The Kessler Forum at the Barbara J. Burger iZone is an informal presentation and performance space, where students go to learn new skills, present their ideas, and find inspiration. It is located directly to your left as you enter iZone.
When no event is scheduled, The Kessler Forum functions like most of iZone: as an open, flexible space for the exploration of ideas. Feel free to do an impromptu pitch practice with your team, use the space for brainstorming, or sit down to work on a class assignment.
Reserving the Kessler Forum
To reserve the Kessler Forum, you must be a University of Rochester faculty, staff, or student. A community member who wishes to host an event in The Kessler Forum must do so in collaboration with a UR member.
Event Requirements
In order to use this space, the hosted event must:
- Bring opportunities to students that help them do at least one of the below:
- Be inspired by diverse stories of problem solving, impact, changemaking, innovation, or entrepreneurship.
- Practice their storytelling, pitching, or presentation skills.
- Share their ideas, inspirations, and projects.
- Connect with a team, funding or support network.
- Be open to any undergraduate for registration or attendance.
Technology available
A screen, projector, and audio capabilities are available, and microphones can be arranged for approved events.
Capacity
The Kessler Forum is a flexible space that can be setup to host a small or large group. The maximum capacity is 83. For very large events, it’s possible we can accommodate more. Email izoneRCL@rochester.edu for more information.
Expectations
Before your event
- Review this page in full and ensure that you can meet all of the requirements outlined for use of the space.
- Reserve the Kessler Forum. All requests must be submitted at least a week before the event.
During your event
- Promptly report any issues with the Kessler Forum to iZone staff.
- Give iZone staff the opportunity to tell event participants of offerings in iZone.
After your event
- Reset the Kessler Forum after use.
- Fill out the provided survey to help us make The Kessler Forum the best possible resource for our partners. (This includes how many participants you had, be sure to collect that information!)
iZone reserves the right to suspend use of The Kessler Forum at any time due to any of these issues:
- Failure to notify iZone of event cancellation.
- Habitually leaving The Kessler Forum in a condition other than how you found it.
- Repeatedly violating any of the expectations or qualifications in this FAQ.
- Violating any of the University’s rules or policies.
