General Facility and Campus Information

Information About USNA Commissioning Week Parking

St. John’s College offers a variety of venues for conferences or private functions. A national historic landmark, the college campus (see map & directions) lies within the Annapolis Historic District on beautifully landscaped grounds. The college’s superb facilities are available for rent, providing the event does not conflict with student needs and the college’s academic calendar. If you would like to schedule a tour to view the facilities, please call 410-626-2547. It is our pleasure to be a part of and to serve the Annapolis area community. We hope that your experience on the St. John’s campus will contribute toward pleasant memories for you and your guests.

Reservations

Because of the fluid nature of our academic calendar, reservations are taken up to one year prior to a requested date. If you would like to plan a reception or meeting at St. John’s College, please contact Campus Reservations Manager Diane Ensor by phone at 410-626-2547, or by email at diane.ensor(at)sjc.edu. If you would like to schedule a tour to view any of the rooms, please call in advance.

Parking

St. John’s College conducts academics on nearly a year-round basis; the parking facilities must remain available to the students, faculty and staff. As a result parking is not permitted on campus. We suggest using the parking garages in town or on-street parking for events.

Facilities

The Great Hall

The Great Hall is located in McDowell, the oldest building on campus, which was completed in 1789. Lafayette once danced in the Great Hall, beneath its lovely interior balconies and chandeliers. It is ideal for small wedding ceremonies or concerts. The audience seating capacity is 120 guests.

The rental fee for a four-hour time period for The Great Hall is $1,500. There is an additional $85 custodial fee. 

The Hodson Boathouse

The Hodson Boathouse cornerstone was laid in 1934, and the upper level was renovated in 1989. The home of the college’s active boating program is located on College Creek, and provides a wonderful water view for dinner parties or receptions of up to 80.

The cost for the Hodson Boathouse rental for a four-hour time period is $1,500. There is an additional $85 custodial fee.

Francis Scott Key Auditorium

The Francis Scott Key Auditorium is located in Mellon Hall, which was built in 1958 by the acclaimed architect Richard Neutra. The auditorium has a seating capacity of 598.

The cost for the Francis Scott Key Auditorium is $1,500 for four hours. There is an additional $85 custodial fee. 

The Francis Scott Key Lobby

The Francis Scott Key Lobby, located outside the auditorium, is perfect for receptions after presentations in the auditorium or as a registration area. It has a seating capacity of 120.

The Francis Scott Key Lobby area may be rented for functions for $1,500. There is an additional $85 custodial fee. This rental is for a four-hour time period.

Edgar T. Higgins Dining Hall

Edgar T. Higgins Dining Hall features neo-classical architecture and Georgian details. Located in Fielding-Rumore Hall (formely Randall Hall), it has a seating capacity of 140. A 1930 addition houses a modern kitchen and serving area. This room is available on a very limited basis.

The rental fee for the Dining Hall is $2,500. There is an additional $85 custodial fee. The Dining Hall has two approved caterers. This rental is for a four-hour time period.

The Conversation Room

The Conversation Room is elegantly designed with excellent acoustics, perfect for meetings or conferences. It has a seating capacity of 80. The rental fee is $800 for a four-hour time period.

Classrooms

Classrooms are available for seminars or small group events, each with a seating capacity of 18 to 20. The rental fee is $50 per hour.

Campus Dormitories

Campus Dormitories equipped with air-conditioning and other modern conveniences are available for summer conferences from mid-May to mid-August. We can accommodate up to 150 guests.

Commissioning Week Parking 

St. John’s College is located in the heart of historic Annapolis, walking distance to the U.S. Naval Academy, Main Street, the harbor, and numerous shops and restaurants. A limited number of parking passes will be sold for spots in the college’s Gymnasium parking lot on King George Street for use in May. Passes sell for $20 per day and are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis. For information, please contact Diane Ensor at 410-626-2547 or diane.ensor(at)sjc.edu.

In addition, consider renting the Hodson Boathouse, Great Hall or Dining Hall for your family event!