Selu Conservancy

Policies and Procedures

             

General Policies

A.     The Selu Conservancy is leased by Radford University from the Radford  University Foundation, Inc.,                  and financially maintained by revenue generated through facility user fees.  Radford University’s Auxiliary Services are responsible for scheduling the use of the facility through the Director of Selu.

B.     A fee schedule for the use of Selu will be established prior to January 1st of each year with the new rates going into effect on May 1st.  A copy of the current fee schedule is available upon request.  The type of group using the facility determines user fees.

C.     The Vice President for Business Affairs approves policies for the operation of the Selu Conservancy upon recommendation from the Selu Policies and Procedures Committee.

D.     Radford University students, employees, external groups, and guests are required to adhere to all university policies, regulations, guidelines, and all local, state, and federal laws concerning health, safety, and public order.  Failure to comply with these regulations may result in forfeiture of the privilege of using university facilities and services, or termination of the use of the university facilities.

E.      Groups utilizing Selu must be aware of and abide by the principles of the preservation and conservation of this property.

F.      In the spirit of the principles of preservation and conservation, the Selu Conservancy shall not have more than 50 people on the property at one time.

G.     The retreat center can sleep a maximum of 10 people in each of the two dormitories, not to exceed a total of 20 overnight guests.

H.     Radford University requires all groups with participants under the age of 17 to be accompanied by a chaperone while on university property.  It is required that there be at least one chaperone for every 15 participants.  The chaperone must be at least 3 years older than the individuals s/he is supervising and cannot be under the age of 17.  The chaperones are required to stay in the dormitory with the participants.  A minimum of one supervisor at least 21 years old must remain in residence throughout the duration of the retreat.  Defining the chaperone’s duties is solely the responsibility of the sponsoring organization.

I.        The Selu Retreat Center will be clean when you arrive.  It is expected that the participants who occupy the rooms will leave them in the same condition.  Normal wear and tear is anticipated.  Charges will be applied to the sponsoring organization’s bill for cleaning of unnecessary debris and/or repairing any damages.  (Rate is calculated as a direct charge from Facilities Management, plus 30%.)

J.       All groups must agree to adhere to established fire and safety regulations.  Please make sure that all participants are aware of evacuation procedures that are posted in the facility.  Tampering with fire systems, fire alarms, or fire fighting equipment is prohibited while on university property and such behavior subjects individuals to prosecution under Virginia state law.  Food preparation at the retreat center is only permitted in the kitchen area with the prior approval of the facility manager.

K.     Disorderly conduct is any behavior that disrupts the regular or normal functions of the Radford University community, including behavior that breaches the peace or violates the rights of others.  Radford University reserves the right to ask any person(s) or group to leave the Selu Conservancy property if they are deemed to be conducting themselves in a disorderly or inappropriate manner.

L.      Non-university organizations shall provide their own liability insurance for all participants in the group, of not less than $100,000/$300,000 for each person/occupancy for bodily injury and $100,000 for each occurrence of property damage.  The university is to be named as additional insured on the policy.  The sponsoring organization shall provide the university with a certificate of said insurance no less than two weeks before the scheduled arrival date.

M.    Radford University reserves the right to determine if security personnel are needed and the number required for the event.  The estimate shall be based on the size of the expected crowd and the nature of the event.  The cost of this service will be the responsibility of the sponsoring organization.

N.     Conservancy users are restricted from bringing pets or other animals, excluding guide dogs, on the conservancy property.

O.     Since parking is limited at the retreat center, the university requests that groups park on the university campus and carpool to the retreat center.  If a vehicle is parked on campus, a visitor-parking permit must be obtained.

P.      The use of tobacco products is not permitted on the Selu Conservancy property.

Q.     The university is not responsible for loss or theft of personal property or damage of personal property.

User Group Definitions

A.     Internal groups: groups funded and/or officially recognized by Radford University, i.e., departments, campus organizations, or clubs

B.     External groups: groups not funded or officially recognized by Radford University

1.       Non-profit/civic groups: any group with a non-profit status, i.e., government office or agency, public schools, churches with tax-exempt status, 501C3 organizations, service clubs, etc. 

2.       Business and industry/general public: for-profit groups and/or individuals; groups not fitting into the above categories

General Reservation Policies

A.     Events at Selu may be reserved up to one year in advance. 

B.     A second year may be tentatively booked on a non-confirmed basis.  These dates will be confirmed no earlier than one year from the scheduled event.

C.     Access to the Selu property is by reservation only.  Arrangements must be made in advance with the Director of Selu.

D.     Final arrangements for room set-up and catering services must be made at least two weeks prior to the scheduled event.

E.      Rental rates are based on usage and user group definition.  Refer to the section on Rental Rates.

F.      For groups utilizing the facility overnight, check-in time for the dormitory space will be no earlier than 3:00 p.m. and check-out time will be no later than 10:00 a.m. in order to allow adequate time for cleaning and maintenance between groups.

G.     External groups are required to pay 25% of total anticipated charges, which will be applied toward the final bill, at the time a signed contract is received.  In the event a program is cancelled after the deposit has been paid, the deposit will be applied toward the percentage owed as stated in the “Cancellation Policy” below; after this cancellation fee is covered, any additional funds will be returned to the sponsoring organization.

