Facilities Policies and Procedures

Campus Recreation Center

  • Lost and Found

    If you have lost something in the REC and it has been turned in you may find it at the member services desk in the REC.

  • Weight Room General policies
    • No cell phone use in the weight room.
    • No chewing gum, or food allowed in the REC.
    • Report any equipment problems.
    • You may use equipment for 30 minutes at a time during peak hours at the REC.
    • Wipe down machines after use.
    • Overhead spotters are recommended.
    • No free hanging from equipment.
    • No weights on the benches.
    • No banging or dropping of the weights.
    • Please comply with the staff.

    University Alcohol Policy:"System universities shall not sell, serve, or permit the sale or service of alcohol on campus, except in "special use" building and has been so designated by the President.

  • Childrens Policy
    • Children 16 and over can use any part of the REC, as long as they have the proper pass and are accompanied by their sponsor.
    • Children 12 and over can use any part of the REC, except the Weight Room, as long as they have the proper pass and are accompanied by their sponsor at all times
    • Children under 12 cannot use any part of the REC except the Rock Wall and the Pool.
    • While using the swimming pools, children under 12 years of age must be accompanied by, and under the direct supervision of an adult (18 years or older).
  • Racquetball Reservations

    You may reserve a racquetball room if it is available at the time that you need it. You can download the room reservation form from the Campus Recreation website or pick it up from the member services counter at the REC. After you turn it in you will be contacted.

  • Equipment Check Out Procedures

    You may check out equipment at the REC and it must be returned in the way that you checked it out. If it is damaged or not returned then you must pay for it.

  • Weather Line

    You may call 936-294-1966 to check on weather updates and if intramural games have been cancelled for that day.

    Questions please call 936-294-1985

University Camp

  • Reservation Procedure

    For availability, please check with the Membership Services desk in the REC, or by phone at 936-294-1307.

    • Reservation must be completed and approved 30 days prior to the scheduled reservation date to be considered.
    • Request a reservation by completing the University Camp Request for Reservation Form and returning it to the Campus Recreation Office in the REC Suite 162, or by email at ucamp@shsu.edu. All information requested on the form must be complete before reservation requests may be considered.
    • Campus Recreation reserves the right to cancel a reservation for an outdoor facility due to inclement weather.
    • The University Camp reserves the right to schedule no more than 25% of the available space each month for non-university users. This is to ensure Sam Houston State University students access to those areas and facilities.
    • Pre-event site visits are available by appointment. The standard time is Thursdays at 2:00 pm.
    • The published times on the pricing guide include set up and tear down time. Additional time may be requested at a prorated rate. Times are for the day of the event only.
    • Exceeding the agreed upon event duration will result in an hourly fee of $100 per hour. *


    * Unpaid fees (late or damages) will accrue interest monthly (20%) until paid in full

  • Campus Recreation University Camp Facility Policies
    • All groups sponsoring any activity in Campus Recreation facilities must comply with all University policies and regulations, as well as with any applicable federal, state, and local laws.
    • Facilities must be used for the purpose specified on the Facility Reservation form. The Department of Campus Recreation reserves the right to cancel any reservation should it be deemed necessary or unsafe. Additional groups that are not specified on the Facility Reservation Form are prohibited.
    • The Department of Campus Recreation will determine all staffing needs, including police services when necessary. The group will be responsible for making arrangements for University Police and may be asked to make a payment directly to University Police Department.
    • The possession and/or use of tobacco, and drugs are prohibited in all University Camp facilities, including the outdoor facility areas.
    • The possession and/or use of alcohol must be approved 30 days prior to event through the proper forms and procedures.
    • Proper clothing is required for specific areas to insure the safety of the participants and longevity of equipment and facilities.
    • Commercial kitchen equipment is not for public use.
    • The individual whose name appears as the primary contact on the University Camp Request for Reservation Form will be responsible for any additional or unusual expenses incurred by the University or the Department resulting from the activity including but not limited to damages, late fees, and cleaning.*
    • Facility Supervisors have full authority to ask participants to leave the facility if the participant’s conduct necessitates such action. Failure to abide by the policies and regulations established by the Department of Campus Recreation may result in the loss of facility reservation and/or program privileges.
    • The Department of Campus Recreation is not responsible for any lost or stolen articles. All lost and found items may be claimed at the Member Services Desk at the REC on campus. Lost items are kept for 30 days.
    • Firearms or other weaponry is not allowed as per University policy.
    • Vehicles are limited to paved and gravel roads only.
    • No ATV, UTV, or other non-DOT regulated vehicles allowed
    • Organizations and departments must seek prior approval if holding an event intended to fundraise or make a monetary profit.


