Policy

The Padovano Commons is a general use, informal gathering space for members of the College community.  There are prescribed hours for use by faculty and staff, and for use by students.

Reason for Policy

To set forth policy and procedure for the use and stewardship of the Padovano Commons.

To Whom Does the Policy Apply

All Ramapo College students and employees

Related Resources

Policy 427: Facilities Rental

Contacts

Events & Conferences (E&C)

Procedure 460: Padovano Commons Use

Faculty and staff may use the Commons or gather to meet informally in the Commons without official reservations year around prior to 4pm. The Commons will not typically be reserved in its entirety for daytime events prior to 4pm. Special approval from the Provost will be required for and notice of any such reservations will be posted. Reservations for formal activities must be requested through Events and Conferences (E&C). All users should take great care to remove their own trash, rearrange furnishings to their original location prior to departure, and avoid damaging the floors, walls, furnishings, and other fixtures.

Students may use the Commons after 5pm on selected days of the week during the fall and spring terms. The Commons may be reserved for formal activities after 5pm by submitting a request through E&C. Student groups may submit reservation requests to the Center for Student Involvement (CSI), which will in turn submit requests to E&C.

The College President may authorize the Commons to be used as a location for limited food and beverage service provided by an authorized vendor during daytime hours for faculty and staff, or during evening hours and weekends in support of providing a place for faculty, staff, and students to socialize, relax, collaborate, and engage in informal dialogue.

I. Academic Year: Hours of Operation

Monday-Wednesday:

• 8:00 am – 4:00 pm: Open for faculty and staff use. Formal reservations submitted through E&C and, as needed, to the Provost for approval.
• 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm: Closed for daily maintenance.
• 5:00 pm – 12:00 am: Open for student use. Formal reservations submitted through CSI to E&C.

Thursday-Friday:

• 8:00 am – 4:00 pm: Open for faculty and staff use. Formal reservations submitted through E&C and, as needed, to the Provost for approval.
• 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm: Closed for daily maintenance.
• Evening hours to be determined based on reservation requests, and resources and vendor availability.

Saturday-Sunday:

• 8:00 am – 5:00 pm: Closed (unless reservations requested through E&C).
• Evening hours to be determined based on reservation requests, and resources and vendor availability.

Exam Periods:

• Extended hours will be available for quiet space; advance notice will be provided in Daily Digest.
• During exam periods, the Commons will not be reservable.

II. Reserved Use

Faculty or staff may request to reserve use of the Glass Room (dining area) for up to 8 people at a conference table M-F from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. Requests can be made through E&C.

Students may request to reserve use of the Commons M-F from 5:00 pm – 12:00 am through CSI, which will coordinate requests with E&C.

Pre-scheduled, reserved use of the Commons during the day (i.e., prior to 4:00 pm) will be prioritized for gatherings that are primarily designed to bring faculty together, and, in the spirit of the building’s namesake, will also serve to foster opportunities for greater interdisciplinarity and fellowship across faculty and staff constituent groups.

Even when reserved for a gathering during the day (i.e., prior to 4:00 pm), the space will remain open to faculty and staff. That is, faculty and staff who are not participating in the activity for which the reservation was made may use portions of the Commons not occupied by the reserving group so long as they do not interfere with or disturb the activities of the reserving group.

III.      Prioritization

Generally, on a weekly basis, E&C will provide the Provost with a listing of any requests received for daytime use of the space. On instances when that listing reflects multiple parties seeking the use of the space at the same time or a latent request for an upcoming already reserved date, the Provost will determine the ultimate user, and communicate that decision to E&C.

It is only in instances when a conflict emerges for the use of the space that the Provost will be expected to approve the user or override an existing reservation.

IV. Notice

The reservation requestor is responsible for advising the campus, through Daily Digest or signage at the Commons, when a program is being held. The purpose of this notification is to both promote the program and to extend a courtesy to those community members who may wish to find an alternative on-campus space to gather.

V. Space Configuration/Usage

The Commons itself has limited flexibility. While IT and AV setups can be supported, as well as modest catering tables, the general seating in the Commons remains largely stationary.

Should users wish to rearrange some of the chairs or furnishings toward a particular part of the space, they may do so on their own while (1) taking great care to not damage the furniture, floors, walls, or other fixtures, and (2) returning all chairs and furnishings to their original locations.

Furnishings cannot be removed from the Commons building as there is no adjacent storage. Individuals may bring in food and drinks or utilize the vending machines. Users are expected to clear tables after personal use and carefully return any moved furniture to its original location.

VI. Additional Resources

Updated guidelines for use and additional details about the space, including capacities, are available at the Padovano Commons Website.

Please address any housekeeping needs or questions to E&C or to Facilities Management using the Service Request system.

Emergencies should immediately be reported to Public Safety (x6666 or 201-684-6666) or call 911.