Academic Policies for Faculty and Staff

Academic buildings: locking and unlocking

On weekdays within normal university operating hours, academic custodial unlocks classrooms in academic buildings. On weeknights, weekends, holidays, and breaks, Missouri State University Safety & Transportation unlocks the buildings.

After-hour events

If an event or meeting is during after-hours (weekends and outside of M-F 8am – 5pm) the academic spaces will be in energy conservation mode. This means there will be little to no AC or Heat. Event and Meeting Services has no control over thermostat settings, faculty and staff should contact Work Management or call 417-836-8400 during normal working hours.

During after-hours academic space on campus is locked. Event planners need to arrive at least a half hour early to contact safety to get their space unlocked. It is the responsibility of the event planner to clear the room of all participants at the conclusion of the event, turn off all a/v equipment, and contact Campus Safety 417-836-5509 to make sure any rooms are locked after your departure.

Audio/visual equipment

Audio/visual equipment within academic space should be locked when not in use. Faculty and Staff who already have an audio/visual key can use their key to work most media carts within academic spaces. If you do not have an audio/visual key you must request one from Key Control. Any room equipped with a podium must not be moved.

Event and Meeting Services does not provide audio/visual tech support for academic space. For questions regarding audio/visual equipment in academic spaces please contact Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning (FCTL).

Damage policy

It is expected that all clients who use the University facilities will treat them with great care. Any damage to equipment or to the facility should be reported immediately to the Building Manager or Student Union management so that any necessary repairs can be made.

The Event and Meeting Services Office will determine the cause and seriousness of the damage, and any repair or replacement costs will be discussed and assessed accordingly.

Expressive activity (free speech)

All members of the Missouri State University community are encouraged to exercise the right of assembly, free speech and expression throughout the campus, when doing so does not disrupt the academic mission or daily University functions. While members of the University community are not restricted to the Bear Paw for expressive activities, any member of the University community may use the Bear Paw without prior reservation on a first come, first served basis. The Bear Paw may also be reserved. Organizations or individuals who reserve the Bear Paw have priority.

For a complete explanation of this policy, please read the Expressive Activity Policy.

FCTL (Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning)

The Educational Technology Center located on the 2nd floor of Meyer Library, provides support and assistance for instructional technologies in multi-campus environment. They offer free equipment lending for student organizations and departments. They do not deliver to the Plaster Student Union. To reserve equipment fill out the Faculty Equipment Lending Form or call 417-836-5778.

Fire/open flame policy

No candles or other open flames are allowed in university buildings.

Food

No food or drinks are allowed inside classrooms. Any exception must be approved by the building Dean. Any events with food service booked through the Event and Meeting Services Office on campus must be provided by Missouri State Catering or through a PSU vendor or affiliate. There are some exceptions: Individuals may provide food for their personal consumption; University departments may sponsor “potluck” meals for their office staff in spaces controlled by their office. University departments and recognized student, faculty, and staff organizations may conduct authorized bake sales of products prepared by their members as fundraisers; Any other exceptions to the policy must be requested with a “Request for Food Service Waiver” form.

Arrangements with Catering can be made through the Event and Meeting Services Office.

Inclement weather

When classes are cancelled due to inclement weather, events in academic spaces are automatically cancelled. Reschedule with Event and Meeting Services.

Parking

The Event and Meeting Services Office will work with clients to determine parking needs related to an event, and will make all arrangements with Parking Administration for space needs for those without University Parking passes. For most events in the Plaster Student Union, attendees may park in the Visitors Lot on National Avenue or park at Bear Park North on Elm Street and ride the University shuttle to the Union shuttle stop. Parking generally carries a charge for off-campus attendees.

Reservation timeline

Academic Buildings: Reservations for Academic buildings may be made one semester in advance. The Event and Meeting Services Office will schedule campus space for all events that are not directly related to academic courses. Requests for events that require tables and chairs or special set up needs must be made 10 business days in advance. Departments must fill out the Academic Request form for events taking place after 5pm on weekdays or anytime on weekends.

Event and Meeting Services Office can reserve academic space as follows:

• Fall semester: starting on April 1*
• Spring semester: starting on October 1*
• Summer session: starting on April 1*

These reservations can be confirmed only after space for classes is assigned for the semester. Confirmation of reservation will be sent within 48 hours of request.

*These dates are subject to change and are dependent on Academic Classes being scheduled