UNION COMPLEX GENERAL POLICIES
Policy Statement
The University of Southern Mississippi’s Union Complex may be reserved by student
organizations, university departments and community patrons through the Event Services
office website. Persons who use these facilities are expected to abide by the Union
Complex Policies and other university regulations.
Reason for Policy/Purpose
This policy is required for the effective communication of university policy regarding
use of the Union Complex.
Who Needs to Know This Policy
All members of The University of Southern Mississippi community.
Website Address for this Policy
usm.edu/institutional-policies/policy-stua-una-009
Definitions
N/A
Policy/Procedures
The Union Department reserves the right to add or change these policies.
GENERAL POLICIES
- All space in these facilities will be under the supervision of the director.
- Classes, lectures, laboratories, tests, or any type of class for credit or non-credit
will not be scheduled in these facilities unless approved by the director.
- Rearrangement, removal, or the addition of furnishings or equipment to these facilities
will require the approval of the director.
- Tape will not be allowed on any walls, floors or carpet in the Union Complex. Please
consult the Conference and Event Services Manager for other options. Also, consult
the Conference and Event Services Manager regarding the use of candles and decorations.
- Paints and markers are not allowed in the Union Complex, except for those provided
by the Union Administrative Office (dry erase markers) and the LSI Office (poster
paint) which is only allowed in the designated area.
- No organization or student will remain in the Union Complex facilities after it is
officially closed without the permission of the director.
- Southern Miss Catering will handle all food requests for the university. NO OUTSIDE
CATERERS WILL BE ALLOWED. For on-campus student organizations please refer to the
snack policy for more information.
- For information regarding the display of signs, banners and posters in the Union Complex
please refer to the Sign Policy.
- For all disability accommodations and information, please refer to our website.
- For all fees, please refer to our website. Additional fees will be charged for use
of the building after regular operating hours, which may be found on our website.
Certain events may require police officers at the expense of the organization.
- You must have a valid Southern Miss student, staff or faculty identification card
to enter the game room or be accompanied by someone with such card. No children under
the age of 16 are allowed in the game room, unless under the supervision of a registered
camp. No profanity or gambling allowed.
CONFERENCE AND EVENT SERVICES POLICIES
- Reservations of the rooms and the lobby will be done on a first-come, first-served
basis, with preference given in the following order: student organizations, university
departments and offices, non-university related groups.
- While reservations should be made at least 48 hours in advance, the earliest possible
dates to make reservations are as follows:
- APRIL 1 – Student organizations may reserve space for the following academic year.
- MAY 1 – Faculty, staff and administration may reserve space for the following academic year.
- JUNE 1 – Non-university related groups may reserve space for the following academic year.
- Block reservations may be made, but the Union reserves the right to make changes.
Block booking for departmental use may not exceed five consecutive days, excluding
conferences or other events that require rental fees. After five days, fees will be
implemented.
- Departments sponsoring corporate meetings will pay external fees unless the sponsoring
department directly benefits from the program, at which they will pay department fees.
- All requests must be submitted through “Virtual EMS,” the Union Complex's department’s
event management software. A confirmation of your booking will be sent to you via
e-mail within two business days. Other spaces that may be reserved through this office
are listed on our website.
- Any audiovisual (AV) equipment needs must be discussed with the Conference and Event
Services Manager 72 hours in advance. Any needs that cannot be met by the Conference
and Event Services office must be requested by e-mailing equipment.services@usm.edu
48 hours in advance.
- For information or to reserve space on the Thad Cochran Center technology screen,
please refer to the Technology Screen Policy posted under the policies section of
our website or contact our Technical Services manager at 601.266.4719.
- For information on storage, please refer to our Conference Storage Contract available
on our website.
- Insurance Coverage is required for some events. Please refer to Customer Agreement
available on our website.
- Customers are required to cover expenses if there is damage to the facility, furniture
or equipment and/or excessive cleanup following an event.
If you have any questions or problems, please contact Conference and Event Services
at 601.266.4399 or stop by the Conference and Event Services desk located on the second
floor of the Thad Cochran Center.
Review
The Director of University Union and Complex is responsible for the review of this
policy every four years (or whenever circumstances require immediate review).
Forms/Instructions
N/A
Appendices
N/A
Related Information
N/A
History
Amendments: Month, Day, Year – summary of changes
02/06/08: Revised
07/001/11: Updated
11/01/11: Formatted for Institutional Policies website.
02/27/13: Formatted for template. Minor editing throughout.
05/26/19: Edited title of responsible officer. Removed referenced to url for accessing
policies. Updated names of Event Services to Conference and Event Services and Student
Activities Office to LSI. Changed minimum age for use of game room. Updated name
of Union and Programs to Union and Complex. Updated location of event services desk.