The Denton A. Cooley, MD and Ralph C. Cooley, DDS University Life Center is available for use upon advance reservation and subject to availability as confirmed by Auxiliary Enterprises.
Discounted UTHealth Houston Rates apply for any UTHealth Houston faculty member, employee, student, university-registered or university-recognized organization. Guest Rates apply to events which are organized by or involve a non-UTHealth Houston entity.
With your event details, Auxiliary Enterprises will calculate fees for your particular event. Please note that all reservations for space, equipment, supplies and services are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Since multiple events may take place at the Cooley Center simultaneously, no item or service can be guaranteed without advance reservation.
Room Usage
Room Fees cover the set up of the room according to the organizer’s specifications, as well as the use of the room and its furnishings. Please note, for events held between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, regular rates apply, along with a two hour minimum. For all hours outside of that range, including all weekend hours, higher extended hour rates apply, along with a four hour minimum.
Cooley Center Hourly Rates
*Regular Hours are Monday - Friday (8AM - 5PM)
Fiscal Year 2026
| Room | UT Rate Regular Hours |
UT Rate Extended Hours |
Guest Rate Regular Hours |
Guest Rate Extended Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Section - without lobby | $31.50 | $63.50 | $79.50 | $111.00 |
| 1 Section - with lobby | $55.00 | $110.00 | $138.50 | $193.50 |
| 2 Sections - without lobby | $39.00 | $78.00 | $98.00 | $137.50 |
| 2 Sections - with lobby | $62.50 | $125.00 | $157.00 | $219.50 |
| 3 Sections - without lobby | $58.00 | $116.50 | $146.50 | $204.50 |
| 3 Sections - with lobby | $70.00 | $140.00 | $175.50 | $245.50 |
| 4 Sections - (includes lobby) | $79.50 | $158.50 | $199.00 | $278.50 |
| 5 Sections - (includes lobby) | $97.00 | $194.00 | $244.00 | $341.00 |
| 6 Sections - (includes lobby) | $104.50 | $209.00 | $262.50 | $367.00 |
| Add Kitchen | $2.50 | $5.00 | $6.50 | $8.50 |
| Entire Facility | $115.00 | $230.00 | $289.00 | $403.50 |
| Lobby only | $23.50 | $47.00 | $59.00 | $82.00 |
| Patio | $12.00 | $24.00 | $31.00 | $40.00 |
| Courtyard | $24.00 | $48.00 | $62.00 | $80.00 |
Note:
- The Cooley Center has a two hour minimum charge for Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. A four hour minimum is charged for after hours and weekends.
- Once at least 4 sections are reserved, the lobby is automatically included
An Administrative Fee will be applied to each invoice as follows:
| Invoice Total | Admin Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to $75.00 | $10.00 |
| $75.01 to $200.00 | $25.00 |
| $200.01 to $1,000.00 | $50.00 |
| Over $1,000.00 | $100.00 |
For questions about rates and procedures, contact the Cooley Center at (713) 486-4453 or Auxiliary Enterprises at (713) 500-8400.
TULIP FAQs
-
When do you need to purchase TULIP?
- A UTHealth Houston student organization has a function with alcohol where there are only UTHealth Houston people—-No TULIP needed, no alcohol premium needed as we now have an overarching liquor liability policy
- A UTHealth Houston student organization has a function with alcohol where there are UTHealth Houston people and Baylor people—we will need a TULIP plus Alcohol Premium if and only if they are selling alcohol
- Another organization wants to use our facilities with alcohol, but they have an insurance certificate that names UTHealth Houston as additional insured—no TULIP needed
- Another organization wants to use our facilities for a function with alcohol, and they don’t have an insurance certificate—we will need a TULIP plus Alcohol Premium if and only if they are selling alcohol
- Another organization wants to use our facilities for a function without alcohol, and they don’t have an insurance certificate—we will need a TULIP
TULIP & Alcohol Premium Rates
# of people TULIP Alcohol Premium 1 - 100 $83.00 $83.00 101 - 500 $109.00 $203.00 501+ $164.00 $284.00 These rates are for 1-4 day events.
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How do I request a TULIP?
Make arrangements through CLC Operations Coordinator.
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What information is needed to make arrangements?
- Name of the event
- Date of the event
- How many people
- How many days
- Location of the event
- Type of event (party, game, meeting, etc.)
- Name of the group
- Mailing address of the group
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What does the insured get in return?
They get a TULIP insurance certificate stating the coverage.
-
How long does it take to get covered?
As soon as I send in the information to the carrier the coverage is said to be bound. Approximately 7-10 business days.
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How will the billing process work?
For internal UTHealth Houston users, it may be charged to the Department's Chart Field String. For outside or guest users, the fee must be paid in advance and will be added to the master bill.
Technology Services & Support
Technology Fees cover the use of the facility’s audiovisual equipment and technology services. The following equipment is available:
- Computer
- DVD Player
- ELMO Digital Visual Presenter
- Video Projection System
- Audio System
- and Microphones
Other technology services include:
- Lecture capture
- Teleconferencing
- Video conferencing
- and Webcasting
In-room information technology specialists are also available to support your event if needed.
Meeting Supplies
The Cooley Center has an inventory of additional supplies which may be used upon request, such as easels, moveable whiteboards, table linens, centerpieces, etc.
Kitchen Usage
Kitchen Fees cover the usage of the catering kitchen to support food and beverage service.
Parking
There is no free parking available at the Cooley Center. View Parking Map
Parking rates for the surface lot at Research Park Complex are:
| Time | Rate |
|---|---|
| 0 minutes - 1 hour | $4.00 |
| 1 hour - 1 hour 20 minutes | $5.00 |
| 1 hour 20 minutes - 1 hour 40 minutes | $6.00 |
| 1 hour 40 minutes - 2 hours | $7.00 |
| 2 hours - 2 hours 20 minutes | $8.00 |
| 2 hours 20 minutes - 2 hours 40 minutes | $9.00 |
| 2 hours 40 minutes - 24 hours | $10.00 |
| Daily Maximum Charge / Lost Ticket Charge | $10.00 |
Participants can pay for their own parking at walk-up kiosks, or event organizers can pre-pay for parking validations to distribute to event participants. Call UT Parking Services at (713) 500-3405 to purchase parking validations in advance of your event.
Security Services
Security Services are available through UT Police for all events, and are mandatory for any event where alcohol will be served. Call UT Police at (713) 792-2890 to arrange for security.
Security Deposits
Refundable security deposits are also charged to protect the Cooley Center against loss, damage and excess cleaning requirements resulting from any event.