General Rules and Guidelines:
-Helium balloons or other items that fly or float are strictly prohibited in the Cedric Rucker University Center (CRUC) as they will set off the laser smoke detector system in the ceilings! This includes smoke machines, bubble machines, etc.
-Tape and/or other adhesives with the exception of blue or green painter’s tape are not allowed on the floors, walls, or other surfaces of any space in the CRUC. Post-it pads are okay on wood or painted surfaces- not on fabric-covered surfaces including the folding airwalls in Chandler Ballroom.
-No items (furniture, displays, decorations, advertising, wheeled vehicles, etc.) may be placed in hallways, entryways or other areas which may violate safety and fire codes. Any items without permission must be removed by the owner or will be removed by building staff. See the Advertising Your Event section for information on Collection Boxes. Request approval and allowable locations for non-advertising displays by emailing the Facilities and Events Manager. Alternatively, stop by Room 209, behind the Concierge Services Information Desk.
-No decorations, banners, or other materials are permitted to be hung from the ceiling in event spaces or hallways.
-No items that are event or non-event related may be hung on interior or exterior railings, walls, building elements (like moldings, steps, light fixtures, or fireplaces), tv screens, vending machines, or similar areas.
-Furniture cannot be moved to positions that are considered a safety hazard (i.e. blocking a fire exit or fire extinguisher). Furniture should not be moved from one space to the next, but remain in its current location (i.e. from a public area to a meeting space or vice versa).
-Use of candles or open flame type decorations is strictly prohibited.
-Standing on furniture, including tables and/or chairs, is strictly prohibited.
-No animals allowed in the building except for service animals.
-Smoking, e-cigarettes, vape pens, and other smoking paraphernalia are not allowed in the CRUC.
-Patrons must follow all safety guidelines as outlined by the Campus Safety Plan. Failure to do may result in fine or event cancellation.
Accountability
-Any organization that shows disregard for UMW facilities and equipment or fails to abide by CRUC guidelines may be denied further use of university space, or charged additional fees. Students and Student clubs may be referred to the Office of Student Activities and Engagement for disciplinary action.
-Individuals and groups are solely responsible for fees assessed due to damage, inappropriate room use, and cleaning fees. If damages occur, there will be a $30 cleaning fee plus the cost of repairs. Incidents may impact an organization’s ability to reserve rooms or equipment in the future.
Advertising and Publicity
Flyers, Banners, Kiosks, Sandwich Boards and other advertising
Please refer to the Advertising Your Event section.
Emergency and Safety Policies
The CRUC abides by all guidelines put forth in the UMW Safety Plan and Fire Safety Policies. Failure to follow proper safety policies may result in disciplinary action against the offending organization.
In case of an emergency, please exit the building immediately by using one of the fire exit doors. Do not re-enter the building until given permission to do so by the Office of Public Safety. Building staff will repeat the message if the all-clear is given.
Please call UMW Police at 540-654-4444 for emergencies. Please report all minor incidents to the Concierge Services staff at the Information Desk located on the 2nd floor, or to the Facilities and Events Manager in Room 209 (behind the Information Desk). The staff will notify UMW Public Safety of the nature of the emergency and will request assistance.
Inclement Weather
Virginia winters can bring inclement weather that results in difficult vehicular and pedestrian traffic. For the Fredericksburg campus, snow and ice removal is handled by UMW’s Landscaping and Grounds Department. Due to the CRUC being the resident dining hall on campus, it is a high priority building for access for campus residents. This means that if UMW Dining is serving, the building will be open during times of inclement weather – unless otherwise advised by UMW announcements. During these times, building services may be limited.
However, events happening in the CRUC may also be affected by school closures (no classes).
The following are the standard procedures for the CRUC when the University makes notifications regarding closures and delays related to weather.
- -Early Closure
- -Events will be required to end 30 minutes prior to closing
- -Events happening after the closure are cancelled
- -Delayed Opening
- -Events happening before the scheduled opening are cancelled
- -Events happening after will start normally
- -Events that began before the opening but end after the opening have the option to start at the opening time
- -Full Closure
- -All events are cancelled
Security and Liability of Property
At times, patrons may wish to bring items into the facility for use during their program or event. It is the responsibility of the event sponsor to safeguard these items; UMW will not be responsible for any damage, loss, or condition of these items. Please do not leave items in lounges, lobby areas, conference rooms, or any other spaces unattended.
The Information Desk does not store items for patrons while they are in the CRUC. They do have a lost and found; each item is recorded with a date and location found, and if anyone was contacted about it.
Service and Support Animals
Please refer to the Service Animals & Emotional Support Animals information page.
Solicitation
Off-campus vendors or non-UMW affiliated organizations may not sell, solicit, market, and/or promote without explicit agreement by UMW.
Handing out of materials and/or organized addresses to the campus community by students can only be done so by reserving spaces through 25Live. Expressive activities (addressing the campus community) must not obstruct in any way vehicular or pedestrian traffic or block ingress or egress to any facility whether outdoor or indoor.
Expressive activities must not unreasonably interfere with the educational or administrative functions inside or outside of the CRUC.
Applications to address the Campus Community can be filled out and submitted using the following link: https://president.umw.edu/events/request-to-address-the-campus-community/
Sound/Disruption
The CRUC Facilities and Events Manager, Events AV staff, or Concierge Services student staff reserves the right to limit sound levels should sound in one area interfere with the operation of the building or other nearby events or University neighbors.