9.1.5 Use of Space by Outside Parties

 

Previous Revision/Approval 07/31/2018
Revised: 03/04/2020
Last Reviewed: 03/04/2020
Effective: 05/18/2020

Middle Georgia State University’s facilities are critical resources dedicated to advancing the University’s mission and are primarily reserved for use by students, faculty, and staff to support teaching, learning, and campus life. However, the University also seeks to enhance the region through professional leadership, innovative partnerships, and community engagement which involves the use of space by external parties on campus. The use of space by external parties must be approved and planned through the Robert F. Hatcher, Sr. Conference Center (HCC) as outlined below.

The following groups shall be recognized as an external third-party user organization permitted to use university space: a recognized public service organization; a nonprofit educational or professional organization; a non-partisan organization; a for-profit or commercial business entity; a government agency or elected or appointed government official (for non-partisan/non-political purposes).

Use of Campus Space for Event, Program or Activity Hosted by an External Third Party Organization

An external third-party event, program or activity hosted by an external third-party organization is defined as one that is promoted and executed by an unaffiliated external organization or association that requests use of university facilities, housing accommodations, or other amenities for its event. Such an event is not wholly or partially promoted or executed by an MGA individual, department, or program. The event is considered an external event, regardless of whether MGA students, faculty, or staff have an interest in participating or attending.

Requirements

External third parties must adhere to the following policies and procedures to access MGA university space:

  • Enter a signed contract (facilities use agreement) with the Robert F. Hatcher, Sr. Conference Center; see procedures for space reservation below
  • Provide a certificate of liability insurance
  • Comply with all university policies

Use of Space by an External Third Party Sponsored by a MGA Department or Recognized Student Organization

In some cases, external third-party organizations may be sponsored by an academic or administrative department of the University. An MGA sponsor would be responsible for ensuring adherence to all requirements outlined in this policy. The MGA sponsor is the primary contact for the event, program, or activity and assumes responsibility of coordinating the event, including fiscal responsibility for all costs. If the third party is assuming costs and coordination of the event, the event is no longer considered as being sponsored by MGA.

  • MGA departments, faculty, or staff that wish to sponsor and host an event on campus involving an external third-party must reserve space through the Robert F. Hatcher, Sr. Conference Center and follow procedures for space reservation.
  • Recognized student organizations wishing to sponsor an external third party organization must contact the Office of Student Life. When necessary, the Robert F. Hatcher, Sr. Conference Center may connect with appropriate offices or departments within the University to discuss and properly evaluate sponsorship opportunities when external parties are involved.

Procedures for Space Reservation

  1. All inquiries for using space at MGA must be initiated by contacting the Robert F. Hatcher Sr. Conference Center at 478-471-2770. You may also complete a space reservation form.
  2. The Robert F. Hatcher Sr. Conference Center staff will follow up with the group and discuss all programmatic needs such as:
    1. Organization details
    2. Anticipated dates and participants
    3. Types, sizes, and number of spaces needed
    4. Catering (note all food and beverage must be provided by MGA food services)
    5. AV and room setup
    6. Parking and security if needed
  3. A quote will be generated that includes an outline of all costs(if applicable) associated with the event, including but not limited to:
    1. Rental fees for contracted space
    2. Facilities support fees, custodial service, setups of tables/chairs, etc.
    3. Required fees
  4. Once appropriate fees and services have been communicated via the proposal and accepted by the third-party user, the Robert F. Hatcher, Sr. Conference Center will generate a facilities use agreement for third-party organization in order to contract the services. All third party external organizations using MGA facilities are required to have a signed contract on file with the Robert F. Hatcher, Sr. Conference Center.
  5. The Robert F. Hatcher, Sr. Conference Center will only approve space rentals for programs where space and resources allow.

Guidelines and Responsibilities

MGA has established university policies as well as administrative procedures that coincide with space reservation that external parties should reference below.

Priority Usage of University Space

Outside of the Conference Center, the primary function of which is events and conferencing, academic classes will always have the highest priority in use of MGA space, followed by university-sponsored events and other activities associated with academic and student programming. Space will be made available in the following priority order:

  • 1st Priority – Academic Classes
  • 2nd Priority – University Enrollment-related Activities, such as Orientation, Recruitment, Testing, and Other Special Events
  • 3rd Priority – University Academic and Student Life Events
  • 4th Priority – Government, Non-Profit, and Community Events
  • 5th Priority – Corporate and Private Events

Hours of Operation

MGA administrative offices follow the academic calendar of the university and are generally open from 8am-5:30pm Monday through Thursday and 8am-12 noon on Fridays from August through May. In the summer, MGA is generally open 7:30am-6:30pm Monday through Thursday. Use of space outside office hours will include fees for opening and securing facilities, which may include overtime for University Police.

Inclement Weather and Emergencies

In the event of inclement weather or any life-threatening emergencies, MGA reserves the right to cancel any and all events on university property.

