Use Of University Facilities Policy
Risk Management, 506 Cohodas, 906-227-2745
Purpose:
NMU facilities exist to advance the University’s mission. This policy establishes expectations and requirements for scheduling and using university facilities for events and other activities.
Applicability:
This policy applies to faculty, staff, students, and external individuals or organizations not formally affiliated with the University.
Policy:
University facilities are intended primarily for use by students, faculty, and staff in support of the University’s mission; core university activities receive the highest scheduling priority.
External individuals or organizations may rent university facilities only if:
- The event complies with University policies, as well as applicable state and federal laws and requirements; and
- Established procedures are followed, and
- A signed Facility Use Agreement is in place.
Limited use of university equipment on campus may be negotiated through an addendum to the Facility Use Agreement. University equipment generally may not be used off campus. For additional information, refer to the Use of University Equipment Policy.
All activities and events must comply with external and internal insurance requirements and the risk management protocols detailed in the Facility Use Agreement.
Events involving minor children must comply with the Minors on Campus Policy.
The University reserves the right to reschedule, relocate, or cancel events if higher-priority activities require use of the facilities. If an event is rescheduled, relocated, or canceled the University’s liability is limited to refunding fees already paid. No additional compensation or damages will be provided.
The President may grant exceptions to this policy.
A Facility Use Agreement is required for all external entities renting NMU facilities: The agreement outlines requirements for outside organizations. Requests to modify or waive agreement requirements must be submitted to the Office of Risk Management for review.
Discounts and co-sponsorship opportunities may be available for external organizations partnering with registered student organizations. University-affiliated entities may reserve facilities on an hourly basis at no cost, except for the Northern Center, provided appropriate approval is obtained. University-affiliated entities include:
- Registered student organizations
- University departments
- Other University-affiliated entities
A note about Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT): NMU may have to pay a tax when facility space is rented to groups; the activity is commercial and not educational; or if the university is acting like for-profit a regular business landlord. For this reason, the rental rates are higher when renting facilities to external groups for purposes not substantially related to its educational mission.
Reservation methods:
Registered student organizations: Request room use through The Hub NMU by creating an event.
Students, departments, and affiliated entities: Request room use through Northern Center & Event Services at 906-227-2623.
On-Campus Housing: On-campus housing may be arranged in conjunction with a Facility Use Agreement through the University Housing and Residence Life Office. Additional requirements are outlined in the Conference and Guest Housing Policy.
All others may arrange facility use for the following spaces through the following contacts:
Northern Center:
https://nmu.edu/northerncenter/home
or 906-227-2623
Reynolds Recital Hall:
https://nmu.edu/northerncenter/home
or 906-227-2623
Forest Roberts Theatre:
https://nmu.edu/theatreanddance/theatre
Main: 906-227-2084 or email: nmutd@nmu.edu
Wahtera Pavilion:
https://nmu.edu/northerncenter/home
or 906-227-2623
Jamrich Lobby and Hedgcock Atrium:
https://nmu.edu/northerncenter/home
or 906-227-2623
Whitman Hall Commons Area:
https://nmu.edu/northerncenter/home
or 906-227-2623
Innovation Hall/Jacobetti Center
https://nmu.edu/northerncenter/home
or 906-227-2623
Classrooms within Academic Buildings:
https://nmu.edu/registrar/
or 906-227-2258
Physical Education Instructional Facility (PEIF) and all spaces associated with the PEIF
https://nmu.edu/PEIF
Main: 906-227-2519
Intramural Sports/Recreational Facilities Services - athletic fields, gyms and Vandament Arena:
https://nmu.edu/PEIF
Main: 906-227-2519
(Additional information about recreational sport area schedules and reservations can be found here: https://nmu.edu/recsports/facility-hours and https://nmu.edu/recsports/reservations)
Superior Dome (Including All Associated Spaces):
https://nmu.edu/superiordome
or 906-227-2850
Berry Events Center (Including All Associated Spaces):
https://nmu.edu/berryeventscenter
Main: 906-227-2850
Housing for Camps and Conferences:
https://nmu.edu/housing/conferencesrates
Main: 906-227-2620 or email: housing@nmu.edu
| Date Approved | 1999-10-21 |
|---|---|
| Last Reviewed | 2026-02-02 |
| Last Revision | 2026-02-02 |
| Approved By | Departmental Approving Authority |
| Oversight Unit | RISK & INSURANCE |