Rules of Conduct
for Smith Memorial Student Union (SMSU)
As members of an academic community, Smith Memorial Student Union patrons as well as Smith employees are responsible for sustaining a safe and scholarly environment. Smith defines this as an environment supportive of study, student development, recreation, retail and other business within the building, including conference spaces, and a variety of student resources. While we welcome everyone, including community guests, our primary focus is Portland State University (PSU) students and employees.
We ask everyone to treat each other with courtesy and respect.
We ask that you refrain from disruptive or disorderly conduct, or behavior that disturbs the safe and scholarly environment of Smith Memorial Student Union, including but not limited to:
- Using loud, obscene, abusive, or threatening language;
- Making noise that is disruptive or otherwise interferes with the safe and scholarly environment;
- Engaging in behavior that violates the University’s Prohibited Discrimination and Harassment Policy or any other University or Smith policy or standard;
- Damaging or destroying building property, including engaging in graffiti, vandalism, and other actions likely to cause damage to the building or its contents;
- Behavior that disrupts the safe and scholarly environment;
- Handing out printed materials, leaving them on study tables, or posting printed materials on doors, walls, and bulletin boards not specifically designated for that purpose;
- Soliciting or selling items without pre-approval from Smith Management. Contact the Campus Events & Student Union office, conferences@pdx.edu, or 503-725-2663;
- Using seating or space in a way that interferes with the safe and scholarly environment of Smith. Examples include:
- blocking the aisles and walkways with large amounts of personal belongings
- using public space as living quarters;
- Misuse of space, i.e., sleeping in a public area for an extended period or in a manner that is disruptive to others, entering private offices without permission, refusing to leave offices after being asked to leave by tenants, unscheduled use of meeting rooms, use of lounge and public areas for private meetings and large gatherings;
- Smoking, including any inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying any lighted or electronic device, or use of tobacco in any smokeless form;
- Posing an unreasonable risk to health or safety, including but not limited to offensive personal hygiene that disrupts the safe and scholarly environment, failure to wear shoes and shirts at all times;
- Bringing any item into Smith or possessing an item that creates a hazard to others, or placing items in a way that impedes access to services. The following items are not allowed in Smith:
- bicycles
- skateboards
- scooters
- weapons
- or items that can be mistaken for weapons;
- Leaving personal belongings unattended;
- Going through recycle bins or trash cans;
- Refusing to leave the building at closing time.
Restrooms: Restroom use shall not create a safety or health hazard for other users. No person shall use restrooms for purposes of bathing, showering, cutting hair, or for more than casual grooming. Restrooms are not to be used for washing personal belongings, including clothes and dishes.
Disruptive behavior: In the event of disruptive or disorderly conduct, or behavior that disturbs the safe and scholarly environment of Smith, Smith Management may request that you leave the premises. Refusal to comply with this request may result in a referral to Campus Public Safety.
Service and support animals: Service animals are welcome. Support animals are allowed if they are registered with the Disability Resource Center or Human Resources. All other animals are prohibited unless otherwise pre-approved by Campus Events and Student Union (CESU) Management.
Violations: For PSU students and employees, the Building Access Policy and Policies and Codes of Conduct at PSU outline expectations as well as processes to be followed should violations occur. Community guests who violate these policies may be referred to Campus Public Safety and asked to leave Smith.
Contact the Campus Events & Student Union office, 503-725-2663, with questions about these rules.
Revised December 2021