The mission of University Unions (UU) is as a catalyst for connection and learning that cultivates community and belonging for University of Michigan students, staff, faculty, and alumni. University Unions’ spaces and services are also available to visitors who require these resources and are in alignment with the UU mission. Policies governing the University Unions’ facilities (Michigan Union, Michigan League, Pierpont Commons) and services reflect this mission. In addition to the policies and procedures noted below, university-wide policies and civil laws apply.
University Unions’ staff are committed to maintaining a quality environment, protecting users’ rights, and sustaining the integrity of our programs, services, and facilities. These Facility Use Policies apply to everyone entering the Michigan Union, Michigan League, or Pierpont Commons.
Access
Individuals may access University Unions’ buildings to use the spaces and services during published open hours. The use of spaces should contribute to the University Unions’ mission. Unaffiliated parties must not disrupt University activities, operations, or the lawful activities of others.
Accessibility
University Unions is committed to making our guest experience enjoyable and comfortable. Please advise your Event Manager of any special considerations 30 days before your event.
- U-M Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: ACCESSIBLE & INCLUSIVE EVENTS RESOURCE GUIDE
- University Unions Planning Your Visit website
Activism and Advancing a Marketplace of Ideas
The University of Michigan’s approach to protests, demonstrations, and (potentially) controversial events includes ensuring free speech protections with content-neutral limitations such as time, place, and manner restrictions. We do not limit speech but provide parameters about where, when, and how it can occur, such as building hours and other space use policies. In the event an individual is lawfully asked to leave a University controlled building or premise by police or security officers or other individuals acting on behalf of the University in their official capacity, they must comply.
Animals
With the exception of ADA Service animals or ADA Service animals-in-training, no animals or pets are permitted in University Unions facilities unless provided an exception by the Senior Director. ADA Service Animals and ADA Service animals-in-training must be supervised at all times.
Bicycles, Skateboards, Scooters, etc.
Manual or electric roller skates/blades, skateboards, scooters, hoverboards, bicycles, and the like are prohibited in the University Unions. Bikes and scooters can be stored in the racks outside the building, not blocking walkways or entrances. Exceptions can be granted by the Senior Director for programs that involve these items.
Clothing and Foot Coverings
To ensure the safety and comfort of all users, clothing and shoes are required at all times in University Unions. Exceptions are permitted for use of the reflection rooms and foot washing stations, or as granted in advance for event specific needs.
Drones
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, are not permitted to operate, take off, or land from, on or over University of Michigan property.
Emergency Procedures
To ensure the safety of guests and staff, emergency response plans are created for various situations, including medical, fire, tornado, and crowd control. In an emergency, please notify the University Unions’ staff immediately. Users must not obstruct human traffic flow, including hallways, stairs, and aisles, and keep building ingress and egress paths clear.
Filming and Photography
Approval for filming and photography in University Unions must be obtained at least 7 days in advance. This includes projects for academic, University, and/or professional needs or anything beyond casual use. Please contact your Event Manager or building manager to make the request.
Fire Safety
It is of critical importance that all fire regulations are followed.
- Decorations and/or displays must not compromise public safety or increase the risk of property damage.
- Stay within posted fire capacities.
- Maintain access to fire exits.
- No candles or special effects equipment, such as smoke, fog, fire machines, sparklers, etc., are permitted.
Food & Beverage
All catering in University Unions’ facilities is provided exclusively by Michigan Catering. Groups cannot bring food or beverages into University Unions’ meeting and event spaces. Please contact your Event Manager for menu selections. Pickup orders can be accommodated by in-house UU building retail vendors.
Lost & Found
University Unions is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged property belonging to users of the facilities.
Any personal items found in University Unions will be turned into the Campus Information Center Lost and Found.
Lounges, Food Courts, and Study Areas
These spaces are meant to be enjoyed by all campus community members. Because of our commitment to make this space available to all members of the University community, activities that inhibit the use of space by the University community are prohibited. These spaces are generally not reserved and are available only to campus community members, except by special arrangement. Please contact Conference & Event Services to reserve meeting and event spaces.
Noise/Sound
Amplified sound is only permitted in designated meeting/event spaces when requested in advance of the event by the event organizer when reserving the space. Amplified sound should only be provided by University Unions, or by an external AV company with prior approval. Amplified sound is not permitted outside of meeting/event spaces. Due to the nature of our facilities and proximity to other events, noise levels must be minimized.
Parking
Parking options for non-University guests are limited. Parking maps and bus information can be found at: https://ltp.umich.edu/. City of Ann Arbor parking options may be more proximate for you and your guests. Ann Arbor parking information is available at https://www.a2dda.org/getting-around/drive/.
Personal/Lactation Rooms
Personal/Lactation Rooms are in the Michigan Union, Michigan League, and Pierpont Commons. They may be used for lactation, medical self-care such as insulin shots, and infant care. They should not be used for eating/drinking, studying, meetings, or other activities not consistent with the purpose of the space. Individuals should not linger in the space, so it is available for others to use. The spaces are not reservable. Food is prohibited in the space, and water is the only beverage.
