Code of Conduct
Campus Recreation is committed to creating a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience for patrons. The staff will proactively intervene to support an environment where all members and guests can enjoy the facilities and programs free from the following behaviors:
- Foul or abusive language or obscene gestures
- Failure to adhere to facility policies and procedures
- Intoxication or other signs of impairment related to alcohol consumption or illegal drug use.
- Fighting, taunting, or making threatening remarks or gestures
- Spitting
- Horseplay that risks the safety of participants or others
- Mistreatment of dumbbells, weights, or any other equipment
- Displays of affection not appropriate in a public setting
- Obscene or indecent clothing
- Any disruption to the progress of a sanctioned activity
- Unsporting conduct
- Obtaining entrance under false pretense
Behavior and Personal Safety
Patrons are expected to display acceptable social behavior while recreating in any of the Campus Recreation facilities.
- Abuse of staff in any form is not tolerated and will result in expulsion and exclusion for a period of time deemed appropriate by the Campus Recreation Department and Student Conduct.
- Not all rules are posted.
- If the HWC staff asks for your cooperation, please adjust your behavior and make a recommendation to HWC Administration at a later date for changes you feel might be necessary.
- Uncooperative patrons will be asked to leave the facilities and will be excluded from its use until deemed appropriate by Student Conduct.
- The HWC reserves the right to take whatever action necessary to preserve the safety and integrity of its facilities and programs.
- Fighting is not tolerated and will result in an immediate call to Campus Public Safety and Monmouth Police.
- Please help maintain a secure environment by watching your valuables carefully and notifying staff if you see something out of the ordinary.
- The HWC is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
- All acts that are considered violations of the Code of Student Responsibility shall be referred to the Office of Student Conduct for disciplinary action.
- The HWC has an announcement system to alert patrons to the end of operational hours. All patrons are expected to be prepared to exit the facility after the announcement that the facility is closed. Individuals who delay their exit from the facility may lose membership privileges.
- When using the HWC please consider your own health history, seek counsel from your health provider, and use common sense. In case of an accident or illness, notify an HWC employee immediately. Your assistance in promoting safety is greatly appreciated.
- Participation is at your own personal risk.
Misconduct and Ejection Policy
If a participant(s) or spectator(s) in a Campus Recreation program or facility are ejected or suspended from any facility (indoor or outdoor), program, contest, or activity, they are immediately ineligible for further access or competition in any Campus Recreation program or facility until they are cleared by both Office of Student Conduct and the Campus Recreation Assistant Director/Director responsible for the program in which the misconduct and/or ejection occurred. Furthermore, any participant or spectator who violates Western Oregon University and/or Campus Recreation policies and procedures may also be suspended until they are cleared by the Campus Recreation Assistant Director/Director responsible for the program in which the misconduct occurs.
It is the participant’s responsibility to schedule an appointment with the appropriate Assistant Director to review their behavior and subsequent eligibility to participate in any Campus Recreation program or to utilize facilities after completing the Office of Student Conduct requirements. Participant suspensions are determined during the meeting with the Assistant Director/Director (i.e., self-imposed penalties are not considered). Assistant Director’s decisions may be appealed to the Campus Recreation Director; however, suspensions remain in force during the appeal process. An appeal beyond the Campus Recreation Director may be made to the Vice President of Student Affairs.
Anyone who commits, incites, or aids others in committing any of the following acts of unsportsmanlike or misconduct shall be subjected to disciplinary procedures after any sanctions provided by the Office of Student Conduct.
- Hitting, striking, or pushing a Campus Recreation employee (student or professional)
Disciplinary Action: Immediate suspension from Campus Recreation programs and/or facilities. Petition for reinstatement will be considered by the appropriate Assistant Director after a minimum of one calendar year up to an indefinite suspension.
- Hitting, striking, or pushing another participant, spectator, user, member, or guest
Disciplinary Action: Immediate suspension from Campus Recreation programs and/or facilities. Petition for reinstatement will be considered by the appropriate Assistant Director after a minimum of one calendar year up to an indefinite suspension.
- Threatening physical harm towards a Campus Recreation employee (student or professional), participant, user, member, guest, or spectator
Disciplinary Action: Immediate suspension from Campus Recreation facilities and/or programs for a minimum of one term up to an indefinite suspension.
- Verbally abusing, swearing or defaming a Campus Recreation employee (student or professional), participant, user, guest, or member
Disciplinary Action: Immediate suspension from Campus Recreation programs and/or facilities for a minimum of one month up to an indefinite suspension.
- Acting in a way which would cause equipment or facility damage (including spitting, snorting, screaming), and/or injury to a person
Disciplinary Action: Immediate suspension from Campus Recreation programs and/or facilities for a minimum of two weeks up to an indefinite suspension.
- Failing to cooperate and respond honestly to injuries or requests for assistance in identifying individuals who may be involved in incidents
Disciplinary Action: Immediate suspension from Campus Recreation programs and/or facilities for the individual and/or their team, club, or organization for a minimum of two weeks up to an indefinite suspension.
