Facility Rental Policy

 USM Facility Rental Policy

 USM has an established policy for renting facilities.  The Department of Conferences (DOC) is charged with marketing, contracting and coordinating services for all facility rentals, except the Ice Arena.  

 The purpose of this policy is to:

• provide a “one stop shop” for community groups and businesses  accessing University facilities (DOC has been recognized as an official “One Stop Shop” by the Association of Collegiate Conference Event Directors International);

•  establish a rational, tiered pricing structure that maximizes net revenue for the University;

•  guarantee quality control by leveraging DOC’s expertise and providing a single point of contact for USM service departments;

•  avoid costs associated with duplicating service functions in multiple departments.

 There are two types of charges that may apply.   The first is a rental fee, which varies depending upon the category of user and the facility.   The second, service fees, includes such services as room set-up, catering, A.V. and meeting planning.   The rental policy is different for internal and external groups.  

 Internal Groups

There is no rental fee for University space except for internal groups meeting at the Abromson Center.  Service fees may apply.

 External Groups 

 The University recognizes that departments have valuable relationships with external groups and organizations.  The Facility Rental Policy provides the flexibility to leverage these relationships.  There are three categories of external groups defined by their relationship with the University. 

 Partner Group   

 This category includes a group which is partnering fully with a USM department for purposes of co-presenting a program/event in a University facility.  The partnering department is responsible for coordinating event services or contracting with DOC to coordinate these services. 

 Fee:    Rental fees are waived with the exception of the Abromson Center.  Service fees may apply.

 Sponsored Group 

 This category includes a group which requests sponsorship or financial support from a USM Department for the purpose of presenting a program/event in a University facility.  The USM Department, in an effort to build on its relationship with the group, may be interested in sponsoring the group by securing a discounted rate for space and services.

 Fee:   These groups receive a 20% discount on the rental fee.  Full service fees may apply.

 Client Group    

 This category includes any external group renting a University facility for a program/event which is unaffiliated with a University department.

Fee:   These groups pay the external rental fee.   Service fees may apply