Multicultural Student Services Center Building Policies

(updated 8.29.22)

**In effort to improve the vitality and impact of MSSC, our policies and procedures policy manual is evolving to reflect the growing needs of our students and the URI community as a whole. 

SECTION 1. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

The Multicultural Student Services Center (MSSC) is a place dedicated to developing a supportive and inclusive campus culture across the boundaries of culture, identity, and discipline. Celebrating unity in diversity, the Multicultural Student Services Center invites all of its students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, and other friends to join in its work in creating a community of learners within and beyond URI.

1. The Vision

Through its programs and services, the Multicultural Student Services Center works collaboratively with others to transform the campus into a community in which members build bridges of understanding across boundaries of race, gender, culture, socioeconomic class, sexual orientation, ability, religion, nationality, and language. Central to this vision is the premise that the development of multicultural skills and attitudes can help lead the way to self and institutional renewal, and international reconciliation.

2. The Background 

Established in 1993, the Multicultural Student Services Center is a legacy to the entire campus arising out of student initiatives that began in the early seventies. While peaceful protests led by the Afro-American Society in 1972 and the Black Student Leadership Group in 1992 provided the original inspiration, the Multicultural Student Services Center reflects the investment of energy and resource by students, administrators, faculty, staff, and citizens of the State of Rhode Island. Located at the heart of campus, the Multicultural Student Services Center recognizes the hopes and aspirations of many for a more socially just and equitable campus for all.

SECTION 2. BUILDING FACILITIES

The facilities of the Multicultural Student Services Center are available for use and must be reserved through the University events management system (EMS). Due to increased utilization and limited reservable space the MSSC prioritizes facility reservation requests in the following manner: MSSC student-centered programs/events receive first priority, Multicultural Student Organizations requests receive second priority, URI faculty/staff requests (in alignment with MSSC mission, vision, and values) receive last priority. All requests will be reviewed once received. Submitting a request does not necessarily guarantee confirmation. All requests are subject to denial if there is a conflict with another priority reservation request and/or if the nature of the request does not align with MSSC mission, vision, and values. Reservation requests are to be submitted a minimum of 7-10 days prior to the requested date needed.

A. Building Hours 

Fall and Spring, while classes are in session 8:30 am – 9:00 pm Monday – Thursday, 8:30am-4:30pm Fridays

Summer hours, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Monday – Friday

State Holidays, CLOSED

J-Term TBA

B. Alcohol Policy 

The Multicultural Student Services Center has no alcoholic events.

C. Intended Usage 

The facilities of the Multicultural Student Services Center will be used as intended and indicated on the reservation requests. 

D. Parties and Dances 

Recognized student organizations may host up to two parties or dances per academic semester. Approval is dependent upon staff and security availability. The Director of the Multicultural Student Services Center reserves the right to limit parties and dances. Parties and dances are strictly prohibited within the MSSC reservation areas when events stem beyond the official operating hours of the center. (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM school-year/ 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM summer) 

E. Decorations 

No thumbtacks, staples, or tape may be used on painted or varnished surfaces. All decorations must be approved prior to the event. All decorations and materials must be removed by the sponsoring organization immediately after the event; this includes picking up all trash, garbage, bottles, and cans generated from the event. All trash generated from the event must be bagged and taken to the nearest dumpster. Please note all items, including items stored in the kitchen area, must be removed immediately following your event. This will ensure that the room and reserved areas are readily available for subsequent events. 

F. Evacuation 

The Director of the Multicultural Student Services Center or his/her designee is responsible for designing and implementing effective Fire and Safety evacuation procedures.

G. Guidelines for Events Ending After Office Hours 

  1. Requesters will be required to pay for Security Officers. The officers will be ordered through the Scheduling Office of the Memorial Union.
  2. If anyone becomes ill and vomits anywhere in the building, no one should attempt to clean it up. Because of Federal and University regulations, this must be done by our custodial staff, who are required to use Blood and Bodily Fluid Kits. The organization may also be charged a custodial fee in addition to the kit charge.
  3. Organizations are expected to pick up all trash, garbage, bottles, and cans generated from the event at the end of the event and place them in the appropriate provided containers. All trash generated from the event must be bagged and taken to the nearest dumpster. They may not borrow equipment from the custodian’s closet.
  4. Organizations may do their own set-ups or breakdowns of Multicultural Student Services Center equipment, including tables and chairs. Any set-up consisting of property not belonging to the Multicultural Student Services Center must be pre-approved by the Multicultural Student Services Center office. Under no condition should the piano be moved.

H. Keys

Keys to the Center can only be issued out by the Director of the Multicultural Student Services Center. Before a person can be given a key the individual must first sign a key release form. All keys issued out, must be returned to the Center Director if they are no longer employed. Please contact the center Director more explicit information related to this policy. 

SECTION 3. SCHEDULING OF FACILITIES

1. Damages and Labor Costs Incurred 

Organizations are responsible for maintaining the area of facility used. They will be financially accountable for damages incurred. Said damages will include, but not limited to, structural damage to facility, damage to furniture and equipment, and damage caused by adhesive materials used in decoration. The Director of the Multicultural Center will assess any damage to a facility.

2. Fees Charged for Facilities 

The MSSC does not charge student groups/organizations or other on campus constituents for facility reservations. However, if damages occur – an applicable fee may be billed for repairs.

