Building Policies - Student Union

For a complete list of all building policies, click here.

General Access and Use

The Student Union welcomes students, faculty, staff, alumni, and university guests. The management and enforcement of building policies are the responsibility of the Student Union Management Board (SUMB) and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Campus Life. Non-compliance with these policies may result in corrective actions, including but not limited to:

• Denial of access privileges
• Referral to university authorities
• Implementation of other disciplinary measures

Policy Exceptions

Requests for exceptions to any standard policies should be directed to the Student Union Management Board for consideration.

Conduct and Safety

To ensure a safe and respectful environment, the following rules apply within the Student Union:

• Drugs: No possession or use of illegal drugs.
• Gambling: All forms of gambling are prohibited.
• Fighting: Physical altercations are not permitted.
• Weapons: Dangerous weapons are banned across the campus.
• Alcohol: Alcohol possession or consumption is strictly regulated; compliance with UMass Alcohol Policy and designated areas is required.

For comprehensive rules, refer to the University's Code of Conduct.

Bias Incident Reporting

Any incidents of bias or discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, and other protected characteristics should be reported immediately to a Student Union staff member or the Office of Equity and Inclusion. Visit the Equal Opportunity Office website for reporting procedures.

Building Access

• Building managers conduct regular patrols for security.
• Access to all areas must remain open and unobstructed during events for safety reasons.

Accessibility and Conveyances

• Disability accommodations: Contact us or Disability Services for assistance.
• Wheeled conveyances: Use of bicycles, skateboards, hoverboards, and similar devices inside the building is prohibited.

Vehicle Access in Pedestrian-Only Zones

• Parking: No parking in pedestrian-only zones.
• Physical Integrity: Avoid driving over areas that could be damaged.
• Loading & Unloading: All event-related vehicle activity must be confined to the Campus Center Loading Dock.

Digital Signage Policies

• Content Restrictions: Messages may not include personal or political statements, links, commercial activities, solicitation, or advertisements from non-university organizations. Copyrighted material without appropriate permissions is prohibited.
• Compliance: All content must adhere to the University of Massachusetts Amherst Acceptable Use Policy and brand guidelines.
• Approval Process: Content requires prior approval from SEL before posting and should be submitted well in advance of the event.
• Post-Event: All files will be removed following the event and will not be saved or archived.
• Usage: The Axis TV digital signage system is a communication tool managed by Student Engagement & Leadership (SEL), supporting content from Registered Student Organizations (RSOs), Graduate Student Organizations (GSOs), and Educational Student Organizations (ESOs).
• Management: SEL coordinates messaging with technical support from Administration and Finance Information Technology (A&F IT) and Student Affairs Technology Services (SATS). Disability Services also provide consultation to ensure accessibility.

Common Area Use

Designated areas like lounges and meeting rooms are for use by the university community and recognized guests only. Unauthorized use will lead to removal from the premises.

Banner Policies

      General Guidelines

• Eligibility: Reserved for registered student organizations and university departments.
• Location: Banners are to be displayed on the "Main Street" Banner space on the 2nd-floor balcony.

      Specifications and Approval

• Size and Materials: Maximum size of 3 feet by 6 feet. Materials must be suitable for the display environment and include grommets for hanging.
• Content Restrictions: No personal, political statements, or commercial promotions are allowed.
• Approval Required: All banners must be approved by the Assistant Director for Operations & Student Union Information Desk prior to display.

      Display Duration and Management

• Duration of Display: Banners can be displayed for up to two weeks or until the conclusion of the event, whichever is earlier.
• Display Frequency: One banner per organization per two-week period. Banners can be rehung after a one-week interval if space permits.

      Safety and Compliance

• Material Safety: Banners containing hazardous materials such as glitter, latex, or flammable substances are not permitted.
• Compliance: Must adhere to all Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) material standards

      Removal and Responsibility

• Removal: Organizations must retrieve their banners within three business days after the display period ends; unclaimed banners will be discarded.
• Liability: The Student Union assumes no responsibility for damage to or loss of banners during the display period.

Property and Solicitation

• Property Removal: No removal of property without Student Union Management Board approval.
• Solicitation: Non-university solicitation is prohibited unless approved by the Student Union Management Board.

Lost and Found

Lost items can be reported and claimed at the Information Center, with a holding period of two weeks before items are disposed of.

Damage and Liability

Users are responsible for any damage to facilities and equipment, with sponsoring organizations liable for repair costs.

Lockers Policy

Registered Student Organizations may request lockers through the SGA Secretary of Registry. Only provided locks are permitted, and lockers cannot contain food, flammable materials, weapons, drugs, or alcohol. Lockers may be inspected at any time.

Personal Sound Devices Policy

Personal sound devices with earphones are permitted in the Student Union. Use of loud audio devices without earphones requires prior approval from Student Union staff.

Emergency Procedures

The Student Union maintains strict emergency protocols to ensure safety during events like fires, severe weather, or threats. In emergencies, follow all instructions from Student Union Staff and Public Safety personnel, evacuate using stairs as elevators will be disabled, and wait for an "all clear" signal from Public Safety. For detailed procedures, visit the Emergency Management website

DOWNLOAD CAMPUS EMERGENCY PROCEDURES PDF

Fire Alarm and Emergency Equipment Policy

Tampering with or misuse of fire alarms and emergency equipment in the Student Union is prohibited and may result in legal consequences. Refer to the Fire Safety General Guidelines for proper response to fire alarms.