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Audio Visual and Technology Services

Audio Visual and Technology Services is responsible for ensuring that all technology used in public areas, meeting rooms, and event locations within the Student Union are in optimal working condition and well-maintained. This includes the setup, operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment such as displays, audio and lighting systems, touch panels and conferencing equipment. AVTS staff will set up equipment, test before usage, and troubleshoot any technical issues that may occur. AVTS is committed to providing high-quality technology support to make all events held within the Student Union a success.

The Student Union utilizes equipment which connects via HDMI or VGA. If your laptop or smart device does not use either of these connections, you will need to procure an appropriate adapter. Please be aware, we do not carry or offer any type of adapters. Mac users in particular are advised to check their connection type, as Apple employs multiple non-standard or proprietary connectors.

Audio Visual and Technology Services

Equipment Reservations

Programs with amplified sound are allowed after 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and during regular business hours on the weekends. Amplified sound cannot exceed 80 decibels A weighted, unless approved by SU Administration.

Our technology concierge service provides support to users accessing room equipment and is available during academic semesters from 8:30am to 10:00pm, Monday-Friday, and 3:00pm to 10:00pm on weekends. When academic classes are not in session during fall or spring periods, we recommend requesting access to AV equipment with a minimum of 5 business days' notice to ensure the availability of support, if needed. Customers who require technical assistance may call the Information Center at 860-486-1140 and a technician will be dispatched to your location. Due to liability reasons, the Student Union Audio Visual staff are unable to provide support for equipment we do not own. For users experiencing IT issues relating to customer supplied laptops and/or software, we recommend contacting your delegated system administrator.

On-Site Event Production

The Student Union features a Theatre, Ballroom, and multi-use event space, room 304. These event spaces feature large screen displays, full-range audio systems, podiums, wireless microphones, as well as conferencing, recording and livestreaming options. The technical production of programs held in event spaces can be supported by dedicated AV Production Assistants, assigned exclusively to the event. Our Production Assistants have extensive event experience and are trained in the operation of AV equipment, as well as troubleshooting common technical issues. To ensure staffing availability, please provide a minimum of 15 business days’ notice prior to your event.

[Please note that the Student Union Audio Visual and Technology staff is unable to provide support in the setup, operation, or troubleshooting of audio visual equipment we do not own.]

Technical Support

The Student Union provides technical support to customers utilizing our audio visual equipment. Customers experiencing an issue or needing assistance in with A/V equipment in a reserved Student Union Space may call the Information Center at 860-486-1140 and a technician will be deployed to your location.

Please be aware that only Student Union staff are authorized to operate A/V equipment. The use of equipment without approval may lead to damages and is also a violation of your usage agreement. Charges for the repair or replacement of lost or damaged equipment will be automatically billed to the sponsoring department or organization.

Users in the Division of Student Affairs who require audio visual assistance at their site may open a ticket with SAIT by sending an email to sait@uconn.edu and audio visual staff will reach out to assist.

Due to liability reasons, the Student Union Audio Visual staff are unable to provide support for equipment we do not own. For users experiencing IT issues relating to customer supplied laptops and/or software, we recommend contacting your delegated system administrator.

A/V Policies

AV Policies

  • Due to liability concerns, the Student Union staff is unable to offer technical aid for audio-visual equipment provided by customers. Additionally, their ability to assist with customer-provided laptops and/or software may be restricted or unavailable.
  • In cases of loss, theft, or damage to equipment, the sponsoring organization or department will be billed for repair or replacement costs.
  • All cables positioned across walkways, exits, or other frequently used areas, must be secured by Gaffer tape. In the event that customers are unable to meet this requirement, the Student Union will provide this service. Fees may apply.

A/V FAQ

If your device does not have an HDMI port, it is best for you to bring an adaptor.

HDMI is the de facto audio/visual electronics interface. It is available in all Student Union and Event Services spaces.

If your device does not have an HDMI port, it is best for you to bring an adaptor.

Why can you not provide support on my personal laptop?

Due to liability reasons, we are unable to provide support of any kind for equipment we do not own. This includes customer supplied laptops, which are assumed to have confidential or sensitive information on them. If you are experiencing issues with your laptop or software, please contact your system administrator.

What are the best practices when hosting an event with AV?

These tips will help us provide you with running your event as smoothly as possible:

  • Give us much detail as you can
  • Rehearse your program if you’re able.
  • Time it; note any scenes or transitions that made need special attention.
  • Provide an agenda or order of events for tech running your event to follow. i.e. – what music to play, what source it’s playing from, when it plays, etc.
  • If possible, have a member of your organization dedicated to assisting the tech run your event.
  • Arrive on time, and be prepared to test all A/V. The more time we have to ensure everything is working the way you like it, the smoother your program will be.
  • Try to simplify as much of your A/V needs as possible. Are you playing music from a Youtube video, then an iPod, then a CD, then your Droid? Put everything all on one device, in the order you want it played.
  • Make sure the volumes from all the songs you want played are the same.
  • Be aware of exactly how long you have access to the technician working.