Available Space

A description of event space available on the Macon Campus (located 1hr South of Atlanta) may be obtained from the Conference Center Director.

Space available across university locations outside of the Macon Campus includes:

  • Cochran Campus (40min from Warner Robins, 50min from Macon)
    • 3 Auditoriums (185-320 person capacity)
    • 1 Banquet Rooms (75-375 person capacity)
    • 8 Standard Conference Rooms (8-37 person capacity)
    • 4 Video Conference Rooms (8-37 person capacity)
    • Numerous meeting and classrooms (15-65 person capacity)
    • Various computer labs (20-40 person capacity
    • Athletic Facilities including: 1 Gymnasium (1140 person capacity), 3 Fields, 1 Swimming Pool, and 1 Aerobics Room (50 person capacity)
  • Dublin Campus (45min from Warner Robins, 1hr from Macon, 1hr45min from Savannah)
    • 1 Banquet Room (150 person capacity)
    • 15 Classrooms (25-40 person capacity)
    • 2 Computer Labs (20-40 person capacity
    • 1 Outdoor Venue (suitable for gatherings featuring entertainment)
  • Eastman Campus (1hr from Warner Robins, 1hr10min from Macon, 2hrs from Savannah)
    • 1 Banquet Room (100 person capacity)
    • 3 Conference Rooms (12-24 person capacity)
    • 1 Video Conference Room (24 person capacity)
    • 20 Classrooms (16-65 person capacity)
    • 4 Computer Labs (16-25 person capacity)
  • Warner Robins Campus (30min from Macon, 10min from Robins Air Force Base)
    • 1 Auditorium (80 person capacity)
    • 1 Multi-Use Atrium (80-150 person capacity)
    • 15 Classrooms (26-60 person capacity)
    • 2 Computer Labs (24-40 person capacity)

 

Use of University Identity

No advertisement or other public statement by outside parties shall assert or imply that MGA supports, approves, or endorses any product, service, interest, position or ideology of the sponsoring organization or individual, unless such advertisements or statements have been approved in writing by the university’s Chief Marketing Officer in advance of publication. The facility should be described as being located at Middle Georgia State University in any directions to the event and any use of university name or identity marks and logos must comply with the MGA Brand Identity Guidelines.

Technology

MGA facilities are equipped with a variety of audiovisual technology. Basic technology including LCD projectors, projection screens, and a computer, as well as videoconferencing in spaces advertised as such, are included in space rental. Additional technology may be available for a fee.

USG PCI Compliance Policy

Credit card payments made on-site by third parties must be relegated to a cellular carrier’s network. Payments cannot be accepted over MGA’s wireless network.

Commercial Sales and Solicitation Policy

University Facilities are for the use of the University, its departments and programs. As state owned property, University facilities shall not be used by external organizations and/or individuals whose primary purpose of such use will be to generate a profit. Please see the Commercial Sales and Solicitation Policy.

Responsibilities and Limitations

It is the responsibility of the outside party, pursuant to the Space Use Agreement, to be aware of the policies and guidelines of the university. The party representative who signs the agreement accepts responsibility for ensuring that all MGA policies and guidelines are followed while event attendees are using space on university property.

Limitations on the use of space on MGA property include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Space on MGA property may not be used for fundraising activities of political parties or candidates.
  • Space on MGA property may not be used in any manner to involve MGA in the endorsement of any religion or sect.
  • Space on MGA property will not be made available to organizations whose activities bar participation because of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability.
  • Space on MGA property will be denied to organizations whose previous conduct violated any portion of an agreement with the university, MGA or Board of Regents (BOR) policies, local, state, or federal laws or regulations, or if the requesting group or individual has been involved in interference with educational activities, property damage, or personal injuries.
  • Space on MGA property will not be made available for advocacy directed to inciting or producing imminent lawless action, or which is likely to incite or produce such action.
  • Sales of goods and/or services by outside organizations are strictly prohibited unless approved in advance by the MGA Director of Auxiliary Services.

Usage Fees

Outside parties holding events and conferences on the Macon Campus will receive an estimate of usage fees from the Conference Center Director upon submission of a Request for Reservation.

Outside parties using space on MGA property outside the Macon Campus will be assessed space usage fees ranging from $15 to $660 based upon:

  • the size and type of space;
  • amenities provided (such as videoconferencing or receipt/storage/shipment of materials);
  • duration of use (including any surcharge for security or access outside business hours); and
  • the type of entity requesting the space (government/non-profit v. corporate/private).

Upon submission of a reservation request through the Conference Center contact page on the MGA university website, the outside party will receive a quote for usage fees.

Catering

For all events on university property, opportunities to provide catering must first be provided to the official food service provider for MGA. Only the Macon and Cochran campuses have on-site catering facilities. Note that service requests for catering at other university locations will incur a delivery fee.

If food and beverages are required, catering fees will be included in the total quoted for space usage by the Conference Center at the time of reservation, and the outside party will receive a single invoice payable to Middle Georgia State University. MGA’s official food service provider will subsequently invoice MGA for food and beverage services related to the event.

