The C. W. Pettigrew Farm and Community Life Center is a full-service, 55,000 square-foot, conference/convention/fine arts facility that provides outreach services to the Fort Valley State University community. The building houses the center's Administrative Offices and the Fort Valley State University Cooperative Extension Program. The Pettigrew Center facilities are available to individuals, groups and organizations for educational, cultural, business, civic, and public service functions or private parties. The Pettigrew Center staff is charged with facilitating all events by providing full-service programming, meal service arrangements, and quality customer service.
Due to the center's classification as a state facility, the building is not available for religious ceremonies, merchandising campaigns, political rallies, non-university fundraising events or similar functions. Please contact the director's office if you have a question about the nature of your event. The university administration has the authority to refuse programs it deems inappropriate.
Facility Use Form
Space Scheduling
Space in the Pettigrew Center can be reserved by completing a [Facility Use Form](/files/mainfiles/FacilityUse.pdf). The Event Coordinator should call first to check space availability and follow up with a facility use form and the Pettigrew Center Coordinator will work directly with the event coordinator in effecting the following arrangements:
* Room set up
* Equipment Request
* Catering Requirements
* Payment for services rendered
Rooms will be available two hours prior to the announced start time. Facilities cannot be guaranteed earlier unless special arrangements have been approved in advance. Groups that fail to meet center regulations will be restricted from center use. __If the necessary forms are not submitted/returned promptly, the program may not be facilitated. This applies to all agencies, groups, individuals, and FVSU departments.__ The center reserves the right to change room assignments based on priority and need.
Refreshments and Banquet Service
Food service requests with less than 48 business hours notice cannot be facilitated.
All food service and refreshment breaks must be arranged through the assigned Pettigrew Center conference coordinator. Please do not negotiate your own catering arrangements. Food service requests require at least 10 business days notice.
A certified food service worker is required to be present any time food is served.
Estimates of food service charges will be listed on the contract, but actual costs may change depending on the confirmed number of people. Please estimate your program attendance as accurately as possible. If the actual number is more than original estimate, the caterer has the right to alter the meal service charges accordingly. Guaranteed numbers are due 10 business days before the event, after which, the numbers cannot change.
All charges will be determined by the assigned Pettigrew Center conference coordinator and approved by the event coordinate at least 10 days before the event is held in order for the sponsoring group or individual to complete a requisition for a purchase order, or pay a deposit prior to the program.
Any deposits will be credited against the final charges.
All past due accounts over 30 days old are subject to interest charges at a rate of 18% APR.
In compliance with Board of Health regulations, all cooked and baked items served in the center must be prepared only by licensed food service establishments or licensed caterers.
Weddings and Receptions
Weddings and Receptions have additional policies for use.
__In addition to the policy for use of the Pettigrew Center, additional regulations for usage are as follows:__
* The minimum charge for all weddings and/or wedding receptions is $475.00.
* Additional rooms are available at the rate of $100 per room.
* If the space is needed on the day before the wedding/reception for rehearsal or for decorating, a fee of $100 is charged. That fee is for a time period of four hours. If both the rooms and auditorium must be reserved, the rehearsal fee will be $200 for four hours.
* A non refundable deposit of $250 must be received before the facility can be reserved. The $250 will be credited toward the final bill.
* Any additional fees incurred by the Center will be passed on to the signee, according to the FVSU policy.
* All food services must be arranged by the assigned Pettigrew center coordinator. Outside caterers may be utilized provided they are on the Center's approved list.
* The signee is responsible for any damage to the Center during the event.
Fire Safety Regulations
The use of candles or open flames is prohibited unless the flame is shielded by a glass globe or is contained in a metal cup. The center adheres to a strict code regarding fire safety and crowd control. Registration or distribution of tickets is required when capacity crowds are expected. The configuration of tables, chairs, crowd flow, and traffic control must be tailored to conform to the codes. Tables and chairs must not block doors or major exit routes in the lobby. The assigned Pettigrew center conference coordinator will assist with supplying the desired arrangements, but groups will be expected to comply with the safety code limitations in planning events, seating conference participants or banquet guests, and in expediting banquet service for large groups. Additional auditorium seating and wheelchair seating is limited by fire safety regulations.
