Guidelines and Policies

• The University of Southern Mississippi offers all persons equal access to educational, programmatic and employment opportunities without regard to age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, gender identity, genetic information, religion, race, color, national origin and/or veteran status pursuant to applicate state and federal law.
• The customer is responsible for notifying Event Services of any special ADA accommodations needed at least one (1) week before the event.
• Space is reserved based on blocks of time. Spaces are available to be booked as followed: 
  • Less than 4 hours
  • Greater than 4 hours
• The University does not provide complimentary storage space for events held on campus. Please contact Event Services to reserve a storage space if required.
• Use of tobacco in any form, including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and e-cigarettes/vaping devices, is prohibited in or on all University-owned, operated, or leased property including vehicles.
• Parking passes will be provided for external attendees parking on campus when applicable. Passes are $2 per pass, and will be included in any customer agreement. Parking requests must be submitted in writing to Event Services no later than two weeks before the event date. Reserved parking is based on availability and may incur fees depending on the number of spots requested. 
  • Internal departments and units are responsible for requesting their own parking passes directly from Parking Management
• Arrangements for shipping/storage of materials before an event must be made one month in advance by contact Event Services.
• Event Services offers linens for rent for internal indoor events when Southern Miss Catering is not present. Any external event or any event offering catering through Southern Miss Catering must secure linens through Southern Miss Catering or a third-party vendor. 
  • Event Services does not offer linens for vendor booths or tables. 

• Space requests are only accepted via space request forms submitted to Event Services through the Event Services website.
• Space requests must be submitted at least 1 week prior to the event date. Event requests received within 1 week of event may be denied. 
• All events are subject to review to determine if the nature of the event is suitable for the facility before confirmation. The University reserves the right to reject any requests or condition the use of its facilities on such terms as it deems appropriate.
  • Academic Classes are not approved to take place within dedicated event space or within Hardy Hall. Requests to hold academic classes in these spaces will be denied and an approved location will be assigned. 
• Once approved, the customer will receive a quote and Customer Agreement with any other applicable forms via email. A signed Agreement along with a deposit is due within five days of receipt to confirm a reservation. Space may be released, and reservation canceled if not received within the allotted time.
• For requests made within 14 days of an event, a signed agreement and full payment are due within 24 hours of receiving a confirmation email.
• Event Services reserves the right to relocate any meeting or event based on the needs of the University or other facility patrons. If an event room is changed, the listed event contact on the reservation will be notified via email.
• Reservation requests will be processed in the order they are received. University recurring events, functions, recruiting events, and campus closures take priority over all other meetings or events.
• Reservation/Meeting space in academic classrooms cannot be confirmed until the academic class schedule room assignments for the upcoming semester have been finalized.
• Rearrangement, removal, or addition of furnishings or equipment to the facilities will require pre-approval of the Event Services Staff. A changeover fee will be applied to any group changing the layout of a preset room or public space to include classrooms, library, and outdoor spaces.
• Internal events held in non-traditional event space (library, foyers, outdoors) will utilize outdoor furniture (plastic tables/chairs) unless they order furniture through a third-party supplier. Groups are responsible for sourcing, paying, setting up and breaking down all third party equipment. Hardy Hall banquet furniture cannot be used outside of Hardy Hall. 
• Tape, tacks, and nails will not be allowed on walls, floors, or carpet in the facilities. Decorations are not permitted to be attached in any manner to the trees or buildings on the Gulf Park Campus.
• Any movie screenings must present screening rights to Gulf Park Event Services prior to showing the film.
• Any open flame is strictly prohibited on campus property.
• Parking and/or driving on any green space, sidewalk, or lawn is strictly prohibited. 
• Please see Outside Space Policy below for general policies regarding outdoor event space.

