Last fall’s Homecoming dance raised concern about awareness of school policies regarding dances on campus after the event in October ended in a fight.
Policies concerning student events on campus are outlined in the 2009-10 Student Handbook, according to Murphie Culpepper, student activities director. She is in charge of approving all events hosted on campus.
She said students may not know the guidelines, but her office is open to clearing up any questions about them.
Culpepper is responsible for reserving the Loft and events that are hosted in the space, located in the basement of McConnell Hall.
Robin Cole, assistant dean of students, is in charge of reserving any activity inside Wren student union. This includes Timberline, Blue Lounge and Belk Auditorium.
When an organization or group hosts an event on campus, a full-time faculty or staff member must be present at the event, Culpepper said, which was the case at the Homecoming dance.
That night, what started as a one-on-one tiff between a few students grew into a brawl involving members of the MHC football team and other attendees from off campus. An MHC football coach broke up the fight; no injuries were reported.
“Students may use the Loft at no fee, but there must be a faculty member present,” Culpepper said in an email.
Groups not associated with Mars Hill College may reserve the Loft for a fee of $100 and must also be approved by Culpepper.
Student and non-student groups can charge admission to events, but the event must be a fundraiser, Culpepper said. In that case, students must fill out an “application to solicit” form and have their adviser sign it.
"Students cannot hold events . . . and charge for no reason," she said in an email.
A reservation sheet is available for those who wish to sign up to rent the Loft, along with a signature of the faculty member that will be present at the event. The Loft must be reserved at least two weeks in advance.
The student handbook policy reads as follows:
“The Loft, located in the former McConnell Gym, is a multi-purpose student entertainment facility. Much of the Loft, and other activities such as dances, club and organizational activities and rehearsals make the facility vital to student life at MHC. Reservations for the Loft must be made at least two weeks in advance through the Director of Student Activities. Reservations will be granted based on availability and consent from the Director of Student Activities. An approved DJ is required for any event using the Loft’s sound system and is available for a fee. A faculty or staff member must be present at all times.”
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