Facility Use Guidelines

The Hughes-Trigg Student Center primarily operates to support students, departments, and guests in extracurricular pursuits, and to maintain that function, does not regularly serve as an academic or classroom facility. Additionally, in order to provide a safe environment and protect our recent multi-million-dollar renovation, we expect all clients and visitors to respect the facility and adhere to the guidelines below. Additionally, use of space and resources may be denied in the case of:

  • Events may create a health or safety problem for the campus community.
  • The advocacy of any action that is in violation of law.
  • Organized fundraising activities, except by special permission of the Vice President for Development and External Affairs and the Vice President for Business and Finance.
  • Political activities inconsistent with the University’s status as a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation, including but not limited to organization of political blocs or special interest groups for political action.
  • Events that jeopardize the tax-exempt status of the University or the tax-exempt status of its property or bonds.

 

High-Density Storage

Storage in Hughes-Trigg Student Center is available for student organizations in the High-Density Storage area (HDS).

The Varsity Dining and Gaming Area

Guidelines for using the Varsity:

  • Food, drinks, and personal items may not be placed on any gaming equipment
  • The pool tables may not be moved – they are leveled in their current location
  • Dispose of all food, drinks, and trash at the end of the reservation
  • Do not remove furniture from the Varsity
  • Do not change the channel, input, or volume on the televisions. Only a designated Office of Information Technology or Student Center and Activities staff member may adjust the televisions.

Posting

No bulletin boards are available for community or SMU-specific postings in HTSC. Fliers and posters may not be posted on any wall, door, window, or other surface. Visit the Student Affairs Marketing Page for more information about how SMU departments can utilize a variety of advertising opportunities for their events.

Tabling

SMU departments, and External Groups may reserve one of three outdoor “West Bridge” tables or one of two indoor tables through the STABLE software, with intent to promote activities, interests, or fundraising. The following are stipulations related to the use of HTSC tables:

  • Tabling hours are from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Advertisement is limited to the space at or next to the table; SMU departments cannot solicit around the entire Student Center
  • Promotional materials must be handed out from the table location, and are not allowed to be placed on other surfaces around the building (see Posting above)
  • SMU Departments can reserve tables for outside entities (as “ambassadors” for companies they may work for), but there is a fee associated as those companies are considered External Groups

Prohibited Items

Items not permitted in HTSC include:

  • Candles, incense
  • Grills, open flames
  • Smoke and fog machines
  • Propane, spray paint, and other flammable materials
  • Glitter, confetti, silly string
  • Pets and other animals (service animals are permitted)
  • Bicycles, skates, skateboards, scooters, sneaker skates
  • Portable or space heaters
  • Personal refrigerators
  • Essential oil/scent diffusers

Before using paint or other craft or art supplies, please consult with a member of the Student Center and Activities staff. Failure to use paint and other materials responsibly may result in cleaning or damage fees and loss of HTSC reservation privileges.

Decorations

Clients may provide decorations for events, according to the following guidelines:

  • Decorations or displays must be free standing and be no closer than 18 inches to the ceiling or adhered with painter’s or artist’s tape.
  • Do not use nails, pins, or other adhesives to place signs on walls, windows, or doors.
  • Do not hang materials from the ceiling, fire sprinklers, or light fixtures.
  • All decorations and materials must be removed by the end of your reservation time. Anything left behind may be disposed of, and charges may be assessed.

Lost and Found

Hughes-Trigg Student Center is not liable for items lost in the building. Found items may be taken to the Student Center and Activities office during business hours. All found items are turned over to the SMU Police Department in Patterson Hall. Any items found after business hours can be turned in directly to SMUPD.

Audio Visual (AV) Equipment and Guidelines

HTSC partners with the Office of Information Technology to provide audio visual equipment and trained technicians for meetings and events. Outside AV equipment is not permitted in HTSC without prior approval.

  • Guidelines for Use
    • Some meetings and events spaces have self-serve AV equipment. Treat this equipment with care.
    • Non-self-serve AV equipment may not be moved or operated except by an AV technician. Violation of this rule may result in loss of privileges and/or charges in accordance with any damage caused.
    • You may reserve equipment via STABLE. AV requests must be made and confirmed at least five (5) business days prior to your event. Fees may be incurred for last-minute requests.

AV equipment generally does not incur a fee for SMU departments, though some exceptions may apply.