Events and Offerings
Event Decor
Decorations for events held within the MSU are subject to specific restrictions. Failure to abide by these restrictions will result in fees for clean-up and any damages incurred. Any student organization found to be in violation of these policies may be required to remove the articles immediately and will be subject to fees.
- Only displays that are free-standing or suspended from easels or dry-erase/cork boards are permitted.
- Doorways, halls, and stairs must remain unobstructed by decorations.
- Generally, the burning of candles, sparklers, incense burners, paper leaflets, combustible figures, or pyrotechnic devices is prohibited on University property; however, catered events scheduled through WVU Hospitality Group will be permitted to use candles only for decorative purposes.
- Only flameproof materials are permitted. Materials are considered flameproof if they do not ignite when subjected to the flame produced from an ordinary wood match.
- The use of nails, tape, glue, thumbtacks, or adhesive on floors, walls, ceilings, doorframes, or columns for the purpose of attaching materials is prohibited.
- Fastening display materials to draperies, light fixtures, ceilings, sprinklers, and sprinkler pipes is strictly prohibited.
- Sand, glitter, and confetti are prohibited.
- No painting, including banners and construction work, may occur on the premises, including the Rear Plaza.
- Fog and hazing machines are prohibited.
- Arrangements for special lighting effects must be approved ten (10) business days prior to the event.
- All light bulbs over 60 watts must be at least five inches away from any surface.
- Special decorative collars are not permitted at the neck of a bulb in any electrical socket.
- Covering windows is prohibited.
- All decorations must be removed at the conclusion of the event.
Special Activities
Dunk Tanks
Dunk tanks must be approved in advance by the MRO. Dunk Tanks must be placed on the Rear Plaza in the space assigned by the MRO. A hose must be requested in advance from the MRO to fill the tank. Due to the heavy foot traffic of the Rear Plaza, vendors are required to call the MRO prior to their arrival to be assisted with navigating onto the plaza and to the assigned space for the dunk tank. A member of the sponsoring group must remain with the dunk tank from the time it is delivered to the MSU until the time it is picked up by the vendor. The group hosting the event and/or the vendor is responsible for setting up and tearing down the dunk tank. The MSU is unable to provide staff for setting up or tearing down the dunk tank.
Inflatables
Inflatables are permitted on the Rear Plaza if approved by the MRO. The requesting group must provide information to the MRO related to the number of fans required for the inflatable at least five (5) days prior to the requested event date. A member of the sponsoring group must remain with the inflatable from the time it is delivered to the MSU until the time it is picked up by the vendor. Unless otherwise approved by the MRO, inflatables are not permitted within the MSU. The group hosting the event and/or the vendor is responsible for setting up and tearing down the inflatable. The MSU is unable to provide staff for setting up or tearing down the inflatable.
Pie-Throwing
Pie-throwing events can only take place outside of the MSU on the Rear Plaza or in the outdoor tabling spaces. Only shaving cream is permitted to be used in pie tins. Whipped or pie filling is not permitted. Groups are required to provide their own tarp or floor covering during the event. All shaving cream must be thoroughly cleaned off the pavement upon conclusion of the event. Excessive mess left after an event will result in damage fees being assessed at a rate of $100/hr.
Tie-Dye
Tie-dye events can only take place outside of the MSU. Tie-dye events can only take place on a lawn or grassy area approved by the MRO, as the dyes stain pavement. The group must cover all tables with protective coverings and clean up after the event. Access to a hose must be requested from the MRO in advance of the event. Excessive mess left after an event and/or stained pavement will result in damage fees being assessed at a rate of $100/hr.
Arts and Crafts
Events that include arts and crafts are responsible for cleaning up after their event and should consider table coverings to not damage furnishings. Table coverings are mandatory for painting events and other art events that would damage furnishings. Confetti and glitter are prohibited. Excessive mess left after an event will result in damage fees being assessed at a rate of $100/hr.
Destructive Events
Events that require the destruction of another property (pumpkins, automobiles, etc.) are prohibited.
Yard Games
All yard games that include throwing an object, including but not limited to cornhole, ladderball, and spikeball, are prohibited indoors unless approved by the MRO.
Drones
The use of drones on property owned, managed, or controlled by the West Virginia University Board of Governors for any purpose is prohibited unless first approved by the sUAS (Drone) Operations Officer. Additional information regarding the use of drones on campus can be found in policy WVU-PD-6: Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (SUAS) (“Drones”).
Outdoor Assemblies
Assemblies of persons may occur on any grounds of the campus outside of buildings. Generally, outdoor areas may be used by the public without a reservation from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. However, reserving outdoor space is encouraged; reservations may be made by contacting the MRO at (304) 293-3250 or by e-mail at Reservations@mail.wvu.edu.
Flier Distribution
Student organizations and department representatives may distribute notices or fliers in the MSU with permission. Approval can be made by contacting the Info Desk at (304) 293-3701 or in person. Notices, fliers, table tents, and the like may not be distributed on the tables, chairs, walls, or windows in the facility; however, notices or fliers may be posted on bulletin boards designated for public use.
Banners
Banner spaces are available for student organizations and Departments on the Food Court railing. Hanging and removal of the banners is the responsibility of Student Engagement and Leadership.
Final Examination Week
Loud events, outdoor events, and events with large audiences are prohibited during finals week; however, regularly scheduled activities such as films and weekly meetings will be offered.