Office of the Dean of Students          

2609 University Avenue

General Policies

The following general policies and guidelines pertain to the Student Services Building (SSB). Any exceptions to these policies may be approved by the Student Services Policy Committee.

Alcoholic Beverages

Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in the building. However, the chief executive officer of The University of Texas at Austin may waive this restriction with respect to any university sponsored event. An event is sponsored if a budgeted office, department or division of The University of Texas at Austin is responsible for organizing the event, inviting attendees and paying event-related expenses, including the purchase of food and beverages. Meetings or events organized and presented by registered faculty, staff or student organizations are not considered university sponsored events.

Animals

With the exception of certified support animals and animals involved in appropriate university activities, no animals are permitted inside the building.

Bicycle Racks, Bikes, Skateboards, Etc.

Bicycles, mopeds, skateboards and roller skates (including in-line skates) are not permitted in the building, with exception of storage of a bicycle by a staff member working in the building. The staff member must obtain appropriate approval from their department head. This prohibition does not apply to wheelchairs or other mechanical or automated equipment designed for and used by people with impaired mobility. Bicycles are not permitted on the elevated walkways on the second floor, impeding walkways and access to rooms.

Controlled Substances (Drugs)

State law relating to the possession, use, or sale of intoxicants will be strictly enforced.

Equipment and Property

All equipment and material items purchased from university accounts are the property of the university (ref. The University of Texas at Austin Policy Memorandum 6.320). Equipment considered as capital equipment (>$5,000) or controlled equipment ($500-$4999) shall be assigned to a departmental inventory. Department heads are responsible for proper use, maintenance and protection of equipment and materials. Each department is responsible for disposing of surplus equipment in accordance with university policy.

Extension Cords and Power Strips

The use of extension cords in place of permanent electrical wiring on campus is not permitted. Extension cords can be used for temporary purposes, such as accommodating the wiring needs of a meeting. Contact Student Activities or the Student Services Building (SSB) building manager if additional power outlets are needed.

Power strips are permitted, as long as you plug them directly into the wall and do not plug more than one power strip into a single outlet, or plug a power strip into another power strip.

For more information visit the Fire Prevention website http://www.utexas.edu/safety/fire/safety/faqs.html.

Firearms

Texas law states that possession of firearms, illegal knives, clubs or other prohibited weapons on a college campus is a third-degree felony. Possession or use of firearms and weapons that could inflict bodily harm or result in disturbances of the peace are strictly prohibited in the 2609 University building. The prohibition applies to all persons, students, faculty, staff and campus visitors, and it applies to all areas of the University. Facsimiles, including water guns and airguns, are also prohibited in the facility without prior approval of the Dean of Students.

A form is required for any student or student organization wanting to possess, use, or display firearms, facsimilie firearms, ammunition, explosives or other weapons on property owned or controlled by the University. The Weapons Approval Form can be found at: http://deanofstudents.utexas.edu/sa/downloads/WeaponsApprovalForm.pdf .

Flags

Awarded annually to student orgs that have achieved exemplary status in the Pillars of the 40 Acres recognition program.

Food and Drink

Students, faculty, staff, visitors and guests are permitted to purchase and consume food and non-alcoholic beverages in common areas and reservable rooms within the building. All persons bringing in food or drink into the building are responsible for appropriate disposal of trash and cleaning of the room/common area. Staff within the building should consult their department head regarding appropriate rules and practices for food and drink within spaces controlled by an administrative unit within the building.

Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) requires advance approval for any activity occurring on campus in which Potentially Hazardous Foods (PHF) may be distributed by staff, students or vendors to other persons. The intent of this policy is to cover food handed out or sold, not pot-lucks, food provided at business meetings or other business functions of the unit. Individuals should check with EHS if they have questions on whether advance approval to serve food is required. To ensure the safety of all food served and consumed, please go to the EHS website for more information at https://ehs.utexas.edu/programs/foodandwater/food-safety.php.

Injuries

2609 University employees should report work-related injuries immediately to their supervisor. The supervisor will work with their designated departmental representative to complete the First Injury Report Form. Injuries to guests and visitors that could possibly result in a claim under the Texas Tort Claims Act should be reported to the building manager. The building manager will contact the Office of the Vice President and Chief Financial Office, and complete a Preliminary Summary Report.

https://utexas.app.box.com/v/tort-form

Lighting

Fire Prevention Services strongly discourages using halogen lamps in campus facilities. If you decide to use a halogen lamp in your office, follow these guidelines:

Lost and Found (Refer to General Information)

The Student Organization Center is the drop off center for Lost and Found in 2609 University. When a lost and found item is turned in, the item is logged in their book. UTPD comes by every two weeks to pick up the Lost and Found items.

Parking (Visitor)

Parking lots and street parking, with the exception of parking on Dean Keeton, are administered by Parking and Transportation services. Parking permits for university employees are available from Parking and Transportation services. Guests may park in a university garage for 30-minutes without charge. Departments may purchase one-time use and event parking permits for guests at https://parking.utexas.edu/parking/dept/. There is one 30 minute parking space in front of the building on University Avenue. 

Public Restrooms

Restrooms are located in the Paint Center, 2.120. A wheelchair accessible restroom is located in the Commuter Lounge, 2.102. These restrooms are available to all students, faculty, staff, guest and visitors during normal operating hours. Public restrooms must be used in the fashion it was intended for and users are expected to follow all university policies and procedures for these facilities. Activities such as sleeping, loitering and/or smoking are strictly prohibited in any public bathroom.

If you discover that the condition of a public bathroom requires immediate attention, please contact the SSB building manager at 512-232-2890, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. In emergency situations, departments may contact Custodial Services at 512-471-2020.

Recycling

Facilities services is responsible for recycling paper products on campus via the designated blue bins found throughout the building. Recycling bins are emptied by facilities services during routine operations.

Additional recycling efforts, such as aluminum and plastic products may be initiated by departments on a voluntary basis. Volunteers within the department "adopt" barrels indoors and are responsible for carrying bags of recycling to the SSB loading zone on a weekly basis for pick-up.

Additional information regarding recycling can be found on the Facilities Services website: http://facilitiesservices.utexas.edu/divisions/support/recycling-waste.php (Rev. 10/2013).

Seasonal Decorations

Seasonal decorations should not obstruct doorways, walkways and stairs. The amount of combustible materials on the walls and ceilings should be limited and away from lights and other ignition sources.

Natural Christmas trees are not allowed on campus. Artificial trees are permitted, but they must be located in a common area (such as a lobby or reception area), and must not obstruct emergency exit doors, exit aisles, fire hose cabinets, manual fire alarm pull-boxes, or portable fire extinguishers.

Seasonal lighting is allowed and should be turned off when the office is unoccupied.

Burning candles or incense is prohibited.

For more information visit the Fire Prevention websitehttp://www.utexas.edu/safety/fire/safety/faqs.html.

Smoking

The University of Texas at Austin is a tobacco-free campus. The use of any tobacco products is prohibited in university buildings and on university grounds.

More information is available at:http://www.utexas.edu/tobaccofree/

Space Heaters

Portable electric space heaters "listed" by the Underwriters' Laboratory (UL) or another recognized testing agency are allowed in office areas.