H.     Remaining fees will be billed as soon as practical after the completion of the program.  Payment is required within ten days of receipt of bill.  After 30 days, a service charge of 1.5% per month may be assessed by the university on any past due amount.  Annual percentage rate is not to exceed statutory limitations.

I.        Internal groups will be invoiced once the event is complete.  The internal group will initiate an interdepartmental transfer (IDT) to cover any charges incurred.  In the event a program is cancelled the internal group will be responsible for the percentage owed as stated in the “Cancellation Policy” below.

J.       Any needs not specified in the contract are subject to additional charges.  Requests should be submitted in writing at least four weeks prior to the scheduled event.  The scheduling manager will consider the request and respond within ten working days to a proposed contract modification.

K.     User groups assume financial responsibility for damage and vandalism to the retreat center, grounds, and/or equipment for the duration of the contract.

L.      In the event that the Selu Retreat Center shall be destroyed or substantially damaged by fire or other casualty, or in the event other circumstances render the fulfillment of this contract impractical or impossible, the sponsoring organization shall be obligated to pay for services, activities, and events which occurred prior to the casualties or circumstances.  In the event of a casualty prior to a scheduled event, a full refund will be made.  Radford University is not obligated for finding equal or better accommodations in the event of a casualty or unforeseen circumstance. 

Cancellation Policy

A.     If the contract is cancelled by the sponsoring organization up to 30 days before the arrival date of participants, the sponsoring organization agrees to pay the university 10% of the total, as stated in the contract.

B.     If the contract is cancelled by the sponsoring organization between 30 and 15 days of the arrival date of participants, the sponsoring organization agrees to pay the university 25% of the total charges, as stated in the contract.

C.     If the contract is cancelled by the sponsoring organization between 14 and 5 days of the arrival date of participants, the sponsoring organization agrees to pay the university 50% of the total charges, as stated in the contract.

D.     If the contract is cancelled by the sponsoring organization four working days or less before the arrival date of participants, the sponsoring organization agrees to pay the university 100% of the total charges, as stated in the contract.

Catering Services

Groups requiring food and/or beverages must contract with Radford University’s Catering Services.  Catering Services provides meals, snacks, and receptions for retreat center events. Alcoholic beverages consumed on Selu Conservancy property must be provided through RU’s Catering Services.  Please refer to the “Alcohol Policy” listed below.  The Selu Retreat Center contains a small kitchen, but groups larger than ten are required to contract with Catering Services for all meals unless prior arrangements are made with the scheduling manager.  (Groups approved to use the kitchen must supply their own cooking utensils, pans, and place settings.)

Alcohol Policy

The following general regulations regarding alcoholic beverages apply to all individuals and groups using the Selu Conservancy property. 

A.     For an event occurring on the Selu Conservancy property, Radford University’s Catering Services holds the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board License for beer, wine, and liquor.  The alcohol must be purchases through Catering Services and distributed by the Catering staff.  Groups may not impose a cover charge for alcohol.

B.     The sale, purchase, possession, transportation, storage, distribution, and consumption of alcoholic beverages on the Selu Conservancy property is only permitted by contracting with Radford University’s Catering Services.  All alcoholic beverages will be served in accordance with Virginia state law.  Internal groups please refer to Section 3 [Alcoholic Beverage Policy] of the Student Handbook for additional information.

C.     University regulations prohibit the possession or consumption of any alcoholic beverages on the Selu Conservancy property unless the university has sanctioned the location and/or conditions for possession or consumption.

D.     Alcohol consumed on Selu Conservancy property must be obtained and consumed within the area designated for the event.

E.      Attendance at Selu-sponsored events, where alcohol is being served, is limited to Radford University employees, students, contract groups, and their invited guests.  Guests of the Selu Conservancy property are subject to the same regulations as their host, such as complying with legal drinking laws and the use of legal IDs.  Hosts are responsible for the conduct of their guests.

F.      When alcoholic beverages are present at an event, non-alcoholic beverages must be available in sufficient quantity and at a price equal to or less than that of the alcoholic beverage.  It is recommended that food also be available.

G.     No state funds (including university and student fees) may be used to purchase alcoholic beverages.

H.     Advertising for a function where alcohol is being served may make no reference in written or graphic form to alcoholic beverages being served or the cost of such beverages.

I.        For events sponsored by a student organization where alcohol is being served, a written approval from the organization’s advisor must be obtained.

Questions concerning this policy may be addressed to the Assistant Director of Auxiliary Services.

Rental Rates

A.     Payments should be made payable to Radford University upon receipt of invoice.

B.     Facility rental rates are based on use of the retreat center and other Selu facilities.  Use of the conference rooms is a separate rate from the use of the lodging accommodations.  The retreat center is set up to sleep 20 people.  Lodging accommodations are dormitory style with two rooms having five sets of bunk beds in each room.  There are two full baths, accessible to individuals with disabilities, with showers, sinks, and toilets.

C.     Linen service includes two twin sheets, a blanket, a bedspread, a pillow and pillowcase, two bath towels and two wash cloths.  Internal RU groups and external non-profit/civic groups will not have linen service provided, unless it is requested.  External business and industry groups/general public will have linen service provided in the package price.

D. Facility rates do not include set-up charges for labor and special equipment needs.  Set-up charges will be based on the type of equipment used and a labor charge per hour.  Sponsoring organizations must provide their own audiovisual equipment.