Approved September 2025

POLICY STATEMENT

Chapman University provides a variety of student recreation facilities to support students’ well-being, deepen their connection to the institution, and build healthy habits that contribute to their academic success as students.  This policy outlines the expectations set for all students, as well as any faculty and staff, who voluntarily use a Chapman University student recreation facility to better ensure a consistent and enjoyable experience for all.  This policy applies to all Wellness and Recreation facilities, including the Dahlem-Doti-Struppa Climbing Wall, Henley Hall and Julianne Argyros Fitness Centers, Masson Family Beach Club and Recreation Area, and fitness rooms at Chapman Court, Chapman Grand, Panther Village, and the Rinker Campus.

REASON FOR THE POLICY

This policy sets forth expectations for accessing and using student recreation facilities to prioritize the physical safety of users and ensure use of student recreation facilities does not disrupt operations or damage property.

 

POLICY
Access and Usage

Access is limited to enrolled students and employed staff and faculty.  As stated in the University’s Unauthorized Use of University Property and Facilities policy, the unauthorized entry or use of University property and facilities is prohibited.  All students who are at least 16 years old are eligible to use the Henley Hall and Julianne Argyros Fitness Centers, the fitness room at the Rinker Campus, the Dahlem-Doti-Struppa Climbing Wall, and the Masson Family Beach Club and Recreation Area during operating hours.  Residents living at Chapman Court, Chapman Grand, and Panther Village have access to the fitness room in their residential facility.  Staff and faculty are eligible to use the Julianne Argyros Fitness Center, the fitness room at the Rinker Campus, the Dahlem-Doti-Struppa Climbing Wall, and the Masson Family Beach Club and Recreation Area during operating hours.  It is the individual’s responsibility to have medical insurance coverage as Chapman University does not provide coverage for use or participation in Wellness and Recreation facilities.  When closed, Wellness and Recreation facilities are not open for faculty, staff, or student use.  Formal personal training is prohibited in all Wellness and Recreation facilities.

Suspension of Access

Access to Wellness and Recreation facilities and programming is a privilege.  Wellness and Recreation maintains the authority to revoke privileges temporarily or permanently for violating standards of conduct or facility policies.  Individuals found to be in violation of standards of conduct or facility policies may also be subject to University disciplinary action through the Office of Student Conduct or the Office of Human Resources.  Temporary suspension of privileges will be determined in proportion to the severity of misconduct. 

Standards of Conduct

All faculty/staff/students who use Wellness and Recreation facilities are expected to: treat staff and facilities with respect and respond appropriately to all reasonable staff requests; act with character and courtesy while respecting the rights, welfare, and dignity of others; abide by all relevant University policies; and act in a responsible manner to assist in creating a safe environment for all guests.  Faculty/staff/students may be subject to temporary suspension or permanent loss of privileges for misconduct including, but not limited to: failure to abide by University policies; unauthorized entry, or assisting with unauthorized entry, into a facility; misuse of or damage to University equipment; theft of any kind; and physical or verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment and/or other conduct which threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person.

Prohibited Behavior and Items

The following is prohibited in all Wellness and Recreation facilities: alcohol; glass containers; photography or recording of guests other than oneself, whether via a cell phone or other device, without written permission granted by Wellness and Recreation professional staff; smoking; and animals (service animals are permitted, but emotional support animals are not permitted).  Food and gum is also prohibited in all Wellness and Recreation facilities, except the Masson Family Beach Club and Recreation Area.

Enforcement of Policy

All Wellness and Recreation facility policies and procedures will be enforced by Wellness and Recreation staff (professional and student employees) and Public Safety.  Faculty/staff/students who violate policy may be ejected by Wellness and Recreation staff or Public Safety, refused re-entry, and referred to Student Conduct or the Office of Human Resources.

HENLEY HALL/JULIANNE ARGYROS FITNESS CENTERS AND CHAPMAN COURT/CHAPMAN GRAND/PANTHER VILLAGE/RINKER FITNESS ROOMS

Personal Items

Personal items must be stored in the allotted cubbies within each facility.  Wellness and Recreation is not liable for the loss of valuable items stored in these cubbies.

