Body
Unit Policy
Title
Carolina Union: Facilities Use Policy
Introduction
Purpose
The Carolina Union Facilities Use Policy complements the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s (“UNC-Chapel Hill” or “University”) Use of University Property Policy to ensure buildings and spaces reserved through the Carolina Union are managed responsibly for Student Organizations, University Departments, and Non-Affiliates. The policy aims to:
- Promote stewardship of space and resources,
- Encourage access,
- Optimize utilization, and
- Promote safe use of spaces.
Scope
The Frank Porter Graham Student Union, herein referred to as either “the Carolina Union” or “the Union,” was established in 1968 and funded by student fees, provides multipurpose facilities for Student Organizations, University Departments, and Non-Affiliates. The Carolina Union provides services, programming, and opportunities that enable students to maximize their time at UNC-Chapel Hill. This policy applies to all spaces reserved through Event Services in the Carolina Union.
Policy
I. Reserving Carolina Union Spaces
Reservations for spaces managed by the Carolina Union are coordinated through the Union’s Event Services department using the 25Live platform and must comply with the University's Use of University Property Policy. Clients are responsible for confirming reservations, checking in/out, and adhering to space rules.
A. Meeting Rooms
All meeting rooms must be used for their intended purposes noted on the approved reservation. Non-approved activities in reserved rooms will result in a reservation warning and/or cancellation of the reservation. Clients are responsible for adhering to all policies and procedures related to reserving meeting rooms.
B. The Pit
All reservations for the Pit must be submitted using the reservation platform managed by Event Services. If the Pit or other exterior Carolina Union spaces have not been reserved, they may be used in accordance with the policies referred to in this document and the University Use of University Property Policy. Only organizations listed on a Pit reservation may table in a reserved section. Any amplification of sound is subject to the Amplified Sound Section. A Carolina Union Sales Permit Request form must be submitted to Event Services and displayed during your reservation in the Pit.
C. Solicitation Tables
Only Student Organizations and University departments may reserve solicitation tables to sell goods, fundraise, or promote their organization in and around the Pit. Only one solicitation table per day per organization may be reserved. Patio furniture may not be used or brought to the solicitation tables. If an organization is conducting sales or fundraising, a Carolina Union Sales Permit Request form must be submitted to Event Services and displayed during your solicitation table reservation. Homemade food and beverages are not allowed. Refer to the Carolina Union Food Safety and Handling Policy.
D. Events
All events in Union reserved spaces that are not categorized as meetings require coordination with Event Services for staffing, audio-video support, and overall event management. Ticketed events must use Carolina Union Box Office services. Clients should submit a reservation request 45 calendar days before the requested event date for the above-noted spaces. Events must be reviewed with the client and confirmed by Event Services 30 calendar days before the event date.
E. Lounges and Common Spaces
All reservations for Carolina Union lounges and common spaces must be submitted using 25Live. No regularly scheduled meetings are allowed in these spaces. Furniture may not be removed from any lounges or common spaces.
II. Sales, Donations, and Event Admission
All sales, donations, or ticketed events must comply with federal, state, University, and Union policies. Sales permits, licensing, and adherence to Carolina Union Standard Operating Procedures are required.
- Alcohol, tobacco, and commercial competition with campus vendors are prohibited.
- Food must be provided by a licensed caterer.
- Raffles are prohibited. Please see the University Counsel link on Development and Fundraising.
- All ticketed events in Carolina Union reservable spaces must be ticketed by the Carolina Union Box Office and must have Carolina Union Box Office staff at the event.
- Event Services reserves the right to cancel an event due to a breach of the Carolina Union Box Office contract.
III. Amplified Sound
Amplified sound in exterior spaces reserved by the Carolina Union must comply with allowable hours, Union policy, and Town of Chapel Hill noise ordinances.
Amplified sound is permitted outdoors on:
- Fridays between 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.,
- Saturdays from 8 a.m. - 10 p.m., and
- Sundays from 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Events with amplified sound are prohibited outdoors during class hours, regardless of the time of day, except for Monday through Friday between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. in the:
- Pit,
- Plaza,
- Lenoir Grounds,
- Davis Courtyard, and
- SASB Courtyard
and require approved exceptions prior to approval from Event Services. Please contact Event Services at eventservices@unc.edu to request an amplification exception 10 business days before your scheduled event.
Any use of amplification of sound is subject to limitation if it conflicts with a scheduled event given priority under the priority rules in UNC-Chapel Hill’s Use of University Property Standard. The use of any amplified sound must not materially and substantially disrupt University operations. All outdoor events are subject to the noise provision of the Town of Chapel Hill Code of Ordinances (Chapter 11, Article III).
IV. CUBES
The CUBES are available for recognized student organizations to publicize on-campus events. A reservation request is required. Reservations must be made at least two calendar days in advance. Posting fliers on the CUBES is prohibited. Clients are responsible for adhering to all policies and procedures related to reserving the CUBES.
V. Signage
Event Services and Communication and Creative Services must approve all signage posted within the Carolina Union. Signage in Union spaces for commercial purposes requires adherence to size, location, and content standards. This policy includes meeting room signs, A-frames, exterior banner lines, bulletin boards, and the Resource Hub. For more information about signage, please refer to the following sections of the University's Use of University Property Standard:
- IV: Pamphlets, Written Materials, Publications, and Advertisements;
- V: Solicitations of Charitable Contributions; and
- VI: Use of University Property for Commercial Promotions and Sales; Fundraising Events.
VI. Food Safety and Handling
Clients must comply with food safety regulations and Union procedures regarding preparation, service, and removal of food and beverages. All clients are responsible for being fully compliant with applicable Orange County Safety and Sanitation Regulations for Food and Beverage Preparations and the University’s Alcohol Policy. Food is prohibited in General Purpose Classrooms.
VII. Chalking
Please refer to the University's Use of University Property Standard to see where chalking is allowed on campus. Please refer to the Environment, Health and Safety Advisement on Outdoor Chalk Art for more information
VIII. Adverse Weather and Emergency Closing Conditions
Reservations, events, and CUBE usage may be canceled in advance of adverse weather. Please refer to UNC-Chapel Hill’s Adverse Weather and Emergency Closing Policy.
Definitions
- 25Live – University scheduling platform.
- Clients – UNC-Chapel Hill Registered Student Organizations, University Departments, and Non-Affiliates reserving Union space.
- RSO – Registered Student Organization.
- Non-Affiliate – Any group not sponsored or affiliated with the University.
Related Requirements
External Regulations
University Policies, Standards, and Procedures
Publication Details
Issuing Officer: Executive Director of the Carolina Union
Last Reviewed: July 23, 2026
Next Review Date: May 1, 2027