USE OF TABLES IN THE MEMORIAL UNION AND THE OUTDOOR AREAS SURROUNDING THE BUILDING

I.         In order to advance The University’s educational  mission and to maintain the Memorial Union (Union) as a facility for University business and activities, and as a place to gather to eat, have private conversations, read and study, the University has designated areas both inside the Memorial Union and outdoor areas surrounding the building for lawful expressive activity on a limited basis as provided in this policy.

A.         Information/Advocacy Tables. Information tables are available with the approval of the Director of the Memorial Union (Director) for the distribution of literature; solicitation of signatures on petitions; promotion of political, religious, and advocacy viewpoints; and for similar activities. No commercial transactions or promotions involving commercial transactions may occur at or from these tables. Only current students, faculty, or staff, registered student organizations, or University offices or departments or their official guests may reserve or use information/advocacy tables. Sponsoring individuals/entities are responsible for their guests. When a guest uses an information table the sponsoring individual or a member of the sponsoring entity must be present at all times. Agencies of the federal, state and local governments may be exempted from sponsorship criteria.

B.        Direct Sales Tables. Direct sales tables are available with the approval of the Director for the sale of merchandise. Vendors  may be University or  non-University affiliated. All merchandise is subject to the following criteria:

1.        Items offered for sale must not be in conflict with any University policy or service.

2.        Merchandise must not be misrepresented, and anything advertised must be related to the items for sale.

3.        Items must be sold with a reasonable guarantee.

Merchandise that does not comply with these criteria is prohibited from sale on the premises.

C.         Commercial Solicitation Tables.  Commercial solicitation  tables are available with the approval of the Director to commercial enterprises seeking to provide a service to students with no money exchanged while on the premises (e.g., offering credit and phone cards). It is understood that the business may generate potential income at a later date as a result of being on campus.

D.        Employment Opportunity Tables. The Career Center and Student Employment and Volunteer Programs may sponsor or reserve tables in the name of commercial, governmental, or non-profit enterprises for the purpose of making students aware of, or attempting to interest them in employment or internship opportunities. This sponsorship must be directly related to the department’s official mission statement.  Requests for space will be honored when the Director of the Memorial Union receives written approval from the sponsoring office; requests may be made and must be renewed each academic semester.

II.            All tables are subject to these guidelines:

1.   Reservations: Requests for the reservation of tables are made to the Director. The placement of the tables is the responsibility of the Director who will consider factors such as number of tables requested and other building activities.

2. Duration: Table space can be reserved for no more than five (5) consecutive days in any month or 2 days per week for the academic year.

3. Hours: The normal hours of operation for any table will be 8:30 am - 5 pm.  Users may opt to begin at 7:30 am and end at 9 pm  with approval from the Director. The sponsor is responsible for notifying the Director of the actual hours of operation at the time the space is requested.

4. Space restrictions:  Due to space limitations, layout of available space, traffic flow, and fire regulations, users must remain behind the tables.  Users may not impede or restrict the movement of any other person using the Union. Users will conduct themselves with proper regard to the rights of others and the mission of The University and adhere to all applicable laws and regulations, including the Student Code of Conduct and the Maine Civil Rights Act. Merchandise must not block the view of any lobby area, the Information Center, or other activities or programs in the building. There may be no poles, boards or placement of materials that would extend beyond the area provided. The University reserves the right to apply additional time, place and manner restrictions as necessary.

5. Table Identification: All tables must display the name of the individual organization, department, vendor, and the sponsor where appropriate. Signs will be provided by the Union Information Center and will be available at the time of table set up.  Signage may not block the view of any lobby area, the Information Center, or other activities or programs in the building.

6.  Fees for Tables

A.    Information/Advocacy Tables.  No charge.

B.   Direct Sales Tables: The sale of a product or commercial activity by any group or individual requires the rental of a sales table at the following daily costs.

1 table = 5-6 foot frontage space:

$50/day for one table or 10% of the gross (whichever is greater)

$75/day for two tables or 10% of the gross (whichever is greater)

$90/day for three tables or 10% of the gross (whichever is greater)

                                 C. Commercial Solicitation Tables: The fee for Commercial  Solicitation Tables (e.g. credit card, cell phone plans, etc.) is as follows:

1 table = 5-6 foot frontage space:

$200/day for one table or a 5-6 foot area (without a table)

D. Employment Opportunity Tables:

No charge.

7.  Room rental fees. Conference/meeting rooms used for any type of sale will be charged at the rate of $250/day/room or 10% of the gross if applicable (whichever is greater).

8.  Payment: All fees must be paid in advance as a way to confirm reservations and such payments will be considered non-refundable and non-transferable.

9. Waivers: Waivers of fees for student groups raising funds exclusively for their own use may be granted by the Director. 

10. Appeals: Direct appeals of decisions by the Director in the administration of this policy to the Dean of Students, Third Floor, Memorial Union, 581-1406.

This statement  replaces  the Sales and Solicitation Policy dated  9/14/96 and all other policy and regulation statements affecting the same topic.

Last Revised  June, 2007