What if I reserve equipment and do not use it?

If you are an organization that incurs charges, you will be charged for equipment regardless if you use it or not, as this removes the resource from inventory and prevents others from using it.

I have an event and expect it to be loud. Can I host it in the Union?

Programs with amplified sound are allowed after 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and during regular business hours on the weekends. Amplified sound cannot exceed 80 decibels A weighted, unless approved by SU Administration.

The University is closed due to inclement weather, is the Union still open/will my event still take place with A/V?

If the University closes during inclement weather, all programs using the Ballroom, Theater, 104, 304’s, and North and South Lobbies are canceled. Any other event using a meeting room is available “as is”, and will not have access to any A/V support.

Portable Lighting

Equipment Student Department Affiliate Non-Affiliate
Up Lighting System
Consists of 4 portable lighting fixtures with programmable colors
$25 $50 $75 $100
DJ Lighting System
Consists of stands & smart lights (Includes Student Technician)
$75 $100 $200 $250

Rooms with A/V Built In

A/V Packages Student Department Affiliate Non-Affiliate
SU Theatre System
Includes CD player, DVD
player, podium, podium mic, wireless handheld mic, lapel mic, over the ear mic, projector, screen, Internet, and associated cables (Includes Student Technician)
$25/hour $50/hour $75/hour $100/hour
Recording (Theatre)
1 copy of the recording on a flash drive (This is not live streaming of the event)
$25 $50 $75 $100
SU Ballroom (330/331)System
Price is for 330, 331, or both combined. Includes podium, podium mic, wireless handheld mic, lapel mic, projector, screen, Internet, and associated cables (Includes Student Technician)
$25/hour $50/hour $75/hour $100/hour
SU Findell Room Teleconferencing (324) $25/hour $50/hour $75/hour $100/hour
SU 304 A/B/C System
Price is for A, B, C, or combined. Includes podium, podium microphone or one wireless microphone, projector, screen, Internet, MP3/iPod input and associated cables
No Charge $50 $75 $100

Presentation Aids

Equipment Student Department Affiliate Non-Affiliate
PowerPoint Presenter/Laser Pointer No Charge No Charge $25 $50
Floor Podium
No Microphone
No Charge No Charge No Charge No Charge
Tabletop Podium
No Microphone
No Charge No Charge No Charge No Charge
Wheelchair-Accessible Podium
No Microphone
No Charge No Charge No Charge No Charge
Assisted-Listening Headsets
Theatre, Ballroom, and 304 only
No Charge No Charge No Charge No Charge
Flip Chart Paper with Markers $50 $50 $50 $50
Easel No Charge No Charge No Charge No Charge
Lockout Buzzer System No Charge $50 $50 $75
Music Stands
No Charge No Charge No Charge No Charge

A/V Equipment Pricing

Audio Amplification

Equipment Student Department Affiliate Non-Affiliate
Large Sound System: 300–500 People or Outdoor Events
Includes 2 speakers and subwoofers, mixing board, wireless handheld microphone, wireless lapel microphone, 3 wired microphones, 4 DI boxes, CD player, and all necessary cables (Includes Student Technician)
$75/hour $100/hour $125/hour $150/hour
Medium Sound System: 100–300 people
Includes 2 satellite speakers,
mixing board, wireless handheld microphone, wireless lapel microphone, 3 wired microphones, 2 DI boxes, CD player, and all necessary cables (Includes Student Technician)
$50/hour $75/hour $100/hour $125/hour
Small Sound System: 25–100 people
Includes 2 speakers, 1 microphone and all necessary cables
No Charge No Charge $25 $50
Stage Monitor for Portable Systems $25 $50 $50 $75
CD Player No Charge No Charge $25 $50
Boom Box No Charge No Charge $25 $50
Wireless Handheld Microphone $10 $25 $50 $75
Wireless Lapel Microphone $10 $25 $50 $75
Catch Box Microphone (in place of lapel) $10 $25 $50 $75
Studio Microphone $25 $50 $50 $75
Tabletop Microphone (Boundary) $10 $25 $50 $75
Meeting Speakerphone (Polycom)
Requires $100 phone activation fee and all charges associated; and 10 business-day notification
$25 $50 $75 $100
Media Press Feed/Mult Box No Charge $25 $25 $50
Internet Conferencing
For computer communications such as “Skype” (Laptop NOT included and software NOT supported)
$25 $65 $90 $115

Video-Computer Display-Projection

Equipment Student Department Affiliate Non-Affiliate
Projector or LED TV (built-in) No Charge $50 $75 $100
Laptop (PC)
Includes PowerPoint presenter/laser
pointer, mouse, and mouse pad
No Charge $50 $75 $100
Projection Screen (5’ x 7’) No Charge $25 $50 $75
VR Gaming System No Charge No Charge N/A N/A
50" LED TV (portable) No Charge $50 $75 $100