    * Unpaid fees (late or damages) will accrue interest monthly (20%) until paid in full

  • Campus Recreation University Camp Multi-Purpose Field Policies
    • Vehicles, pets, fires, glass bottles, skateboards, and hitting golf balls are not permitted on the multi-purpose fields or the surrounding areas, unless otherwise noted.
    • Fields, sidelines, bleachers, and parking areas must be cleared of any trash and debris immediately following use. Failure to clean the area may result in additional clean-up charges.
  • Campus Recreation University Camp Pool Policies
    • ONLY enter the pool area when a lifeguard is on duty
    • All swimmers must Rinse or Shower before entering the water
    • Bathing Suits ONLY (No Thong Bottoms, Basketball Shorts, or T-Shirts)
    • No Diving, Horseplay, Running, or Dunking
    • No Glass or Breakable Containers
    • No Tobacco
    • Children under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult (not to exceed 2 children per adult)
    • No full-body flotation devices
    • All pool management decisions will be left to the discretion of the Lifeguards on Duty
  • Campus Recreation University Camp Waterfront Policies
    • Coast Guard approved Personal Floatation Devices must be worn and in good condition in all boating activities (kayaks, canoes, SUPs, etc.)
    • No horseplay (intentional flipping of small craft, roughhousing, etc.)
    • No diving from the boat or the shoreline
    • Maximum capacity
      • Canoes – 3 persons
      • Kayak – 1 person
      • Stand Up Paddleboards (SUPs) – 1 person
    • Natural hazards exist in the lake water. Enter at your own risk.
    • All waterfront management decisions will be left to the discretion of the University Camp Staff.
  • Campus Recreation University Camp Challenge Course Policies

    The Challenge Course consists of 12 low and 6 high elements. All elements, lows and high, were constructed by Adventure Experiences Inc. in compliance with the industry standards as determined by the Association of Challenge Course Technology (ACCT). Adventure Experiences also conducts a comprehensive safety inspection every two years. All lead facilitators are ACCT Level 1 facilitators and at least one is on site any time the high elements are in use. There are inherent risks associated with challenge courses and all participants are briefed on the potential risks and must sign an assumption of risk and liability waiver to participate in SHSU challenge course programs. The organization/person in charge of the group is responsible for the behavior of the participants. Failure to cooperate with Challenge Course staff when faced with emergencies/problems may result in the group's inability to use the facility again

    • Challenge course participants must wear closed-toe shoes.
    • Participants may not use personal (non SHSU inventory) harnesses, helmets or belay equipment. All necessary equipment is provided by SHSU.
    • Cancelations due to weather are at the discretion of the outdoor staff based on environmental conditions. All challenge course elements will close in the event of lightning based on the Thor guard lighting detectors indicators and/or observed weather conditions.
    • Participants should be aware that the challenge course is located in a natural environment where the following may exist: stinging/biting insects, poison ivy and venomous snakes.

REC Pool

  • Pool Policies and Procedures
    • Valid SHSU ID Card or Family Membership Card required
    • Only enter the pool area when a lifeguard is on duty.
    • Bathing suits ONLY (No thong bottoms)
    • All bathers must rinse off or shower before entering the water
    • No full-body floatation devices
    • No glass beverage containers
    • No tobacco
    • No running or horseplay
    • Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

    Rules subject to change

  • Weather Policy
    • Rain

      If the pool drains in the deep-end of the pool are not visible to the lifeguard from the lifeguard stand then the pool will be closed until visibility has returned.

    • Thunder

      If thunder is heard by the lifeguards on duty then the pool area will be cleared for 30 minutes following the last thunder heard. The pool will then be reopened when it is safe to return to the pool area.

    • Lightning

      If Lighting is detected within 10 miles of the facility the pool area will be closed for 30 minutes following the last detection of lightning. The pool area will then be reopened when it is safe to return to the pool area.

    • Air Temperature Below 55ºF

      If the outside air temperature falls below *55ºF the pool will be closed.

    • Water Temperature Below 62ºF

      If the water temperature falls below *62ºF the pool will be closed.

      *Weather is initially determined by using weather.com. Throughout regular pool hours any changes in the weather or outside air temperature will be monitored by using weather.com and the facility outside thermostat.

Refund Policy

Participants enrolled in a program or class may transfer or withdraw until 7 days prior to the program start date. Transfers or refunds within 7 days, but before, the program start date will only be issued if a waiting list is active for the program and must be authorized by the Program Coordinator. All sales are final with trip registrations. Refunds will only be issued if the vacant place is filled on the trip. Once the program has begun only a pro-rated credit will be issued. Programs, camps or classes may be canceled if minimum registration numbers are not obtained prior to the start date. In this case, a full refund will be issued. If a class is canceled by SHSU Recreational Sports, or due to weather it will be rescheduled at the next available time.

Contact Campus Rec

936.294.1985 | campusrec@shsu.edu

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