- Entering, using, or accessing any facility or program illegally such as using an assumed name or a WOU ID card illegally/inappropriately
Disciplinary Action: Indefinite suspension from Campus Recreation programs and/or facilities for a minimum of one week up to an indefinite suspension.
- Personal conduct situations that are not covered by other provisions not stated in the above items will be dealt with in an appropriate manner by the Assistant Director/Director. Any incident of unsportsmanlike or inappropriate behavior will be forwarded to Student Conduct and/or Campus Public Safety for additional appropriate action.
- All acts that are considered violations of the Code of Student Responsibility shall be referred to the Office of Student Conduct for disciplinary action.
Clothing Standards
In an effort to promote wellness education, safety, reduce the spread of communicable diseases (such as MRSA, ringworm, etc.), body image, and to prevent additional wear and tear on the facility/equipment, all members and guests should adhere to the clothing standards to participate in the HWC.
- Attire should cover the chest, abdomen, back and side areas from hip to armpit (an individual’s midsection).
- Shorts must be long enough to cover the buttocks and groin while exercising or moving.
- Trousers and shorts must be free of rivets, zippers or buttons to be in the cardio/weight areas.
- For health/sanitation reasons, bare feet are not allowed anywhere except:
- Locker rooms and swimming pool
- During HWC instructed fitness classes only in the multi-purpose studios
- In HWC 202 (The Studio) for kicking the heavy or Thai bag
- In HWC 253 (The Loft) for stretching/personal yoga routines on their own mats
- Non-marking shoes are required in multi=purpose rooms:
- In HWC 253 (The Loft) an exception is granted for socks or soft dancing shoes (Toesox and TheShu are acceptable) while working out due to no dumbbell, barbell or free weights being allowed.
- In HWC 202 (The Studio) an exception is granted for kicking the heavy or Thai bag patrons may use socks.
- Sandals, clogs, crocs and other open-toe shoes are permitted in the lobby and mezzanine areas.
- Vibram Five Finger shoes (and other similar shoes) are permitted to be worn throughout the HWC, excluding the climbing area. Patrons choosing to wear such shoes while using the HWC do so at their own risk.
- Due to the increased risk of injury, it is recommended that jewelry is removed prior to participating in any activities or before utilizing any equipment in the fitness areas.
- HWC staff reserves the right to determine if attire and footwear meet clothing standards and may deny access to anyone.
Bags and Personal Items
- Please store all items (personal, gym or book bags, sweatshirts, coats, etc) in a locker, on a wall hook or cubby. Open-faced cubbies and wall hooks are available throughout the facility or day lockers are available in both locker rooms.
- Campus Recreation staff shall not hold equipment, valuables, skateboards or bags for patrons or guests.
- Unattended items will be collected and considered lost if they are not stored in a cubby or locker. Please visit the Front Desk for lost and found items.
- Due to the lack of space and to limit possible hazards in the cardio and free weight area items are not allowed.
- Personal items, such as sweatshirts and additional articles of clothing, should not hang on cardiovascular and weight equipment. Items can fall and become lodged in moving equipment, such as treadmills.
- Lost and found items will be stored at the HWC Front Desk for one week before being relocated to University Public Safety.
Bicycles and Other Wheeled Vehicles
- The Health and Wellness Center supports the use of alternative transportation; however, wheeled vehicles (e.g., bicycles, skates, skateboards, longboards, and scooters) are prohibited in the HWC and within the exterior plaza.
- Bicycles, skateboards, and longboards may be parked in the racks provided outside at the owner’s risk. Bicycles and scooters locked to fences, handrails, or signs risk being removed.
- Skates and foldable scooters carried into the building must be stored in a locker.
Cell Phones and Paging
- The use of cell phones is permitted inside the HWC lobby and mezzanine area, provided they do not interfere with others’ enjoyment of the facility.
- Cell phone use for talking or photography is not permitted while using equipment or during activities.
- Due to privacy concerns and in fairness to other patrons, cell phone use is not allowed in activity (ex. cardio floor, weight room) areas or locker rooms and may be confiscated if inappropriate use is suspected.
- A “Media Release” must be completed at the HWC front desk prior to pictures being taken within the HWC facility.
- Pictures taken during tours will not require a “Media Release” as long as the picture is of specific things (ex. climbing wall, racquetball courts) and there are no patrons in the picture.
- The HWC is equipped with a paging system; however, the paging of patrons is only permitted in the case of an emergency.
- If there is an emergency and a patron must be reached, please contact the HWC Front Desk at 503-838-9530.
Electronic Surveillance
- For your safety and security, video cameras that can be monitored are located throughout activity areas of the HWC (not in locker rooms, restrooms, or changing areas).