• While outside space is available at no cost to registered student organizations and departments for organized programs and activities and official university functions (functions and programs sponsored by University departments and student organizations), in order to preserve this space for the free use of students and other members of the University family, external groups will be assessed an minimum fee of $100 to reserve outdoor areas.
• A rain site is recommended for all outdoor events to prepare for inclement weather. However, outdoor events are not guaranteed a rain site. Because space designated as the rain site for an outdoor event is taken offline and is unavailable for other clients, rain site reservations will be assessed a non-refundable fee of 25% of the regular rate of the requested space – regardless of whether the space is used. Notice of the decision to utilize or cancel the reserved rain site must be given 24 hours prior to the event start time or additional fees may apply.
• EXTERNAL CUSTOMERS: Customer is responsible for any items or furniture used for an outdoor event. These items are not supplied by, or the responsibility of, The University of Southern Mississippi. At the end of the event, all items must be removed on the same day as the event. 
• INTERNAL DEPARTMENT AND STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS: The South Lawn (Front Lawn) is designated for events open to the public or the general campus community Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Events outside of these hours, or exclusive to a department, school, or student organization, must be held on a different lawn or utilize a third-party equipment supplier for all setup needs.
• Outdoor amplified sound must be approved during academic class hours.
• Glass containers and litter are prohibited.
• Vehicles are prohibited on green spaces, lawns, and sidewalks.
• No markings or disturbing landscape.
• Vending and solicitation must be approved through Event Services.
• Placement of tents, stages, or any equipment requires approval and guidance from Physical Plant.
• Tents/tables may not obstruct or block the sidewalks or pathways. Tents or other items requiring stakes require the supervision/approval of Event Services.  
• Access available only during normal hours of operation.
• Any food related to your event must be ordered, coordinated and/or approved by Eagle Dining in accordance with the University Snack Policy.
• Lawn space may only be utilized for inflatables under the supervision/approval of Event Services.

• A fee will be assessed based on space if a reservation cancellation is not received in advance. Depending on the space, up to 2 months' notice may be required. Any deposit paid will be non-refundable and can used as a credit toward late cancellation fees. 
  • CLASSROOM AND OUTDOOR SPACE: Cancellations made 14 days or more in advance of the event date will receive a refund in full minus any deposit paid. Cancellations made within 8-14 days to the event will incur a 50% fee. Cancellations made within seven days of the event will be subject to pay the full amount. 
  • ALL OTHER EVENT SPACE: Cancellations made 60 days or more in advance of the event date will receive a refund in full minus any deposit paid. Cancellations made within 31-59 days will incur a 50% fee. Cancellations made within 15-30 days to the event will incur a 75% fee. Cancellations made within 14 days of the event will be subject to pay the full amount.
• FORCE MAJEURE: The ability to execute this Agreement by either party may be excused by the occurrence of events beyond the control of the parties, including but not limited to hurricanes, flooding, earthquakes, fires, power outages, etc., as well as any government intervention, staff disputes and strikes, civil disorders, terrorism, or other emergencies. Upon the declaration of a force majeure event neither party shall bear liability to the other. The parties agree to work together in good faith to discuss alternative dates for the event.

• DEPOSIT: A deposit of $50 or 25% (whichever is greater) of total bill will be required to confirm an event reservation and will serve as a credit toward the final bill. This deposit is non-refundable if the meeting or event is canceled. The deposit does not apply to University or Student Organization events.
• CUSTODIAL FEE: A cleaning fee will be applied to all applicable events. This fee varies based on event types and sizes. An additional fee may be charged to any event leaving excessive garbage, spills, etc.
• SERVICE FEE: Applies to any services that fall outside of the regular scope of the Event Services Staff.
• CHANGE-OVER FEE: Any change or rearrangement made to an existing set or fixed seating rooms. This includes all library spaces, dining hall, and outdoor areas.
• RESOURCE FEE: Applies to any Meeting or Event that falls outside of the Vision, Mission, and Values of the University. 
• RENTAL FEE: Standard rental fees vary by event space. Regardless of event type, a rental fee will be incurred by any organization that should charge admission or registration fees to attendees.
• OVERTIME FEE: If an event requires a facility to operate outside of standard business hours (8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday), overtime fees will be assessed on a per hour basis. This fee includes the set-up and tear-down times required.
• INVOICE: Balance of invoiced items and fees are due one week in advance of the scheduled event.
• Customer shall be responsible for payment of any and all costs and expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees) incurred by the University of Southern Mississippi in enforcing any of Customer’s obligations under this Agreement, including but not limited to Customer’s payment and indemnification obligations.

