Section X.
Smith University Center & Aquatics Facilities
A. Smith University Center Usage Policy
The primary purpose of the Smith University Center is for education, fitness, and recreational use by members of the FMU community. The following policies and procedures have been developed to provide a safe and enjoyable environment.
The Smith University Center and the associated recreational facilities may be used by the Students, Faculty, and Staff members of Francis Marion University, active members of the FMU Alumni Association, and approved members of the Swamp Fox Club. Students may host one guest, who must be accompanied by the student at all times. Family members of faculty and staff members may utilize the facilities upon registration with the University Center Staff. Non-Students under the age of 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, or be a member of an authorized group with an Assumption of Risk Statement signed by a parent or guardian on file. A valid FMU Identification Card, Alumni Association membership card, or a valid guest pass (if not accompanied by a member of the FMU community) is required to use the SUC Facilities.
Please note that all university policies and procedures apply to all participants. The staff members on duty are university officials, and participants are expected to comply with their requests. Additionally, participants are expected to:
- Respect others by not yelling, cursing, or causing other disturbances;
- Use equipment for its designed intention;
- Use all safety equipment issued by the Smith University Center staff;
- Report any injuries or damages to the Smith University Center information desk;
- Engage in activities in which the participant is capable of doing without risking harm to self or others;
- Submit appropriate and valid identification upon request from SUC Staff members;
- Wear appropriate attire for the activities. Shirts and shoes must be worn at all times other than in the swimming pool.
- Keep all personal belongings in a secure manner. Francis Marion University is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
The participant understands that participation in recreational activities involves certain inherent risks of personal injury. The use of equipment, facilities, and premises of Francis Marion University by persons participating in recreational activities shall constitute acceptance of that risk regardless of the nature of the injury. The participant agrees that the university, its officers, employees, and agents shall not be liable for any injury, loss, or damage sustained or suffered by persons participating in recreational activities at the university, whether caused directly or indirectly by negligence or fault of Francis Marion University, the Department of Campus Recreation Services, its officers, employees or agents.
The participant must further understand that Francis Marion University does not provide insurance coverage for individuals using recreational facilities and that individuals not having appropriate health coverage are strongly advised to acquire health insurance prior to exposing themselves to possible injury.
B. Building Operations and Information Desk
1. The Smith University Information Desk
a. The information desk is staffed by student workers jointly supervised by the Assistant Dean of Students, Coordinator of Smith University Center, and Coordinator for Evening Programs. The operations manual for the Smith University Center Information Desk can be found here (insert web link).
b. Eligible users may check out equipment from the information desk with a valid identification card.
c. The desk is typically staffed from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. during weekdays, and when the building is open during weekends. Desk hours vary by staff availability and during semester/summer breaks.
2. Building Management
a. Operations of the Smith University Center are conducted by the Coordinator of the Smith University Center during weekdays, the Coordinator for Intramural Sports and Evening Activities during weekday evening hours, and by Student Building Managers on weekends.
b. The Building Manger is responsible for ensuring the building is vacant and secured every evening upon closing.
c. The Building Manager is responsible for conducting routine checks of participants to ensure eligibility and appropriate usage.
d. The Building Manager is responsible for providing access to secured rooms for groups and locations for reserved activities.
e. The Building Manager is responsible for confronting any policy violations and contacting FMU Campus Police for any emergency situation or policy violation.
f. The Building Manager is responsible for reporting any maintenance needs to FMU Facilities Management as needed.
g. The Building Manager is responsible for providing services and equipment as reserved through the Campus Service Request form as appropriate.
C. Student Organizations and Usage
1. All student organizations must comply with policies and procedures outlined in the FMU Student handbook regarding events held in the Smith University Center.
2. The official organization advisor (Faculty or Staff member) must be present for their entirety of any large events held in the Smith University Center.
3. Organizations are responsible for returning the facilities to original condition upon completion of an event, including removing any excess trash, returning furniture to original location, etc.
D. Smith University Center Facilities
1. Facilities in the Smith University Center that are available for reservation include:
a. Commons Area – upon approval of the Coordinator of the SUC and the University Space committee. A facilities reservation request must be appropriately completed and submitted.
b. Canteen/Billiards Room - upon approval of the Coordinator of the SUC and the University Space committee. A facilities reservation request must be appropriately completed and submitted.
c. SUC Café - upon approval of the Coordinator of the SUC and the University Space committee. A facilities reservation request must be appropriately completed and submitted.
d. Meeting Rooms (SUC 207, 208, 218, 219, 220) - upon approval of the Coordinator of the SUC and the University Space committee. A facilities reservation request must be appropriately completed and submitted.
e. Television Lounge (2nd floor) - upon approval of the Coordinator of the SUC and the University Space committee. A facilities reservation request must be appropriately completed and submitted.
f. Gymnasium – upon approval of the Athletics Director, the Coordinator of the SUC and the University Space committee. A facilities reservation request must be appropriately completed and submitted.
g. Swimming Pool - upon approval of the Coordinator of the SUC and the University Space committee. A facilities reservation request must be appropriately completed and submitted.
h. Patios and Porches - upon approval of the Coordinator of the SUC and the University Space committee. A facilities reservation request must be appropriately completed and submitted.
i. Lawns adjacent to SUC - upon approval of the Coordinator of the SUC and the University Space committee. A facilities reservation request must be appropriately completed and submitted.
j. Intramural Fields - upon approval of the Athletics Director, the Coordinator of the SUC and the University Space committee. A facilities reservation request must be appropriately completed and submitted.
2. Other facilities and offices in the Smith University Center include:
a. Office of Student Affairs – SUC 205. This office suite includes the Vice President for Student Affairs, Dean of Students, Assistant Dean of Students, Coordinator for Multicultural Affairs, and Coordinator for Student Life.
b. Office of Career Development – SUC 210
c. Smith University Center Office and Office of Intramural Activities – SUC 214
d. Student Government Association – SUC 215
e. Weight and Fitness Room
f. Athletics Office
g. Athletics Equipment Room
h. Patriot Bookstore
i. Racquetball Courts
j. Locker Rooms
k. Spa
E. Aquatics Facilities
- Indoor Pool – The Smith University Center has an indoor pool that is 25 meters by 25 meters. The eight lane pool has two one meter diving boards and a three meter diving board. More information on pool operations can be found at: http://www.fmarion.edu/students/policies_and_procedures.
- Outdoor Recreational Pool – The Outdoor Recreational Pool is adjacent to The Grille, and is available for use by FMU Students, Faculty, Staff, and members of the Alumni Association. More information on outdoor pool operations can be found at: http://www.fmarion.edu/students/policies_and_procedures.