Stanford
Office of Student Engagement

How-To: Plan a Party

Step 1

What is a Party?

Parties are defined as a gathering held primarily for the purposes of socializing, or an event where alcohol is present. All parties hosted or co-hosted by a recognized student group must be go before the Party Review Committee by the Office of Substance Use Programs Education & Resources (SUPER).

Step 2

Start It, Plan it!

Parties do not require approval by the Office of Student Engagement. SUPER approves Parties and oversees all training procedures. You can learn more and visit their Party Planning Guide where you can learn more about:

Step 3

Work it, Run it!

Follow the training you have received at SUPER to complete your event. You can also use resources on this website to assist your overall planning such as the Planning Calendar and online video tutorials on various event planning subject matter.

Finish It!

Take the time to complete any lingering tasks with the people, offices, and departments that you have collaborated on to bring your event to life. Please make sure your Financial Officer clears all receipts and transactions as soon as possible. 

Resources

Planning Calendar

This planning calendar is a collaboration between the Office of Student Engagement, Fraternity and Sorority Life, Residential Education, Athletics, Recreation and Wellness, Alumni Association, Graduate Life Office, Career Education, and some other leaders to help facilitate planning for all involved (even staff). Major Stanford or academic calendar landmarks, and holidays are included as well.

Process Resources

Some of the resource items you may be provided:

  • Submitting Work Orders


Completing a work order with a service you have little experience in and being able to understand the ins and outs can be quite a challenge, and that’s why we created a video guide to help: Video Coming Soon

  • Ticketing


Ticketing Online must be handled through Stanford EventBrite, Stanford Ticket Office or Active.com. Not permissible: third party vendors and donations at the door

  • Floor plan/Diagram


If your event has security, multiple tables, stages, significant setup, etc. please attach in this document a picture or diagram with the layout of your event (taking into consideration your venue). If using Event Services, you can request a diagram from them.