Insurance, Indemnifcation documentation, police on-site at the event, and Catering will reviewed.  Ultimately, it is the requestor’s responsibility to ensure that all of these requirements are met or the event will be cancelled.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact Mr. Alan Pasch at 318-357-6512

To put in a request for soliciting, advertising, promoting, distributing, selling, and posting at NSU see the form below.

• Request For Solicitation Form

 It is critical that each event coordinator communicate with the Office of Facilty Use when planning their event. Student Union Staff is armed with information to support your event. Please take the following steps, as necessary:

1. Communicate with Student Union staff to plan your event in enough time for sufficient planning.
2. Be as specific as you can in detailing your requirements when you request space on the Virtual EMS request system.  Getting this information in the EMS system in a timely manner will help your event run smoothly.
   1. Use the EMS User Request Form to provide critical information to the EMS User Account holder for your organization.
      Student Union Ballroom Setup Diagram – Print this form and complete setup instructions. Fax to 318-357-4545 when complete at least one week prir to event.
   2. Visit Office 214 in the student union to turn in your completed NSU/Sodexo Food & Beverage Waiver Request to assist us in supporting your event needs.
   3. Visit room office 214 in the student union to turn in your completed SU Ballroom Diagram Form to help us correctly setup the Ballroom for your event.
3. Determine when the room needs to be setup for your event give a 72 hours notice for your setup.
4. After it is setup, visit the room to help us ensure that everything is in place for your event.
5. During the event, our staff is available (in SU 214) to assist you if you have problems.
6. Enjoy a great event.
7. Return the rooms you utilized to the condition in which you received them. Meaning no trash, items left over from your event, or GLITTER.

Each summer nearly 60 Summer Camp activities are conducted on the Natchitoches Campus of Northwestern State.  Some camps are also held throughout the year. Summer Camps are coordinated by the  Office of the Director Facility Use and Friedman Student Union (ODFU).  Each Camp shall designate its own Director/Coordinator and is normally supported by an NSU department/unit. Additionally, some camps are identified as non-university camps as space allows. The university camp load is heavy and any additional camp request call for review and approval by facility use and the confirmation of available space.

University Sponsored Camps:

Most camps held at the university are sponsored by the university and it’s many organizations. The camps are broken down into two categories; Day Camps and Overnight camps. Procedures to request and approved Day camps are simplified whereas overnight camps call for housing and food service support. Click on the web link for procedures for summer camps.

Non-University Sponsored Camps:

Some of our camps are cosidered non-university affiliated camps which require review and approvial and are required to pay a facility use fee of $1.50 per camper per day. Food service and housing are additional charges if used. The camps are broken down ito two categories; Day Camps and Overnight Camps. Non-university camps have several documents and approvials that are requred prior to final approvial. Click on the web links for procedures. NOTE: Due to the significant number of summer Camps, additional camps will only be approved pending availability of space.

CAMP APPLICATION

To request a summer camp at Northwestern State University, camp directors shall submit a Summer Camp Application to the Office of Facility Use each year.

General requirements include:

• Each January camp directors shall confirm camp with the Office of Facility Use by submitting a camp application (available below) by mail or email.

NSU Office of University Facility Use
Room 214 Student Union
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497 

• Meet with the staff at Campus Living Villages (CLV) for campus housing needs.
• Meet with the catering staff at Sodexo Food Service for campus food service needs.
• Approval from the building manager where the camp is to be housed (available below).
• Review the Emergency Management Guidelines for Summer Camps (available below).
• Review the Risk Management Policy for Summer Camps (available below).

For the names of the building managers on campus Contact Mr. Alan Pasch at pascha@nsula.edu or 318-357-6512.

• Summer Camp Application/Contract
• Anti-Hazing Policy
• Emergency Management Guidelines for University Sponsored Camps
• Requests For Use of NSU Facilities

Once the camp is approved, the following documents are required:

Non-university Camps Only:

• Indemnification Agreement (included in the Summer Camp Application/Contract)
• Copy of the Summer Camp Insurance ($500,000.00 for private event and $1,000,000.00 for Business/corporate event)

All Summer Camps:

• Roster of Camp attendees/staff by the end of the camp
• Payment by the end of the camp

UNIVERSITY CAMP REQUEST PROCEDURES

1. All new camp request, not previously held at NSU, coordinator must contact Mr. Alan Pasch, The Director of Student Union Operations, located in office 214 in the student union or call 318-357-6512.
2. University department or organization would complete the Camp Application and submit to the Office of Facility Use.
3. The Office of Facility Use will send application to the appropriate Building Mangagers, Campus Living Villages, and Sodexo for approval.  Food service, facility use and housing must be confirmed before any camp is approved. 
4. If event is approved, the Office of Facility Use will contact the Camp Director for further instruction.
5. The building manager will then create a scheduled event on the Event Management System (EMS) on your behalf.
6. The event will then be displayed on the EMS calendar for viewing.

 Departments and Organizations can reserve rooms at several buildings on campus. To reserve a room, authorized representatives trained to access the Event Management System (EMS) shall enter their request on the EMS system pending availability. For questions or concerns, contact the building manager of the building where space is bering requested.

To view buildings, rooms and their amenities click  building