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Chapter Three: Student Activities, Governance and Athletics

ALCOHOL AT EVENTS PROCEDURE

There shall be no possession or use of alcoholic beverages of any kind at any University Student Sponsored Event.
Failure to comply with the above procedure may result in the event being canceled and/or loss of future programming privileges. For further information, see Connecticut codes 30-76a, 30-86, 30,87, 30-88a, 30-89, 30-100, 30-102, 30-113, and City of Bridgeport local ordinances.

 

ATHLETICS AND CAMPUS RECREATION PROGRAMS
Students have an opportunity to be involved in a variety of recreation and sporting activities at every level of competition from intramural to intercollegiate.

Eligibility for Participation in Intercollegiate Athletics                                                                             

 

Contact the Director for compliance (203) 576-4734 for eligibility requirements.

Sports Schedules and further information may be obtained from the Athletic Office (203) 576-4059 or visit www.bridgeport.edu/athletics.

 

Intercollegiate Athletics

The University Athletics program offers the following intercollegiate Athletic Teams:
  Fall           Men's Soccer
         Men's Cross Country
         Women's Soccer
         Women's Volleyball
         Women's Cross Country
     
  Winter Women's Gymnastics
          Men's Basketball
    Men's Junior Varsity Basketball
    Women's Basketball
    Women's Swimming 
     
  Spring Men's Baseball
 
    Women's Softball                                              
Men's Junior Varsity Baseball
 
The University's intercollegiate athletic program participates actively in the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC), the East Coast Conference (ECC) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
The Harvey Hubbell Gymnasium is the center for intercollegiate athletic programs. Adjacent to the University in Seaside Park is where the baseball and softball teams play. The baseball team also plays at the Harbor Yard Stadium.  The multipurpose field (Knights Field) located behind Hubbell Gymnasium is home to the soccer teams.
Intramurals
The Intramural program is administered through the Wheeler Recreation Center (WRC). Students are to check with the intramural coordinator's office concerning eligibility or rules regarding the program. All full-time University of Bridgeport students are eligible to participate in intramurals. The intramural offerings include: volleyball, badminton, racquetball, cricket, soccer, basketball, floor hockey, and flag football.
Wheeler Recreation Center
The Wheeler Recreation Center (WRC) provides general recreation for students, faculty, and staff members from the UB community.  An Olympic-sized swimming pool, steam and sauna rooms, a new weight room, cardio theater, racquetball court and a large multi-purpose room for basketball, track and volleyball are available for our students’ use.  All full-time graduate and undergraduate student memberships are included in their tuition fees for the academic year. There is an additional cost for spouse and family memberships.
WRC Hours of Operation (during the academic year)
Monday-Thursday: 6:30 a.m.-11:00 p.m        Friday: 6:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.       Sunday: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
 
REGISTRATION FOR EVENTS
Student organizations are required to register all events with the Office for Special Events at 576-4530 or specialevents@bridgeport.edu and with the Director of Campus Activities at 576-4487 or campusactivities@bridgeport.edu at least two weeks prior to its taking place.
Admission to Events
The sponsoring group is responsible for regulating admissions to its event. A member of the sponsoring group must be at the entrance at all times during the event.
Admission shall be through one entrance only.
When admission is not by ticket, a numerical counter or writstbands shall be used to count admissions.
When the event is a concert, the sponsoring group shall make every effort to insure that all seats have been filled. Under no circumstances will sitting on the floor or the blocking of aisles be allowed.
Advisors - One faculty/staff member must be designated as advisor for the event. The advisor's signature, stating that he/she will be present during the entire time of the event, is required in order to complete the event registration form.
Conduct And Closing
The student in charge and his/her organization are responsible for the general conduct at the event as well as closing the event at the scheduled closing time. If food or beverages are brought back to the residence halls after the event, the student(s) in charge of the organization will be held personally responsible for any damage or vandalism caused by such food or beverages.
Exceptions - There are no exceptions to the registration procedures.
Expectations and Standards for Off-Campus Functions
Organizations that are recognized by UB and have any off-campus UB endorsed event(s) are expected to regard themselves as representatives of the campus community and accept responsibility for behavior that will reflect well upon the campus community. Failure to do so may result in removal of recognition by the University as an approved campus organization. The organization's Advisor must approve and be aware of all the planning stages for endorsed off-campus events, and must be present at the event.
Expectations and Standards for Off-Campus Functions that are not Endorsed by the University
Students must be cognizant of the fact that their behavior off-campus reflects upon the entire University community. Therefore, students are expected to exercise maturity and responsibility at all events, whether on campus or off-campus. Failure to do so may result in expulsion of the group's members or suspension for recognition of the organization.
In a case where the University does not endorse an event, the following is advised:
The person entering an agreement with representatives of the organization for the use of his/her premises must be informed that the University is not a signatory to any agreements.
Organizations may not use the name of the University in any advertising, promotions, publications, etc., whether advertising is on or off campus.
Organizations are encouraged to purchase insurance.  
Forms - Event registration forms are to be obtained from the Special Events Office or the Campus Activities Office and returned to the Special Events Office at least two weeks in advance.
Responsibilities of the Security Officers
It will be the responsibility of the assigned security officers to maintain safety and order during the event. If the host or advisor incurs a problem, they should notify a Security officer for help during the event.  In the event of difficulty with regards to behavior and/or safety, the security officers will take their orders from the Director of Campus Security or his/her designee. Security officers are responsible for the use of safety equipment and any other facilities for the maintenance of security (e.g. light switches, exits, phones, etc.). Under no circumstances are security officers to be responsible for collecting tickets, counting admissions, handling money or carrying out details, which are the group's responsibility. Campus Security is responsible for escort service for the safe deposit of receipts.
Security Officers will:
Remain stationed at the entrance until students have stopped admitting guests.
Make periodic checks of the rest rooms and other rooms.
Make periodic rounds of the building to make sure it is secured.
Remain at the event until all students have left, cleaned up and locked up.
Refrain from socializing with students during the event.
Refuse to have alcohol served to any individual who appears to be intoxicated.
Secure safe transportation for students who have been ejected from the event due to intoxication.
Security at Events
The Office for Special Events, upon receiving the completed Social Events Registration form, will notify Campus Security of the function to be held. Security will be assigned depending on the nature and location of the function. Security reserves the right to decrease or increase the number of security personnel at its discretion. The organization/individual sponsoring the function is responsible for payment for the assigned security protection. Billing will be processed through the University's Business Office. Officers are not to be paid directly. In case of an emergency or disturbance, Campus Security/Police Officers on duty will assume control and close the event, if necessary. Fire laws may require Fire Marshall(s) to be present at events. All clubs and organizations must confirm with the Director for Special Events whether or not a fire marshal is needed for the event and to plan for that additional expense accordingly. In the event of cancellation of an event, all Campus Security, Bridgeport Fire Department and Bridgeport Police Department personnel must be paid for four hours if 48-hours cancellation notice has not been given to Special Events.
Ticket Sales                                                                                                                                                        The number of tickets to be sold for an event may not be greater than the capacity of the space in which the event will be held. Any complimentary tickets will be taken from the total of tickets to be sold. Under no circumstances will the total of complimentary tickets and actual sales exceed the capacity of the space to be used for the event. Monies collected at any event are to be given to the Advisor who in turn will give it to a Campus Security Officer. The Security Officer will take all monies to the Security office for safe keeping.
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
At the University of Bridgeport, opportunities are available for personal growth, relaxation, leadership development, and recreation. Student activities vary from cultural, artistic, civic, political, and athletic to recreational. All activities and programs are an important element of college life and the education process. The planning of student activities is done with the purpose of complementing and enhancing the academic mission of the University, improving campus community spirit, providing constructive social interaction, and contributing to students' physical, emotional and intellectual development.
Regulation of alcohol use is discussed below and elsewhere in the Key.  UNDER CONNECTICUT LAW THE USE OF ALCOHOL BY A MINOR ON PRIVATE PROPERTY IS ILLEGAL AND THE OWNER AND/OR OPERATOR OF THE LOCATION MAY BE HELD CRIMINALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONSEQUENCES.  The University is private property.
Procedures for an Event
Meeting and other rooms may be reserved for a specific event or regular meetings, by students, faculty, staff, or outside groups, during the academic year by contacting the Office of Special Events, (203-576-4530 or specialevents@bridgeport.edu) at least two weeks prior to the event. Room capacity is determined by the Bridgeport Fire Department and must be kept in mind when an organization plans its function.
The following is a sampling of rooms that are available for events that are located in the Student Center:
Student Center Social Room: The Social Room is a large multi-purpose room
Private Dining Room: Meetings would be appropriate to be held in this room
Knight's End Café: A large cafeteria-style room
Faculty/Staff Dining Room: Small concerts and coffeehouse nights are often here
The Twisted Lounge: This is a student-run coffee shop
Poolroom: A perfect place for a tournament
To insure proper planning and preparation, student organizations are responsible for reviewing all University-wide social events sponsored by student organizations, at least two weeks in advance of the event, with the Director of Campus Activities. Groups wanting to reserve any room in the Student Center or at any other on campus building must first meet with the Director of Special Events. In general, when using any on-campus room for an event, the following must be observed:
Only authorized persons may be admitted to the event. IDs must be checked.
Campus Security will determine security requirements.
The organization's advisor must be present.
Band members and entertainers must be dressed in good taste.
Attendance may not exceed the determined room capacity.
Any and all decorations and tablecloths must be fireproof to comply with state fire laws.
The rooms and adjacent lobby areas are to be left as neat and clean as possible.
No tape may be used on walls.
Secure the return of all borrowed equipment.
University owned equipment may only be used on University property.
All advertisements of the event must meet University guidelines.
Other important plans to review are:
Proper control of doors, tickets, money collection, and bracelet distribution must be in place.
Contracts may only be signed by the University's CFO and only after approval by the Director for Campus  Activities.
Compliance with any specific building use policies that affect a given area.
If security is required at an event, the Student Government Association must pre-approve security expenditures prior to a student organization moving forward with the event.
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS                                                                                                                              
Listed below is a sample of organizations that were approved and registered in recent academic years.  Graduate clubs and organizations should seek funding through their individual school or college. All clubs and organizations must register with the Director of Campus Activities. If you are interested in obtaining more information about any group or if you have other questions relating to clubs or organizations, confer with the Director of Campus Activities in the Student Center, room 117.  UB approved organizations are not authorized to enter into contracts; commitments can be made through the Director of Campus Activities.
2007/2008 List of Registered Clubs and Organizations
Academy of Kuntau Jiu Jitsu
Ballroom Dance Club
Black Student Alliance
Campus Crusade for Christ
Caribbean Heritage Association of Students
Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latina Sorority
Club India
F.L.O.H. (Future Leaders of Hip-Hop)
Gospel Choir
Greek Council
Himalayan Club
International Awareness Club
Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity
Latin American Club
Linux Club
Multicultural Club
Muslim Students Association
National Association of Black Accountants
National Society of Black Engineers
National Society for Leadership and Success
Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society
Residential Hall Association
Scribe (student newspaper)
Service for Peace Campus Corps
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority
Tempted 2 Dance
Turkish Students Association
UB Biology Club
UB Creative
UB Debate Society
UBET (UB Events Team)
UBSGA (UB Student Government Association)
University Singers
Yogalates
Young Leaders Investment Club
Forming a New Undergraduate Student Organization
The requirements for the formation of a new student organization are as follows:
A charter membership of no fewer than, but not limited to, 10 full-time undergraduate students who are in good academic standing (minimum of 2.00 GPA) after at least one semester at this University.
The organization's executive board must consist only of undergraduate students.
A group constitution presented to, and approved by, the Student Government Association Speaker of the House and the Director of Campus Activities, containing a statement that the group will not discriminate against any person or persons because of race, creed, color, national origin, age, religion, handicap or sexual orientation.
The signature of one faculty/administrator who has accepted the group's invitation to advise the group and its activities, and be present at the group's events.
For student organizations (new or existing) to be recognized by the University, they must have a Constitution on file with Student Government Association and must register with the Director of Campus Activities annually.
In the case of a new national fraternity or sorority, admission to the Greek Council (I.F.S.C.) is also required if one exists.
An inactive undergraduate student organization may become reactivated by:
Inform the Student Government Association of the group's intention to reactivate the Constitution.
Submit to the Director of Campus Activities the names of the new officers and the name of the faculty/administrator who accepted the group's invitation to be its advisor.
Review, update (if necessary) and submit the organization's Constitution.
Confer with Director of Campus Activities.
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS/CLUBS
Commuter Student Association                                                                                                                                                                                 Through various social and academic programs, the Commuter Student Association involves all commuters in University life. The Association is open to new ideas and invites all commuters to become involved in its activities. The Commuter Student Association is committed to keeping the commuters active and informed about the University. The President of the Commuter Student Association is an elected member of the Student Government Association.
Fraternities and Sororities
The University of Bridgeport only recognizes nationally affiliated fraternities and sororities. All chapters' charters must be consistent with the University's objectives and their constitutions non-discriminatory and non-restrictive. The University expects the Greek community to effectively serve itself and the University. Any/all interested parties wanting to expand onto the University campus must meet first with the Dean of Students or designee. Interest groups must have the desire to affiliate with an inter/nationally recognized fraternity/sorority.
Funding of Student Clubs and Organizations
University recognized student organizations may apply for an allocation of funds from the Undergraduate Student Government Association or other funded organizations for operating expenses during any year that the club is active. A campus group desiring an allocation of funds must follow this procedure:
Register its organization with the Campus Activities Office.
Have an approved constitution on file with the Campus Activities Office at the time of the request.
Follow the procedures for requesting funds from the Student Government Association CFO.
Honor and Professional Societies
Students who excel have the opportunity for recognition, by invitation, to become members of honor or professional societies. Eligibility for these organizations may be determined by inquiry to the organization presidents or advisors.
Office Space
All clubs desiring office space in the Student Center should make the request to the Director for Campus Activities. Office space is very limited and not all requests will be granted.
Residence Hall Association (RHA)
(See Chapter IV on Residential Life)
Student Government Association                                                                                                                          
The Undergraduate Student Government Association (SGA) is the representative form of student government for the undergraduate student body. The Constitution is available in the SGA office, room 231, Student Center. In striving to promote good citizenship and democratic fellowship, the University of Bridgeport representative student government gives individual students the experience of active participation in governmental procedure and further develops in each student a sense of personal responsibility for the welfare of the University Community.
 
STUDENT SPONSORED EVENT POLICY
I.  Definition
University Student Sponsored Events shall fall into two categories; the first, dance events, shall be defined as social gatherings where the primary focus is for the attendees to dance for entertainment purposes and expected attendance is of more than 50 persons. They are functions held in University spaces designated for planned gatherings.   For functions held in residential lounges, please refer to the Residential Life guidelines in the “Key to UB.”
The second category refers to registered student-sponsored events that are not dance events. These events would be defined as having a non-participating audience. Examples of these would include talent and fashion shows, fine arts performances, lectures and debates, hypnotism/comedy shows, events which directly support the academic mission of the university and events which primarily are cultural, intellectual or education in nature.
All aspects of University Student Sponsored Events, including advertising, should reflect the intent of this policy. 
 
II.  Off-Campus Advertising
Off-campus advertising is limited to advertising at the following area colleges/universities; Fairfield University, Housatonic Community College and Sacred
Heart University. Approval to advertise at other colleges and universities must be obtained from the Director of Campus Activities at least two weeks in advance. Approval and guidelines for posting fliers must be obtained and adhered to at each school. No other off-campus advertising of student sponsored social events is permitted. Exceptions to this rule must be requested from the Office of Campus Activities (room 117, Student Center).
 
III.  Admission
UB Students
UB Students must present a valid UB ID to obtain entrance to an event. UB students may escort no more than 2 guests to an event.
Students from Area Universities
Students from area universities must present a valid student ID from their school. With the exception of students from Fairfield, Housatonic and Sacred Heart, all other college students will be asked to sign-in at the door on the Guest Register and leave their ID at the door.
Guests
Only college students, with valid ID are permitted admittance to UB dance events.
 
IV.  Entrance Requirements
A. Entrance will be prohibited to persons appearing to be intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
B. Backpacks, bags, weapons (or weapon facsimiles), beverage containers, recording devices, canes, laser pointers, and sticks (or other hand carried implements), will not be allowed into the event. If discovered inside, event participant must surrender items in question or leave event.
C. Wristbands must be provided to and worn by, all attendees. Two different colored wristbands will be provided, one color for guests and one for UB students. Wristbands will be provided free of charge by the Office of Campus Activities.
D. The percentage of UB students to outside guests must not be less than 70% UB students. These numbers will be controlled through the appropriate number of wristbands provided by the Office of Campus Activities. Limits on total number of attendees will be per the occupancy requirements for the requested room. Information regarding occupancy requirements can be obtained from the Special Events Office (room 229, Student Center).
 
V.  Available Days and Times for Parties
Dance events, as defined in section I, may only occur on Friday or Saturday nights. Parties may only be scheduled for a four-hour time period. All dance events will end no later than 2:00 am.
 
VI.  Other Guidelines
Student organizations are expected to adhere to the procedures for holding an event as outlined in Chapter Three of the Key to UB. This Student Sponsored Event Policy supersedes any other University of Bridgeport guest and attendance policies.
 
VII.  Conditions for Use
The University of Bridgeport reserves the right and responsibility to control access to, and use of, its property. It is expected that all parties involved will give thoughtful attention to proper event planning and agree to take all necessary steps before, during and after an activity to ensure the event’s success. Failure to comply with the provisions as outlined in this policy may result in a range of penalties for sponsoring organizations. Penalties may include official reprimand, financial repayment of charges, and suspended use of specific University facilities.
WANDING POLICY                                                                                                                                              
All persons seeking to enter any University-affiliated party must be free of weapons and other prohibited items (as defined below) before they are admitted to the party. For the protection of its students and their guests, the University of Bridgeport (“UB”) requires that its security officers screen with a hand wand metal detector (“wanding”) every person entering certain parties sponsored by a student organization affiliated with UB. The parties subject to wanding are those where: a) alcoholic beverages will be available; b) live music will be provided; c) attendance of more than fifty (50) persons are expected or arrive to attend; or d) the event is open to area colleges and universities, a significant number of invited guests, or the general Bridgeport community. The University's acting Dean of Students has the discretion to implement or not to implement this procedure in circumstances that it deems appropriate, in its absolute discretion.
City of Bridgeport police officers may be present at University-sponsored parties. Any prohibited item (as defined below) or other unlawful or dangerous item is subject to confiscation and possession of that item may be reported to a police officer on duty at the party, if any is present the police officer may arrest any person believed to have violated any Federal or State law.
Students found to be in possession of guns or other weapons will be referred to the Dean of Students or his/her designee and will be subject to discipline, including but not limited to expulsion from UB. At the discretion of the Dean ,or the faculty/student advisor of the sponsoring organization, a student or guest who has brought a weapon or other prohibited item to the event may be excluded from the party and UB property. If the student or guest is not arrested and not excluded from UB property the student or guest  must leave the location of the social event.
Notice                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Every UB-sponsored party at which wanding will be used must have two or more large signs prominently displayed outside the entrance to the party, stating:
FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE STUDENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF BRIDGEPORT AND THEIR GUESTS, ALL PERSONS ENTERING THIS BUILDING WILL BE SCREENED BY UNIVERSITY SECURITY OFFICERS FOR WEAPONS, METAL OBJECTS OR ANY OTHER ITEM THAT IS DEEMED TO CONSTITUTE A POSSIBLE WEAPON. IF YOU DO NOT CONSENT TO BE SCREENED, YOU WILL BE DENIED ENTRANCE.
ANY STUDENTS OR GUESTS FOUND TO BE IN POSSESSION OF ANY PROHIBITED ITEMS WILL BE SUBJECT TO ARREST AND DISCIPLINE. STUDENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY MAY BE EXPELLED IF THEY ARE FOUND TO BE IN POSSESSION OF WEAPONS OR OTHER PROHIBITED ITEMS, SUCH AS:
  Firearms Bullets Needles Needles and syringes
  Knives of any length Ice Picks Explosive devices
  Cutting instruments of any kind Straight razors Anything shaped like a
  Switchblades Elongated Scissors   cylinder or with wires
If there are tickets to the party, the tickets should include a similar warning.
Hand Wanding Procedure
All students and their guests arriving at parties where wanding will be used will be screened using a hand wand metal detector before they are permitted to enter the party to ensure that no weapons or other dangerous items are brought in to the party. Anyone who declines to be wanded will not be admitted to the party.
Only UB Security Officers may perform the hand wand screening. Security Officers are expected to remain professional and courteous during the hand wanding process.  Any UB student, faculty or staff may request a copy of the complete "Hand Wanding Procedure" by submitting a written request to the Director of Campus Security.
Prohibited Items
Weapons of any type, including items which may appear to be a weapon
Firearms
Knives of any length
Cutting instruments of any kind including leathermans, carpet knives, box cutters and other folding or retractable blades, regardless of blade length or composition, even those less than four inches, whether metallic or non-metallic
Switchblades
Bullets 
Ice picks
Straight razors
Elongated scissors 
Needles and syringes unless proved by possession of medication that has a professionally printed label identifying the medication, or manufacturer's name or pharmaceutical label
Explosive devices, including anything shaped like a cylinder or any object with wires coming from it, should be questioned.
City of Bridgeport police officers may be consulted. Any prohibited items must be turned over to the police immediately for inspection and possible arrest. In addition, if any University of Bridgeport student is found to be in possession of a gun, other weapon, or item with the appearance of a weapon, the security officer must report his or her name to the Dean of Students, his/her designee and the Faculty/Student advisor.  If the student or guest is neither subject to arrest nor to report to the University, the student or guest will still be asked to leave the premise of the social event.

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