The Lutheran Campus Center
and
Its Reasonable Enjoyment

Decretal
De usus capelli
24 November 2005

Coming into the final days of the academic term, it is important to note that the use of the Lutheran Campus Center changes significantly.  Within the general parameters of the Lutheran Campus Ministry mission, we provide a safe and hospitable place for students, faculty, and staff to pray, study, and relax.  To that end, some general principals and some specific rules are to be observed.

Principals

Rules

Commentary

Quiet Relaxation: Relaxation is an important part of surviving the final days of the term, but such relaxation should not infringe upon the relaxation or study of others.  Conversations can be held and games (even video games) can be played quietly.  If there is a desire for specified times for "blowing off steam" or group recreation (e.g., meals, game nights, movies, etc.), the Chaplain should be consulted.
Parking Rule: Parking is a scarce in Morgantown.  Those living in the Luther House (and some others) pay rent for the privilege of parking in the Lutheran Campus Center Parking Lot.  Use of their parking spaces and/or blocking their right of way is theft.  For Sunday Evening Mass, worshipers may use the parking lot during the mass and the fellowship hour which immediately follows.  Warning: the Chaplain will not grant permission to park in the lot simply because a student has not planned his/her schedule to allow sufficient time to reach the downtown campus for exams.  Nor will the Chaplain grant permission to park in the lot for even short periods of time--theft is theft even if it is less than ten minutes worth of theft.
Alcohol, Tobacco, and Weapons Rule:  Because the security of the Lutheran Campus Center cannot be guaranteed, legal controlled substances and weapons cannot be stored or used in the facility.  Potential access and use of such substances, especially alcohol, by minors incurs an unacceptable risk for the Lutheran Campus Ministry.
Kitchen Use Rules:  The continued enjoyment of the kitchen requires orderliness and cleanliness.  Insects of all sorts quickly infest the facility when dirty dishes etc. are not immediately cleaned and stored.  The enjoyment of others is impaired by the sight and odors of dirty dishes etc., and their ability to prepare meals is hampered.  Leaving appliances on when not in use is uneconomical and dangerous.
Personal Items, Food & Drink Rule I:  See above.
Personal Items, Food & Drink Rule II & III:  The assumption is that food and drink are for the reasonable enjoyment of all.  Storing food and drink for personal consumption is reasonable within limits.  Only small amounts of such for short periods of time should be stored in the facility; large amounts and/or protracted time rob space from others.  The only way to keep personal food and drink separate from the general supply is to place a name on it.  Dating is important to head off decay.
Personal Items, Food & Drink Rule IV:  The Lutheran Campus Center is not a private room.  When personal belongings litter an area, it creates the impression that the space is no longer a public area for the reasonable enjoyment of all, thus undermining hospitality.  Ask the Chaplain for a locker assignment if you have personal effects you wish to store.
Personal Items, Food & Drink Rule V:  Again, we cannot guarantee site security, especially when the building (or level) is unoccupied.
Sleeping Rule:  Sleeping infringes upon the reasonable enjoyment of others when it creates the impression that the space is not a public area for the reasonable enjoyment of all.  Naps are expected.  Who doesn't rest their eyes and catch a couple of Zs between exams or during that all nighter?  A cat nap, however, should not become an all night (or day) slumber.  Be sensible: if the place you are napping looks like your dorm bunk, you've crossed the line.
Lights Rule I:  Because the Undercroft has no windows, lights must be on so as not to create the "cave ambiance."  Few are going to want to enter if the place is dark.  The small lights are insufficient.  There is also a safety issue involve here.  Someone entering should be able to see if there is someone else in the Undercroft.
Lights Rule II:  Again, because the Undercroft has no windows, the small light on the filing cabinets serves as a night light so that someone entering has sufficient light to find an overhead light switch.  We use this one because the fluorescent bulb is more economical.
Securing the Building (Last One Out) Rule:  We want the building to be used, but we also want to maintain a reasonable level of security.  After nightfall, securing the facility does not unreasonably prevent use by those we wish to serve.  Drop-ins come mainly during the school day.  Our regulars tend to be the ones using the facilities at night.  If you are in the building after nightfall and are comfortable leaving the building unlocked, do so.  If you are not comfortable leaving the building unlocked, lock it.  In either case, follow the procedure for securing the building if you are the last one out.  Also, don't hesitate to call the Chaplain should you have a question or problem.  It is important for safety and economy to be sure that appliances, water, and thermostats are checked.