Upon submission of a reservation request through the Conference Center contact page, the university will provide initial menu options. Fees for catering events outside of the Macon Campus, not including the delivery fee to locations without on-site food service facilities, range from $8-24/person for basic menu options based upon:

  • the meal provided;
  • menu selected;
  • other catering amenities needed (such as tablecloths, etc.); and
  • the type of entity requesting food (government/non-profit v. corporate/private).

Quotes and options for special items beyond basic menu offerings will be provided during the course of finalizing details pursuant to a contracting party’s request.

Space Usage for Day and Overnight Camps

As an institution of higher education, MGA welcomes use of university space for camps promoting learning, creativity, and athletics. Outside parties hosting camps on university property must abide by all policies cited herein. Moreover, in addition to a Facilities Usage Agreement, the host of a camp on MGA property must sign a Camp Agreement at the time of reservation, and a Recreational Facilities Use Agreement if needed.

All camps held on university property are administered through Auxiliary Services. Camp rates for facilities, food, and lodging start at $40/day per participant. Please contact the Director of Auxiliary Services for specific quotes.

Decorations

For events hosted at the Conference Center, staff can assist with arranging for purchase of freshly cut flowers, centerpieces, and other decorations. At other university locations, no such event planning or conferencing support is available. For all MGA venues:

  • No decorations may be hung from the ceiling or placed on walls;
  • All candles must be globed; and
  • The use of glitters or confetti is prohibited.

Posters and Signage

Directional signs and/or banners are permitted with prior approval by Conference Center staff (in Macon) or Campus Affairs staff (on all other MGA property). The Conference Center also has easels available for display of posters or signs during events and meetings in Macon. No signs or posters may be pinned or taped to doors or walls. Tacks, nails, or screws may not be used for any purpose on university property.

Pre-Event Shipments

Shipments of materials for events must be approved in advance by Conference Center staff. A labor charge may be assessed for unloading and temporary storage of event materials. No shipments will be accepted more than 48 hours prior to an event and all materials must be picked up or returned (labor for shipment and postage billed to event organizers) within 48 hours after the event.

Security

MGA reserves the right to require extra security at any event held by outside parties on its property, depending upon the nature of the event. These services are billed at an hourly rate and may require payment for a minimum number of hours. Regular campus security is present 24/7.

Smoking Policy

All MGA property is subject to the university’s Tobacco Free Campus Policy.

Alcohol Policy

All university locations are subject to the MGA policy on Alcohol at Events Hosted on University Property.

Freedom of Expression Policy

Individuals or groups who want to use University facilities to engage in expressive activity may wish review MGA’s Freedom of Expression Policy.

Minors Policy

All outside parties hosting minors on MGA property must abide by all provisions of the university’s Minors Policy.

Commercial Sales and Solicitation Policy

See MGA’s Commercial Sales and Solicitation Policy in using university facilities in the sales of goods or services.

Accessibility

MGA facilities meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. If an event participant has a disability, the outside party contracting for MGA space is responsible for providing auxiliary aides, assistance, interpreters and/or materials in alternative formats as required by the ADA and other applicable local, state, and federal regulations.

Liability

MGA reserves the right to inspect and control all events held on university property. The university does not assume responsibility for personal property and equipment brought into its facilities. Liability for damage to the premises will be the responsibility of the party hosting the event and will be charged back to them accordingly. MGA is not liable for any bodily injury occurring during use of the facility. In certain cases, outside parties may be asked to submit to MGA a certificate of insurance for general liability.

Damages

There will be a charge for any and all damages to facilities, equipment and/or furnishing which occur during use. This includes tape on walls, doors and/or floors. There will also be a charge when excess cleanup is required.

Parking

Attendees should park in the student parking lots adjacent to the event location. Outside parties using the facilities during business hours should avoid parking in spaces reserved for visitors or faculty and staff.

Confirmation and Payment

A reservation is not confirmed until a signed Space Use Agreement is signed and a 50 percent deposit has been received by the university. The deposit will be deducted from the final bill. Exceptions to the deposit requirement can be made for the Conference Center and Macon Campus by the Chief of Staff, or for other University space by the University Counsel & Campus Affairs. The university reserves the right to release unconfirmed reservations 30 days preceding an event.  

Cancellation and Refunds

Cancellations must be made with the University at least 15 business days before the scheduled event. Deposits will be returned if events are cancelled during this time period. All outside parties will be billed following the event, with the remaining balance due no later than 30 days after receipt of the bill.

Contact Information

Any questions related to space use by outside parties at MGA should be directed to:

Location

Email

Telephone & Contact

Macon Campus and Conference Center

HCC@mga.edu

478-417-2770

 

Cochran, Dublin, Eastman, Warner Robins Campuses

HCC@mga.edu

478-417-2770

 

Day and Overnight Camps on MGA Campuses

Auxiliary@mga.edu

Auxiliary Services Director