• Insurance may be required for the use of any facility on the Gulf Park Campus. Insurance requirements do not apply to student or departmental events.
• If applicable, the customer agrees to (a) obtain Event Insurance with at least one (1) million dollars in liability insurance coverage with "The Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning and The University of Southern Mississippi" as a named insured and (b) provide certification of insurance at least two weeks before the event. Events that do not comply with this requirement are at risk of the scheduled event being canceled.
• Customer and its officers shall indemnify, defend, save and hold harmless, protect, and exonerate the State of Mississippi, the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, USM, and each of their officers, agents, employees, and representatives, both in their official and in their individual capacities, from and against all claims, demands, liabilities, suits, actions, damages, losses and costs of every kind and nature whatsoever, including, without limitation, court costs, investigative fees and expenses and attorney’s fees, arising out of or caused by Customer and its’ partners, principals, officers, agents, employees or representatives related to actions or inactions of Customer, its partners, principals, officers, agents, employees and representatives. In USM’s sole discretion, Customer may be allowed to control the defense of any such claim, suit, etc., but in such event, Customer shall use legal counsel acceptable to USM. Customer shall be solely responsible for all costs and/or expenses associated with such defense and USM shall be entitled to participate in said defense. Customer shall not settle any claim, suits, etc., without USM’s written concurrence, which concurrence USM shall not unreasonably withhold.

Gulf Park Event Services (GPES) helps facilitate a variety of events held at the Gulf Park Campus. GPES is responsible for AV systems, furnishings and equipment, and upgrades in all event spaces. In order to cover these expenses, events will be reviewed to define proper classification to determine when fees apply for events held at Gulf Park. 

Student Organization:

• Basic meetings, conferences, and events that meet all criteria below qualify for the Student Organization Rate and will not be charged for event space or any basic AV systems permanently installed in the space, with the exception of the Fleming Education Center Auditorium. Fees may apply for staff assignments such as after hours building operation and setup/breakdown, preset room change-over fees and outdoor event fees, special equipment, police details, grounds/cleaning staff, and/or catering fees.
  • Event Origin: Event was created/developed, and the space request was submitted by a USM registered student organization.
  • Audience: Event is primarily for the USM community and 51% or more of the attendees are faculty, staff, or students
  • Funding and Payment: If fees apply, event is supported entirely by registered student organization funds. All event costs paid via check, debit, or credit card connected to the student organization or charged directly to Student Affairs.
  • No Partnership: Event is not planned or supported through a partnership with an outside organization(s). 

Internal University Department

• Events that are classified as “internal” are events hosted by a department, division, college, school, or office within The University of Southern Mississippi. Events classified as “internal” may not incur facility fees or basic AV fees, with the exception of the Fleming Education Center Auditorium. Fees may apply for staff assignments such as after hours building operation and setup/breakdown, preset room change-over fees and outdoor event fees, special equipment, police details, grounds/cleaning staff, and/or catering fees. Event must meet all criteria below to be classified as fully internal: 
  • Event Origin: Event was created/developed and the space requested submitted by a USM unit.
  • Audience: Event is primarily for the USM community and 51% or more of the attendees are faculty, staff, or students.
  • Funding and Payment: Event is supported entirely by USM unit funds. All event costs paid via University budget number.
  • No Partnership: Event is not planned or supported through a partnership with an outside organization(s). 

Grant Funded Department 

• Meetings, conferences, and events that are hosted by a department/staff/faculty member housed within The University of Southern Mississippi that receives 50% or more of their funding from a grant source will receive a 50% discount on external rates for event spaces (classroom space fees will be waived at 100%). Additional fees may apply for staff assignments such as after hours building operation and setup/breakdown, preset room change-over fees and outdoor event fees, special equipment, police details, grounds/cleaning staff, and/or catering fees.
  • Event Origin: The event was developed internally, or in partnership with an external organization, however, the space request was submitted by a USM unit or registered student organization.
  • Audience: Event may or may not be primarily for the University community.
  • Funding and Payment: Event costs must be paid through internal University budget string.