Attire

Athletic shoes are required at all times when using a fitness center/room.  Open-toe shoes, boots, sandals, dress shoes, and cleats are prohibited.  Exceptions may be made by staff for specific activities requiring bare feet or specialized footwear.  Belts, denim jeans, and pants with metal rivets are prohibited unless being worn by staff working at a desk.  Shirts and shorts/pants must be worn at all times and must cover all areas of the body that come in contact with equipment.

Weightlifting Zones

Weightlifting equipment should not impede walkways.  Weightlifting equipment must be racked when not in use.  Weights may not be dropped on the floor.  Barbell safety collars/clips must always be used on weight equipment.  Spotters are highly recommended.  A 30-minute time limit on all weightlifting equipment is strictly enforced when people are waiting.  Faculty/staff/students must wipe down equipment after use.

Cardio Zones

Hand weights and dumbbells may not be stored on cardiovascular equipment.  A 30-minute time limit on all cardio machines is strictly enforced when people are waiting.  Faculty/staff/students must wipe down equipment after use.

Stretch Zones

Faculty/staff/students may use provided mats or bring their own.  Guests must wipe down university-owned equipment after use.

Henley Hall Fitness Center Spin Room

Only approved Fitness Session Leaders employed by Wellness and Recreation are permitted to teach group spin exercise classes.  Only spin class participants are allowed in the spin room when a class is in session.  During class, all students are expected to follow the direction and guidance of the Fitness Session Leader.  The Fitness Session Leader reserves the right to require guests to leave the class due to misconduct or disruption to the class experience.  Use of the spin room is otherwise permitted when classes are not in session.  Faculty/staff/students must wipe down equipment after use.

Henley Hall Fitness Center Group Fitness Room

Only approved Fitness Session Leaders employed by Wellness and Recreation can teach group fitness classes in the group fitness room.  Only group fitness class participants are allowed in the group fitness room when a class is in session.  The Fitness Session Leader reserves the right to require guests to leave the class due to misconduct or disruption to the class experience.  Use of the group fitness room is otherwise permitted when classes are not in session.  Guests must wipe down equipment after use.

Reservations for Private Use

The Henley Hall Fitness Center Group Fitness Room can be reserved for private group fitness classes led by Fitness Session Leaders employed by Wellness and Recreation.

DAHLEM-DOTI-STRUPPA CLIMBING WALL

Personal Items

Personal items must be stored in the reception room and are not permitted into the climbing room.  Wellness and Recreation is not liable for the loss of items left in the facility.

Guest Expectations

Climbing is inherently dangerous and is done at the faculty/staff/student’s own risk of injury or death.  All climbing instruction is provided by Wellness and Recreation staff.  All faculty/staff/students who wish to use the climbing wall must keep walkways, exits, and fall/swing zones clear; wear a helmet, sleeved shirt, and shoes designed for rock climbing; and use university-supplied equipment and gear (personal climbing shoes are permitted).

MASSON FAMILY BEACH CLUB AND RECREATION AREA

Guest Expectations

• Any device that plays music or amplifies sound must have the volume controlled such that surrounding residents are not disturbed. Noise complaints will result in the music being turned off.
• Proper swimming attire must be worn at all times. Proper swim attire is defined as attire designed specifically for aquatic use and includes 1- and 2-piece bathing suits, swim trunks, swim briefs, swim/surf shirts and rash guards, and faith-based swimwear.
• Faculty/staff/students with active diarrhea or who have had active diarrhea within the previous 14 days are not permitted in the pool.

Prohibited Behavior and Items

In addition to the behavior and items prohibited in all Wellness & Recreation facilities, the following are also prohibited in the beach club: jumping or diving into the pool, flipping in and into the pool, bringing furniture or other equipment not commercially made for aquatic use into the pool, and other high-risk activity.  Competitive sports are also prohibited at all times.

Reservations for Private Use

The entire Beach Club is not available to be reserved for private group use.  The deck of the beach club may be reserved for events and/or tabling, but those requests may not prevent other students from accessing the Beach Club.  The Recreation Area (volleyball and basketball courts) may also be reserved for private group recreational use.

OFFICE RESPONSIBLE FOR POLICY

Name of Office: Wellness and Recreation
Contact information for questions about this policy: wellnessandrec@chapman.edu