INFORMATION FOR
The University Commons procedures and guidelines are designed to keep the facility operating smoothly. They are established to keep the occupants safe while maintaining a warm and welcoming environment.
Please click on one of the topics below to learn more about our guidelines, procedures, and policies.
Please reach out to UC-Ops@wpunj.edu with any questions.
Animals are not permitted in the University Commons with the exception of service dogs, dogs used in law enforcement, therapy dogs that are contracted through a reputable company, and/or special occasions as approved by University Commons Operations. All service animals must be on a leash and under control of the handler at all times. Emotional support animals are not permitted.
For more information on the University’s Animal Assistance Policy, please visit https://www.wpunj.edu/accessibilityresourcecenter/Information-for-Students/animal-assistance-policy
All bake sales must be approved by Dining Services and submitted in 25Live regardless of whether they are sponsored by a student organization or a department. Request for approval must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the bake sale date. To receive approval, complete the Food Distribution Waiver Request Form found below and return via email to the catering director.
CLICK HERE for the Food Distribution Waiver Request Form
Internal Organizations may request to display flags and banners at designated spaces in the John Victor Machuga Student Center within the University Commons.
Banner and Flag Policy
Internal organizations may submit requests to display special flags and banners using the WP 25Live event space reservation system no less than 15 days prior to the start date. University Commons Operations will forward all student organization requests to Campus Activities, Service, and Leadership (CASL) for final consideration/approval. Special flag and banner requests that fall within theme cultural celebrations will be approved in consultation with the director of student diversity and inclusion.
University-sponsored annual theme cultural celebrations will be given display priority whenever possible. The order of displays will be determined by the date of submission in the WP 25Live system.
The following conditions apply to all requests to display flags and banners on University Commons and Student Center approved display spaces:
University Commons Operations shall review and approve each proposed special flag and banner to be displayed at University Commons designated locations and, as necessary, in consultation with the director of student diversity and inclusion and/or the director of campus activities, service and leadership.
Bikes, skateboards, roller skates, roller blades, electric scooters, and hover boards are prohibited from use in any area of the University Commons.
All food on campus must be supplied by Dining Services. Dining Services administrative offices are located in Room 235 in Speert Hall. They can provide a variety of catering services ranging from picnics to receptions and in many styles of service (waited, buffet, banquet, etc.). Call 973-720-3210 to discuss your food arrangements. A confirmed room reservation is required for all catered events in the University Commons.
Decorations and the removal of decorations must occur during the reserved time of the event by the organization holding the event. The following guidelines should be followed when considering decorations:
All decorating will be monitored, inspected, and subject to approval for safety purposes by University Commons Operations staff.
Donation boxes are permitted in the University Commons under the main stairwell across from the Information Desk on the first floor of the Student Center. To obtain permission for a donation box, please follow the steps outlined below:
Loading docks are solely for the purpose of loading and unloading equipment, merchandise, and machinery. Parking is NOT permitted at any time. Vehicles parked at loading docks will be towed at owner’s expense and without notice.
All contracted vendors such as DJs must be asked to park their vehicles at designated/approved parking areas after unloading.
All deliveries/pick-ups are to be made at the loading dock. No motor vehicles of any kind are to be parked or driven across the University Commons sidewalks, grounds, and loading dock.
All emergencies, including medical emergencies, must be reported to the University Police at 973-720-2300.
During a fire alarm or other emergency, please exit quickly and orderly through the nearest exit. All exits are clearly marked, and emergency lighting is provided. Move away from the building and surrounding areas.
First Aid - For emergencies – immediately call University Police at x2300 or 973-720-2300.
The University Commons Operations team is committed to hosting and helping you execute events in the building. Should you want to host an event that falls outside of our operating hours, we ask that you provide at least two weeks notice so that we can secure appropriate staffing for your event. All extension of hours requests should be submitted with your 25Live room request. Note: student organizations are not charged a fee for extension of hours.
The use of any kind of open flame, which includes candles, lighters, fireworks, and matches is prohibited.
Sternos provided by Dining Services for catered events are permitted.
Groups/Organizations are not to change or alter room setups. All fire exits, doors and hallways must remain clear of obstructions. Tables in hallways are only permitted in designated locations identified in 25live as a lobby location.
Do not move any furniture or equipment without permission from the University Commons Operations staff. Contact the Information Desk for any setup concerns.
Lost and found items such as wallets, credit cards, driver’s licenses, etc. that are received are stored in a safe location until the owner retrieves them. A log is kept for all items turned in at the Information Desk. Twice a semester, lost and found items are delivered to University Police.
Posting privileges are limited to approved student organizations, university departments, and external entities that promote events, initiatives, resources, and job openings. Resources are defined as services and information that connect to the mission of the university.
Students, faculty and staff are asked to consider the diverse values, opinions and beliefs of the University community and prepare their materials with sensitivity toward that diversity. Postings will not be approved that:
Materials with any reference to alcoholic beverages at events or establishments will not be approved for posting. The policy reinforces the University policy of prohibiting the advertisement of alcoholic events (see the Student Handbook for more information). Exemptions may be made for University Departments.
Statements contained in stamped posting materials do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Campus Activities, Service and Leadership, University Commons Operations, or the University.
General Print Material Posting Policies
Print Material: Flyers & Posters
Student Organizations & University Departments
External Groups
Digital Signage: Flyers & Videos
Departmental Free-Standing Signage
The following are strictly prohibited:
Public areas and lounges of the University Commons are not usually available for scheduling and may not be used by any office and organized group for meetings or other group activities without specific prior approval from the assistant director of University Commons Operations.
Current state law and University policy prohibit smoking, and/or the use of tobacco, vapor, or similar products* inside any campus building. Additionally, consuming – including by smoking, vaping, or aerosolizing – any cannabis item is prohibited in any building, on the grounds of, or in any facility owned, leased, or controlled by any institution of higher education in New Jersey.
* Tobacco – Tobacco is defined as all tobacco-derived products including, but not limited to, cigarettes, electronic vapor products (such as e-cigarettes, e-cigars, e-hookahs, e-pipes, vape pens, hookah pens, and personal vaporizers/mods), little cigars, cigarillos, and filtered cigars; traditional cigars or large (premium) cigars, hookah, chewing tobacco, snuff, or dip; snus, and dissolvable tobacco (sticks, strips, orbs). A tobacco product excludes any product that has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for sale as a tobacco cessation product, as a tobacco dependence product, or for other medical purposes, and is being marketed and sold solely for such an approved purpose.
For more information on the University’s Tobacco and Smoke Free Campus guidelines, please visit https://wpunj.edu/smoke-free/index.html
To request access to offices and rooms in the University Commons, please complete the form below that best describes your needs. Please note that access to offices and rooms must be approved by your area manager.
UC Administrative Staff Card Access Request FormUse this form for all full-time staff, part-time staff, or student staff card access to offices or closets in the University Commons
University Commons Club Space Card Access FormUse this form if you are a student organization president or member that is requesting access to your organization's office
Student Organization University Commons Office AgreementAfter being assigned an office, please print and complete this form to gain access to your office.
Things to Know:
