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Special Events
University of Mississippi

Venue Reservation Policies

Special Events coordinates reservations for campus venues within the Paul B. Johnson Commons East building.  Venues available for rental are a ballroom, banquet room, conference room, and add-on spaces; such as, parlors, porches, patio, and a portion of the Quad.

Below are some of the policies regarding rental and use of the venues within PBJ Commons East.  This is not an exhaustive list.  For more information regarding rental and full policy information, please contact us at jcreservations@olemiss.edu .  Please review the Fee Schedules listed under Services on our website for pricing information.

Usage of Event Spaces

Use of PBJ East is allowed on a daily basis from 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.  Before 8:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday; as well as a full day on Saturday and Sunday, will result in additional fees.

Decorations

Decorations, signs, and other materials may not be attached to the walls, doors, or painted surfaces.  Easels can be supplied by Special Events department.  All materials must be removed at the conclusion of the meeting, event, or program, unless a multi-day event.  The use of glitter, confetti, bubbles, fog/vapor machines, candles, hazardous materials, and similar items is strictly prohibited. Use of such items will result in a $200 fine.  For best practices, all decorations should be approved by the department of Special Events.

Fronting

Registered student organizations, university departments, or individuals may not serve as “fronts” for off-campus groups or individuals in order to gain unauthorized use of spaces for the off-campus user. Meetings and events reserved by registered student organizations or university departments must fall under the following guidelines:

  • The event/meeting must be conceptualized, planned, and managed by the registered student organization or university department and must truly be an organization or department initiative.
  • Any costs associated with the event/meeting must be paid by the registered student organization either by providing a university account number, UM Foundation account number, cash, or check from external banking account belonging to the registered student organization or university department.
  • If the Special Events department suspects and/or believes that a reservation is fronting, reservation capabilities for the sponsoring organization and/or department will be revoked.

To be good stewards of our resources, the Special Events department promotes and supports the initiatives and programs of the university, departments, and registered student organizations, not individuals or businesses. Special Events will determine on-campus vs. off-campus sponsorship by considering the nature of the event, past experience with respect to similar events, type, and the nature of attendees.

Alcohol

Alcohol use in the facility must be in accordance with the University of Mississippi Alcohol Policy.  All events where alcohol is served require security. All alcohol must be served by a Mississippi licensed caterer.

Smoking/Vaping

Smoking and/or vaping are prohibited at all times, and at all locations of The University of Mississippi Oxford campus, including university-owned facilities, properties, and grounds. This includes but is not limited to the following:

  • The interior of all university-owned buildings;
  • All outside property or grounds of the Oxford campus, including sidewalks, parking lots, recreational areas and partially enclosed areas such as walkways, breezeways, patios, porches, gazebos, tents and bus shelters.

Departments and organizations found in violation of this policy are subject to loss of space reservation privileges for one calendar year from the date of reservation with the Special Events department.

Noise and Amplified Sound

All meetings, events, and programs should be conducted in such a manner as not to produce excessive noise that may be disruptive to others. Inside meeting rooms, amplified sounds need to be kept at an acceptable level.  Decibel levels for amplified outdoor sound shall not exceed 80 dB from thirty (30) feet from the sound source. All outdoor sound must be in accordance with the University of Mississippi Amplified Sound Policy.  The Special Events department reserves the right to ask any group to bring their activity within acceptable sound levels.

Open Flame

Any use of fire producing articles (e.g., candles, incense, matches, etc.) is strictly prohibited.

Inclement Weather

When hazardous weather is imminent, the Special Events department will follow appropriate emergency action plans and campus protocol to meet the safety and security of the campus and community. We ask that all guests follow procedures and comply with instructions during these weather and safety situations.

When the University of Mississippi issues a full closure of the university for any reason, the Special Events department will cancel all reservations within PBJ East.  For announcements related to campus closure, visit emergency.olemiss.edu.