Sponsored by Department:

• Meetings, conferences, and events that are hosted and planned through the University for an external audience will receive the University Sponsorship rates and will be extended a 50% discount off the external rates for rental fees. Additional fees may apply for staff assignments such as after hours building operation and setup/breakdown, preset room change-over fees and outdoor event fees,  special equipment, police details, grounds/cleaning staff, and/or catering fees.
  • Events classified as Sponsored must have the internal requestor present for the duration of the event.
  • All planning and communication with Event Services will be with through the University requestor and the sponsoring department must be listed as the hosting Organization on all paperwork.
  • Audience: Event may or may not be primarily for the University community.
  • Funding and Payment: Event may be supported in-part or in-whole by an outside sponsorship, admission fees, registration charges, fundraising, or ticket sales.
  • Event costs can be paid via University budget string or external funding sources. 

External 

• The program, meeting or event is an initiative of a private company, nonprofit, or individual and will be assessed the external rate. The following discounts may apply:
  • Nonprofit: Nonprofit 501©(3) organizations will receive a 20% discount off external rates.
  • Government: State and Federal organizations hosting meetings or conferences will receive a 20% discount off external rate.
  • Alumni/Military/Employee: Alumni/Military/Current Employees hosting a personal event (retirement party, wedding, family reunion, private reception, etc.) or meeting/conference for an organization they are a member of will receive a 20% discount off the external rate
• Discounts are offered on facility rental fees only. Additional fees may apply for staff assignments such as after hours building operation and setup/breakdown, special equipment, police details, grounds/cleaning staff, and/or catering fees. 

Additional Notes: 

• Fronting – University departments and registered student organizations shall not use their privileges to access space, resources or services and “front” for a non-university group or commercial or nonprofit entity in order to avoid fees or receive reduced fees. All instances of “fronting” for off-campus groups, commercial, or nonprofit entities will result in an adjustment of all related fees to appropriate rate category.
• *All events charging registration fees for participants will be assessed a minimum of 50% regular facility rental fees. 

• Customer agrees to be responsible for the costs incurred and paid by USM to repair or remediate any damage to USM facilities, including furniture, fixtures, equipment, or other property used by the customer for its event. USM will assume no financial responsibility for any damaged or stolen personal property provided by the customer, customer guests, or outside vendors.
• Rooms with fixed seating/connected tables are not to be rearranged or moved. Groups who move these spaces will be responsible for any fees assessed to reconnect/reset the room. 

• Southern Miss Catering is the preferred caterer on the USM Gulf Park Campus.
• Events taking place within Hardy Hall during regular operating hours are required to use Southern Miss Catering.
• Snacks and refreshments may be provided by the customer if the total cost, including food and paper goods, is less than $150 and comply with the University snack policy. Customers must notify Event Services that Food and Beverage will be served to allow for adequate set-up and clean-up time.
• The Event Services Staff must approve any event serving alcohol, and the customer agrees to use Southern Miss Catering for all Food and Beverage needs solely.
  • Alcohol may not be brought onto campus for any gift baskets/raffles/give-aways for any event.

• Internet and Technical Services can be provided through iTech. Please request all services at least one (1) week before your event. Additional fees may be applied if the event is outside of regular business hours and if additional equipment is required.
• Customer may not load software onto computers or attempt to circumvent computer security. Losses incurred because of this violation will be charged to the customer.
• The University is not responsible for the loss of data to viruses or computer/electronic malfunctions.
• Fleming Education Center Auditorium events are required to use a third-party vendor of the University's choosing for all AV needs. Fees vary based on the event.
• Event Services does not supply HDMI adapters for projectors. Please check with a member of Event Services staff to see if your computer will require an adapter. All projectors require a VGA connection.
• The University does not provide services for streaming or hybrid events unless the event is a University wide function. Groups wishing to host a streaming event must provide their own equipment and Zoom account. Classroom technology cannot connect to Zoom. 

• EXTERNAL EVENTS: The University of Southern Mississippi reserves the right to review and monitor the usage of the University name, marks, and logos. Contact the Office of University Communications to obtain approval for usage.
• INTERNAL EVENTS: The Office of University Communications requests that all units allow UC to review communication materials before they are printed. Written approval is required for distribution of internal marketing.

• In the event of an emergency, please contact UPD at 601.266.4986
• University Police will lock and unlock the facilities.
• In the event of a fire alarm, the individual/organization should not attempt to turn off controls. Alarms ring directly to the fire department.
• If UPD is required for an event, the fee is $38 per hour with a 3-hour minimum charge.