SECTION 3A

  1. Storage: Please note, no personal items and or event equipment are to be stored within MSSC’s reservation areas, this includes but is not limited to kitchen, computer lab, meeting rooms, etc.
  2. All reservation requests must be submitted via the university events management system (emailed requests are not accepted)
    1. Once your request is reviewed by the Coordinator, a follow up email will be sent to the requestor indicating that the request has been listed as confirmed, tentative, or declined. A submitted request does not equate to a confirmed reservation, unless indicated in a follow up email by the Coordinator.
  3. All request for reservations must be submitted 7-10 days before the date(s) requested
  4. Requesters are encouraged to meet with a member of the MSSC staff before the event to discuss logistics and to view the space
  5. Hardge Forum is equipped with a screen, projector w/ VGA cord adapter, microphones, and desktop
  6. MSSC does not guarantee the compatibility of any personal laptop and or equipment, please bring any necessary adaptors
  7. MSSC staff, nor does the University take responsibility for any item(s) including personal equipment that is left unattended

SECTION 3A. WEEKENDS

Weekend Reservations

  1. The MSSC is closed on weekends but may approve weekend reservations under special circumstances, this is rare. To request a weekend reservation, contact the MSSC Director for more information.

SECTION 3A. CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS

Conferences/Summer Institutes

  1. Please note, while we accommodate request for offices and organizations to use our space. We acknowledge that the sole purpose of MSSC is to provide space, and services to students. That said, students will be given first priority for use of space throughout the center. No exceptions will be made.

SECTION 3B. STUDENT PRIORITY RESERVATION POLICIES

September Reservations 

  1. From September – May, (academic year excluding J-Term) during the hours of 4:30 P.M. – 9:00 P.M. students are given priority.

SECTION 3B. STUDENT RESERVATION REQUESTS

  1. Student organizations requesting space in MSSC should have the request submitted by the organization’s President or Vice-President via the events management system (EMS)

SECTION 4. BUILDING SERVICES

  1. Food and Beverages 
    For more information related to catering and food service at URI please visit the webpage below. Please note all requesters must adhere to URI catering policy.
  2. Lost and Found
    All found items are to be turned into the Multicultural Student Services Center office. The office will attempt to locate and notify the owner. If after 24 hours the item has not been claimed, it will be turned over to a campus lost and found (located at Memorial Union Information Desk), or submitted to campus police. It is your responsibility the owner to contact appropriate offices.

SECTION 5. ADVERTISING

The Multicultural Student Services Center will no longer provide advertising via the center’s bulletin board.  All notices, posters, etc.,  must be submitted in electronic format and will be featured on the center’s monitor. It is suggested that you submit your notice, poster, etc., in PDF format. Notices must include the name of the sponsoring group, the time and date of the event and the phone number of a contact person. Should have accommodations of disability.It is the responsibility of the requester to ensure accuracy of information. You may send your request to mssc@etal.uri.edu “Attention: Advertisement Request”. All requestors must be affiliated with the university and be recognized as an official group and or organization. 

The bulletin board will be used to feature MSSC specific events and related information. All posters and notices attached to the center’s bulletin board will be removed without notice.

SECTION 6. SELLING, SOLICITATIONS AND POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS

  1. Selling  
    The center does not permit the selling or auctioning of any items and or services in which monies are exchanged or negotiated. 
  2. Solicitations
    • The Director may restrict time, place, and manner of charitable solicitations (as well as information/dissemination of information) in the facility. Non-charitable organizations or individuals are not allowed to solicit within the Multicultural Student Services Center.
    • Charitable organizations will be allowed to solicit at a table or booth providing that:i) There are no more than 2 solicitors at a table.
    • The solicitors do not harass passers-by or obstruct free passage.
    • The organization maintains any further stipulations made by the Multicultural Student Services Center and/or the Director of the Multicultural Student Services Center.
    • No unattended containers for donations or contributions will be permitted.
      Nothing may be distributed by hand in or around the Multicultural Student Services Center.
    • Violation of these rules will result in the immediate removal of any group from the Multicultural Student Services Center.
    • If a credit card vendor is removed from the Multicultural Student Services Center for non-compliance, the main office of that particular company will be called and informed that they will not be allowed to solicit in the Multicultural Student Services Center for a minimum of three months.
  3. Political Campaigns 
    Political campaigns shall follow guidelines set in the University Manual. The enforcement of all campaign guidelines as apply to this policy is the sole authority and responsibility of the Multicultural Student Services Center staff.

SECTION 7. GENERAL INFORMATION

  1. Building Dress 
    In accordance with the University’s requirements, no bathing suits or bare feet are allowed in the building. The University’s regulations require shirts and shoes to be worn in food and beverage service areas. Also, special athletic shoes such as cleats, etc. are not permitted.
  2. Pets 
    In accordance with Health and Safety regulations, no pets are allowed in the Multicultural Student Services Center with the exception of an animal that is specially trained as an aid for someone with a disability.
  3. Smoking 
    The Multicultural Student Services Center is a smoke-free facility. There are no designated smoking areas.
  4. Vandalism 
    Vandalism must be reported immediately to the main office or to a Multicultural Student Services Center Staff member.
  5. Emergencies
    In the case of emergency; notify the main office at 874-5829 or Campus security at x4-2121.
  6. Exclusions 
    Bicycles, unicycles, skateboards, roller skates and roller blades are not permitted in the building. Skateboarding and roller blading in and around the entrances, decks, walls and planters is prohibited. No hazardous materials may be used, stored or transported in the Multicultural Student Services Center except by authorized personnel.
  7. Internet/Network
    MSSC does not have an additional WIFI/Internet source for requesters/attendees
    Requesters must contact University IT Help Desk for WIFI  Guest Network Access connections and/or issues related to internet connectivity.  MSSC does not support in the troubling shooting and/or resolutions related to university WIFI. MSSC does not guarantee the connectivity and/or compatibility of any attendees electronic device including laptops, iPads, cellphones or other hand-held devices. However, requesters may freely utilize the laptop provided by MSSC.