USC Lancaster
Facilities Rental Policies and Procedures
(Revised January 3, 2013)

The following are the policies and procedures for facility rental at the University of South Carolina Lancaster.  These topics will address many of the questions that are frequently asked by occupants.  With additional questions, contact:

Business Office
USC Lancaster
P O Box 889
Lancaster, SC 29721
803-313-7115 | Fax: 803-313-7132
doveta@mailbox.sc.edu

Availability
The University of South Carolina Lancaster (USCL) facilities are generally available to University affiliated organizations, business, civic, and community organizations and, individuals.  USC Lancaster reserves the right to disallow any function which it deems unsuitable for the facility or incompatible with the University’s mission.

Reservations/Payment Schedule
One-half of the base rental fee must be paid at the time the facility is reserved plus a $100.00 security deposit (“booking fee”). The balance must be paid within 10 business days prior to event. The security deposit will be refunded after the event provided excess cleanup is not required and there is no damage to the premises.   The estimated payment for additional services, if any, is due on the last business day before the event. 

Permit to Occupy
Lessee must supply a copy of the Permit to Occupy from the Lancaster City Fire Department in order to receive confirmation of a reservation.

Rental Period 
All facilities are rented up to 8 hours per day.  All events must conclude and the facility vacated no later than 11:30 p.m.  An additional fee of $50.00 per half hour or fraction thereof will be added and lessee agrees to forfeiture of the Security Deposit if the premises are not vacated by 11:30 p.m.   The 8-hour rental period includes load-in and load-out of materials.  The rental period is determined by the amount of time the facility is rented, not by the amount of time the facility is occupied.

Insurance
Persons and entities renting USC Lancaster facilities are required to provide a certificate of general liability insurance coverage which names USC Lancaster as an additional insured.

Damages
Charges will be billed for any damages to the facility, equipment or furnishings which occur during use.  This includes tape on doors, walls or floors.  Additional charges will apply when excess cleanup is required. There is a minimum $75.00 fee for excess cleanup.

Cancellation/Refund
Notification of cancellation must be made in writing thirty (30) days prior to the event.  Booking fees will be refunded if cancellation is made more than thirty (30) days prior to the event.  However, if the cancellation is made thirty (30) days or less of the event, the booking fee is non-refundable.

Occupancy Guidelines/Fire Hazards
All occupancy and fire codes must be followed at all times.  This information can be found on the Permit to Occupy.  The Lancaster City Police and/or Fire Department are authorized to observe an event taking place on campus and take action(s) necessary for the safety and well-being of persons on campus.  Please contact USC Lancaster should you have any questions regarding occupancy or fire hazards.

Cooking/Open Flames
Cooking, open flames, and candles are not permitted in any USC Lancaster facility.  This includes canned fuel for reheating food.

Lighting
Lighting is not permitted on real or artificial trees, plants, etc.  This includes Christmas tree lights, lighted decorations, indirect spot lights, and/or any other lighting apparatus not approved by USC Lancaster.

Decorations
Decorations are permitted so long as they comply with University Guidelines as well as State Guidelines.  Decorations are only permitted within the facilities designated on the contract.  No decorations may be pinned, taped, wired to the light fixtures, walls or ceilings.  Decorations in the hallway, atrium, and at any entrance/exit are prohibited.  Lessees who do not comply with the decorations guidelines will be asked to remove decorations and may be asked to vacate the facility.  No refund of the rental fee and other charges will be issued.                   

Posters/Signs
No signs or posters are allowed to be pinned or taped to fixtures, doors or walls.

Alcoholic Beverages
Alcoholic beverages are only allowed to be served or consumed in the Banquet Hall in Bradley Building.  The event coordinator must provide proof of licensed caterer and ABC Licensing.

Food and Beverages
Food and beverages are only allowed to be served or consumed in the Banquet Hall in Bradley, and Carole Ray Dowling Community room.  Food and beverages are not permitted in lobby areas, atrium, or hallways in the Bradley Building.

Atrium/Lobby/Hallways (Bradley Building)
The use of the atrium, lobby area and hallways is prohibited except to gain access to meeting facilities.  Rental only includes use of facilities designated on the contract.  A gift table and registration table may be permitted outside of the Banquet Hall.

Tobacco Use
The use of tobacco products is prohibited in all USC Lancaster facilities.

Audiovisual Equipment/Lighting
Operation of audio/visual equipment and lighting is only to be performed by USC Lancaster personnel.