Missouri State University Policies for Student Organizations

Animal policy

With the exception of guide or service dogs, or security dogs with handlers, no animals are allowed within Plaster Student Union. The Director must approve exceptions to this policy, such as requests to allow animals into the Union for educational purposes.

Bicycles, skates & skateboards policy

For the safety of all, the use of bicycles, skateboards, in-line or roller skates is not allowed within the Union. Bicycles may be ridden on University bike paths and should be parked in the bicycle racks provided by the University. Skating is allowed on campus, but must not present any risk of injury to persons or damage to property. Skateboarding is not allowed on the Missouri State University campus. MSU Police officers may park bicycles inside the building, behind the information desk. This exception was approved to help secure the equipment carried on the bicycles.

Capacities — fire code

Plaster Student Union rooms and other campus locations have capacity limitations designed according to the fire code, which may limit the maximum number of people who can enter an event. Any limitations will be discussed, and alternative plans will be made when necessary and possible.

Chalking

Chalk advertisements by members of the University community are permitted on concrete horizontal sidewalk surfaces only; in areas that can be naturally washed by rain; and are not permitted under building overhangs, on building surfaces, curbs, steps, brick surfaces, planters, benches, or similar locations. Only washable sidewalk chalk may be used and may not convey obscene or defamatory messages, threaten physical harm or include messages that otherwise are not entitled to the protection of free expression.

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 policy please read the Expressive Policy.

Fire/open flame policy

No candles or other open flames are allowed in the Plaster Student Union. An exception is granted for events in which candles are used as centerpieces and are contained in glassware

Insurance

All organizations must assess liability and insurance concerns when they utilize space on the Missouri State University campus. Student organizations and University departments will work directly with the Event and Meeting Services Office to assess special insurance needs. Any non-University caterer or vendor must provide an original certificate of Comprehensive General Liability Insurance in liability limits of at least one million dollars ($1,000,000.00) naming the Board of Governors of Missouri State University and its employees as additional insured’s prior to confirmation of a reservation. Student organizations or University departments selling products they have produced themselves are not required to provide insurance unless the product is potentially hazardous in the opinion of the Event and Meeting Services Office.

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.

Press, media, etc.

Press conferences on University property must be arranged in advance through Strategic Communication. If an event is full to overflow capacity, and guests are being turned away at the door, the press must still be allowed into the facility, room, etc. (per Deans meeting 9/24/02). Broadcast media may need to use a Mult Box (equipment that allows TV stations to record the sound signal directly from the sound system). A Mult Box is available through Strategic Communication.