UC Divisions
About UC Division Rentals
Nestled at the base of the world-renowned University of California Santa Cruz with the rich historical significance of the Cowell Ranch Lime Works District, the Hay Barn is an obvious venue choice for an award ceremony, educational workshop, or special lecture. Easily accommodating groups of up to 180 any time of year, the 2500 square foot Main Hall offers flexibility, excellent ventilation, and a one-of-a-kind environment for your next function.
The historic Cowell Ranch Hay Barn is a multi-use facility that provides space for academic classes and conferences, private gatherings, office space for UC Santa Cruz Center for Agroecology staff, and an entry point to the UCSC Farm. The Center for Agroecology manages the facility.
We define UC Divisions as groups sponsored/sanctioned by the University of California, its campuses, and its employees. UC Division rentals must be categorized as official university business or entertainment. This includes but is not limited to UCSC departments and divisions, student organizations, UCSC affiliate centers, and the UC Office of the President. The Hay Barn’s UC Division policy does not apply to UCSC staff or students hosting personal functions. Please see our private events policies if you are interested in renting the Hay Barn for personal functions.
Each Hay Barn event rental features:
- 2500 square feet of indoor event space
- 1500 square feet of outdoor event space
- a small kitchenette
- an Apple TV
- a projector and projector screen
- two indoor bathroom facilities with ADA accessible stalls
- 80 black chairs
- 15 five-foot tables
UC Division Rental Rates
Rental times must be scheduled to include setup and clean-up time. Should the event take longer than the prearranged reservation, the event holder will incur overtime charges (see table below).
| Rental Type | FY2025 Season | FY 2026 Season |
|---|---|---|
| Dates | (July 1st, 2024 – June 30th, 2025) | (July 1st, 2025 – June 30th, 2026) |
| Weekday, half day (4 hours or less) | 400 | 450 |
| Weekday, full (5 hours or more) | 550 | 600 |
| Weekend, half day (4 hours or less) | 500 | 500 |
| Weekend, full (5 hours or more) | 900 | 1,000.00 |
*If you experience an accessibility issue with the content in this table, please contact us.
**UC Division Hay Barn rental rates by fiscal year.
UC Division Rental Policies
To request a reservation, please contact the Hay Barn Events Team with the event details, including the prospective date and guest count. The Hay Barn events team will contact you to confirm availability. Your date is only reserved upon receipt of the completed Event Information Form and the FOA-PAL for the rental charges. Tours of the venue can be arranged by appointment or email.
The Hay Barn is considered a self-serve “leave-no-trace” space. The Event Holder is responsible for general set up and clean up after the event, including removing all trash and recyclable materials, wiping tables and chairs, sweeping the floor, and cleaning spillages before leaving. The Hay Barn Events Team does not provide setup, staffing, or catering services.
Damage to the Hay Barn, the landscape surrounding it, equipment, or furniture will result in charges equal to the replacement or repair costs. All event holders assume responsibility for their party’s compliance with UCSC’s rules and regulations. It is the responsibility of the Event Holder to follow the UCSC Events with Alcoholic Beverages Policy and acquire a State of California Alcohol Permit when applicable.
Please review the UC Users Hay Barn Rental and Use Agreement (Word Doc) for a complete summary of our rental policies.