Public Postings
Display of posters and distribution of flyers is prohibited except in designated areas, including bulletin boards in each facility, designated literature racks, and through the Student Organization Resource Center for table tents and digital displays. Bulletin boards and literature racks are cleared weekly. If space is available, materials may be placed on literature racks in an orderly manner and can be removed if they create trash/recycling issues.
Solicitation, commercial activity, or requests for donations are only allowed when pre-approved and only in designated areas.
Designated Posting and Literature Areas:
Michigan Union: Posting is available on the bulletin board on the 2nd-floor hallway near the Parker Room. Literature racks are available at the Campus Information desk and in the food court near Panda Express on the Ground Floor.
Michigan League: Posting is available on the bulletin board on the 1st floor near the Information Desk. Literature racks are available at the Campus Information desk on the 1st floor.
Pierpont Commons: Posting is available on the wooden bulletin board on the first-floor entry near the circle driveway, across from the front Campus Information desk, and the gray bulletin board in the piano lounge. The restaurant’s lower level has one bulletin board to the right of the entrance to Great Greek. Finally, the lower level has two locations: inside the B430 lounge and to the right of the Blavin Scholars office, the hallway next to the staircase.
Prohibited Items
The use of adhesives, glitter, paint (including painting-related activities), sand (including weights), confetti, confetti cannons, rice, wax, dance powder (or similar materials), and signs on sticks are not permitted in any areas of the University Unions. No candles or special effects equipment, such as smoke, fog, fire machines, sparklers, etc., are permitted. No heated food production in event spaces, such as cotton candy, popcorn, or otherwise, is permitted unless operated and approved by MDining. With the approval of the Center for Campus Involvement staff, some types of paint are permitted in the Idea Hub Creation Studio.
Reflection Rooms
Reflection Rooms are in the Michigan Union, Michigan League, and Pierpont Commons. They may be used for meditation, prayer, or quiet reflection. They should not be used for eating, studying, meetings, or other activities not consistent with the purpose of the space. Anyone with a valid MCard may use the Reflection Rooms while the building is open. The spaces are not reservable. Food is prohibited in the space, and water is the only beverage. For safety, doors should not be propped open, windows should not be covered, and lights should remain on. Furniture within the Reflection Room must stay within the space.
Sales and Solicitation
For University Departments and Student Organizations, sales of event-related products are permitted within contracted meeting rooms. Requests for sales by non-university groups will be considered. Generally speaking, non-university groups cannot solicit sales from the University community without the Center for Campus Involvement approval, which facilitates these requests. Petition drives, voter registration, and sales are only permitted in pre-approved areas.
Security
In cooperation with appropriate university departments, University Unions seeks to provide a welcoming, open environment that is safe and secure for everyone. Users should not leave personal belongings unattended. In an emergency, staff and users are encouraged to call the Department of Public Safety (911). UU staff should be alerted to safety or security concerns. Users must cooperate with University Unions, other University authorized officials and the Division of Public Safety and Security.
Signage
Wayfinding or other signage may not be affixed to any surface in the building, including walls, doors, and restrooms. Event-specific signage should be placed on sign stands provided by University Unions. It is recommended that clients reserve sign stands in advance. Public posting bulletin boards are available in each facility. Sign stands of any kind cannot impede egress.
Sleeping
For your safety and security, we do not allow sleeping in University Unions (except for the Inn at the Michigan League). Staff will perform a wellness check(s) to confirm responsiveness if a user is found sleeping by staff. If a user is unresponsive, staff will call DPSS.
Smoking, Vaping & Marijuana
The University of Michigan campus is TOBACCO FREE, meaning all tobacco products are prohibited in buildings and exterior grounds owned or operated by U-M and university-owned vehicles. This campus policy prohibits the use of tobacco products called electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), such as vapes, vape pens, hookah pens, e-cigarettes, e-cigars, and other vape devices, as well as smokeless tobacco products, often called dip, chew, snuff, and snus, in university spaces. University Unions does not permit the use of e-cigarettes and personal vaporizing devices, regardless of the nicotine content of the liquid used in such devices.
Additionally, U-M policies prohibit anyone from using, possessing, or distributing marijuana on U-M property or at U-M events.
Smudging Ceremonies
Smudging ceremonies may incorporate the smoke of sage, sweetgrass, cedar, tobacco, and other related medicinal plants as purification and sacred ceremony elements. In support of the cultural integrity of our Indigenous/Native American students, faculty, staff, and guests, and in accordance with the 1978 American Indian Religious Freedom Act, U-M has developed this Smudging Safety Policy to protect the health and safety of everyone on campus as well as the prevention of fire and false fire alarms. The complete University of Michigan policy is located here.
Weapons
No person shall, while on any property owned, leased, or otherwise controlled by the Regents of the University of Michigan: (1) possess any firearm or any other dangerous weapon as defined in or interpreted under Michigan law or (2) wear on his or her person or carry in his or her clothing any knife, sword or machete having a blade longer than four (4) inches, or, in the case of a knife with a mechanism to lock the blade in place when open, longer than three (3) inches.