Policies & Procedures 

Shoes and shirts must be worn in the Student Center at all times.

The use of roller skates/blades, skateboards, hoverboards, bicycles and golf carts are prohibited inside the Student Center and Seawolf Plaza. 

Sonoma State University is a smoke-free campus. Smoking, electronic cigarettes, and vape pens are prohibited in the Student Center.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as of 2010 amendments, ADA service animals are identified as any dog individually trained to aid an individual with a disability. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under ADA guidelines.

Student Center staff are able to ask an individual with a disability to remove their service animal from the premises if:

• The animal is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it.
• The animal is not housebroken.
• The presence of the service animal will result in a direct threat to the health/safety of the service, program, or activity involved at the Student Center.

The following policy is intended to provide both safety and satisfaction to our guests while ensuring the longevity of our facility.

• Groups who choose to decorate or display items outside of their reserved meeting space must have prior authorization. A clear description of where the desired decorations, signs, and any additional material must be submitted and approved ahead of the event date.
• Doorways, hallways, corridors, staircases, and fire exits cannot be blocked or obstructed in any way. 
• In accordance with the Student Center Marketing Policy, signs and flyers may be displayed at the Info + Tickets Desk to promote your event. All other locations are prohibited and will be removed immediately.
• Open flames, candles, and/or incense are not allowed in the building at any time.
• Helium balloons are prohibited in the building. The Student Center is equipped with ceiling sensors that are linked to the fire alarm system. Should a helium balloon get loose, it could set off the fire alarm causing a building-wide evacuation. Groups who choose to disregard this guideline will be charged in the event the alarm is triggered. Air-blown balloons are allowed and must be secured within the facility.
• Smoke, fog, bubble machines, and light show projectors using any type of liquid or dry ice are prohibited. Any special effects need to be approved before the event date.
• Use of aerosol spray products is prohibited.
• Material used to display decorations that can damage building surfaces is prohibited. This includes but is not limited to: nails, glue, paint, glitter, and tape.
• No display materials or decorations of any sort may be affixed to the walls, doors, windows, room partitions, Student Center equipment, curtains, or floors without prior approval. Once approval is given, we will be happy to work with you to help display items for your event.

It is the group’s responsibility to return the reserved space to its original condition after the event concludes. Failure to do so or adhere to any of the above guidelines may result in additional fees to the organization.

Please remove all personal items by the end of the event as the Student Center assumes no responsibility for any items left behind. 

We value the safety of our guests and follow standards that prioritize safe event practices at all times. 

Groups who fail to adhere to any of the guidelines can potentially jeopardize the safety of the campus community and the safe evacuation of the facility should an emergency occur.

• To avoid tripping hazards, cords and cables cannot be loose and must be taped down and secured at all times. Should you need any cords or cables moved, please notify a member of the Student Center Operations Staff so they can safely assist you. 
• Fire extinguishers and AED devices must never be blocked to allow full accessibility in the case of an emergency.
• Aisles and fire exits: Open aisles and doorways can save lives in the event of an emergency. Any doors marked with “EXIT” signs must remain open and free from obstruction at all times. This includes, but is not limited to tables, chairs, and any personal possessions that might block a potential evacuation route. Additionally, to ensure that all tables and/or chairs have the proper spacing away from doorways and aisles, Student Center Operations Staff members will provide room set-ups that abide by and adhere to all fire code protocols. Groups who deviate from that set-up without approval will be asked to revert to the way the room was originally set.
• Each event space has a maximum capacity allowed based on the space and set up. Groups that begin to exceed the room capacity will be monitored for safety. Student Center Operations reserves the right to ask additional guests to leave or force an event to cancel if unable to move and deemed unsafe. 
• Never use furniture or personal items to prop open locked doors. If you would like to have a door unlocked, please ask a member of the Student Center Operations Staff so they can accommodate you.

Unfortunately, emergencies may occur. Here are guidelines for helping you deal with them. Remember, you are never alone in dealing with emergencies.

Emergency Evacuation Policy

When an evacuation takes place, all occupants of the Student Center are to leave the building immediately in an orderly fashion, exiting out of the nearest designated exit, and are to relocate to the designated assembly area.

• The Student Center has twenty-five emergency exits, marked with large green or red “EXIT” signs. 
• Trained staff members will direct guests to the nearest designated exit, as well as inform them of the designated assembly area.
• Elevators should never be used during an emergency. 
• Persons who are unable to evacuate using stairs should, if possible, go to the closest emergency exit and notify staff or University Police that they need assistance. 
• Once evacuated, all occupants should proceed to the designated assembly area, no closer than 50 feet from the building.  

Learn more about the University’s Emergency Management Plan. Preparedness is the best defense for all emergencies.