Photography and Video
The intent of this policy is to maintain respect for the rights and privacy of our members and guests by preventing pictures without their consent. The following must be completed in order to record or take pictures within the HWC:
- Individuals wishing to take pictures or use a recording device in the HWC must have approval from the Campus Recreation staff.
- Please visit the HWC Front Desk and ask for a “Media Release”.
- Permission may be granted for video/audio taping of the general facility only.
- Members and/or guests involved in individual workouts such as weight lifting, aerobic dance, swimming, cardiovascular exercise and/or climbing cannot be photographed except as they appear in the background of a facility area. Unless assigned for an academic course or are apart of the Campus Recreation activities or programs.
- No close-up pictures allowed.
- No member may be singled out for recording purposes without their written consent documented on a WOU model release or group model release form.
- Complaints from members regarding any aspect related to the production of recordings in the HWC will result in termination of the recording process and forfeiture of the actual video (camera, phone) or memory card.
- The Department of Campus Recreation reserves the right to have the recordings made in our facilities removed from all viewing formats if a representative of the HWC Administrative staff determines that the standards of this agreement have been violated.
Disability Access
- It is the policy and practice of the Health and Wellness Center to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, state and local requirements regarding people with disabilities. Under these laws, no qualified individual with a disability shall be denied access to or participation in services, programs, and activities of the HWC.
- Participants are encouraged to contact Disabilities Services at 503-838-8250 (v/TTY) to request an accommodation in order to participate in HWC activities or if they feel an accommodation is not being met.
Pets
- As the WOU service animal policy states, the ADA defines a service animal as “any guide dog, signal dog, or other animals individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability,” and only these animals are permitted to enter the HWC—all others are prohibited.
- Bear in mind, however, that “the ADA authorizes places of public accommodation to impose restrictions if it [a service animal] is a safety requirement.”
Elevator
- The HWC is equipped with an elevator providing access between the first and second levels of the facility.
Emergencies and Evacuation Procedures
- In the event of a serious emergency, the HWC staff will direct patrons to a safe location.
- For your safety, and the safety of others, please follow all instructions given by staff.
- Disregard of posted emergency exit rules will result in the suspension of membership privileges.
Entrance and Exit
- The HWC is a dual entry/exit facility: use either the glass doors at the northeast or west side of the building.
- Other exits are for emergency use only and are monitored with alarms.
Food/Drink
- Water in a clear plastic or metal container with a sealable lid is allowed throughout the facility. Glass containers are not allowed.
- Food, sports drinks, and water with color or supplements added are prohibited except on the first floor or mezzanine area.
- Chewing gum is prohibited within the facility.
- Anyone exhibiting signs of being under the influence of a controlled substance will be reported to Campus Public Safety.
Smoking/Tobacco
- Smoking and tobacco use is prohibited on all Western Oregon University property and vehicles.
- Any individual who violates this policy may be subject to sanctions under the code of Student Conduct, discipline from Human Resources or membership cancellation.
Music
- Limit your personal music to headphones at appropriate volumes.
- Portable Bluetooth speakers, laptops, tablets or cell phones are not permitted in common workout or court areas playing music.
- Portable Bluetooth speakers, laptops, tablets and cell phones are allowed in the multi-purpose rooms for practice sessions as long as it does not interfere with others using the room. HWC staff does have the right to ask individuals to turn down or turn off the music.
Advertising, Solicitation, and Publicity
- Flyers or posters are rarely posted within the facility without the approval of the VSPA Office. HWC administrators may permit flyers to be distributed at the HWC Front Desk.
- Tape is not allowed on painted surfaces or gym floors.
- No flyers or posters are permitted on the exterior of the building.
- Off-campus advertising is not permitted.
- Solicitation is not allowed in or around the HWC without permission from Campus Recreation or Western Oregon University Administration.
- The HWC may not be used for private or commercial purposes unless such activity has been approved by Campus Recreation Administration. Examples of prohibited activity include, but are not limited to: personal training, private instruction, sales, solicitation, etc.
Comments and Concerns
- Please direct comments and concerns to the HWC Front Desk, through the website wou.edu/campusrec or by calling 503-838-9530.
Lost and Found
- Please contact the HWC Front Desk regarding lost or missing items.
- Lost items will be kept for up to two days; items that remain unclaimed will be sent to University Public Safety.
- HWC is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Found ID cards are kept in the business office for one week.
- All unclaimed WOU ID’s will be sent to the Werner University Center Information Desk at the end of each week.
Removal from Facility or Program
- The HWC reserves the right to remove anyone whose behavior violates the code of conduct, behavior, or personal safety policies.
- An individual who has been ejected/removed must leave the facility (defined as completely outside the exterior doors) and may only return if they have an academic commitment in the classroom portion of the HWC.
- In such cases, membership privileges will be revoked without a refund.
Family Changing Rooms
- Children 4 years and older are not permitted in the locker room of the opposite sex. However, the HWC does have two family changing/shower rooms.
- These rooms are also available to anyone needing special assistance or desiring a private changing area.