University Policy 780
Original Issuance Date: July 13, 2026
Last Revision Date: Initial Issuance
1. Policy Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to establish parameters for the use of Sonnentag Center facilities.
2. Responsible University Officer
Vice Chancellor for Finance & Administration
3. Scope and Responsibilities
This policy applies to all university and non-university users requesting and granted use of Sonnentag Center facilities. This policy does not apply to other UW-Eau Claire facilities.
4. Background
Wis. Admin. Code § UWS 21.06, Use of University Facilities governs the use of university facilities and requires universities to develop procedures for the use of facilities.
Regents Policy Document (RPD) 12-1, Competition with the Private Sector defines criteria to be used in evaluating the appropriateness of university sales activities and establishes principles for pricing products and services that compete with the private sector.
5. Definitions
Sonnentag Center Facilities: all spaces of the Sonnentag Center building and grounds leased by the university which are subject to the custody and control of the university and the Board of Regents including but not limited to: the event center, fieldhouse, fitness center, meeting rooms, locker rooms, lobbies, hallways, storage spaces, patios, and grounds. This definition excludes all faculty and staff offices and departmental meeting rooms that are not available for rent, and spaces and grounds not leased by the university and the Board of Regents.
University Users: any organization that is an officially recognized staff or student group, or an administrative or academic unit, or a state agency.
6. Policy Statement
It is the policy of the Board of Regents that university facilities, including the Sonnentag Center, are to be used primarily for purposes of fulfilling the university’s missions of teaching, research and public service. Sonnentag Center facilities are not available for unrestricted use for other purposes.
A. Securing Permission to Use Facilities
I. No use of Sonnentag Center facilities is permitted without prior approval. Requests for use will be evaluated and prioritized in accordance with established procedures.
II. In determining whether a use of Sonnentag Center facilities interferes with or detracts from the teaching, research, and public service missions of the institution as required by Wis. Admin. Code UWS 21, and consistent with the institutional responsibility for fiscal soundness of auxiliary operations under UW System Administrative Policy 314, Financial Management of Auxiliary Operations, the chancellor or their designee must consider whether the financial sustainability of the facility affects those missions.
B. Costs and Rental Fees
I. The Vice Chancellor for Finance & Administration will annually approve a schedule of the costs and rental fees assessed for the use of Sonnentag Center facilities.
II. All users must reimburse the university for the costs, if any, incident to the use of Sonnentag Center facilities, unless otherwise approved by the Vice Chancellor for Finance & Administration.
III. In the event of a dispute regarding the applicable costs, fees, or user classification, the Vice Chancellor for Finance & Administration will make the final determination.
C. Limitations
I. Unless otherwise approved by the Vice Chancellor for Finance & Administration or their designee,
a. All events must be booked in the Sonnentag Center scheduling software.
b. All ticketed events must use the Sonnentag Center’s ticketing vendor. Complimentary or discounted tickets must be approved in advance and may be subject to reimbursement at the standard ticket rate.
c. All events and users must use the Sonnentag Center concessions and catering vendor for all food requests in Sonnentag Center facilities.
d. The Sonnentag Center will retain all proceeds from concessions and parking.
II. Users of Sonnentag Center facilities may not make physical modifications to, alter the intended use of, or introduce any permanent or temporary installations into those spaces without the prior written approval of the Vice Chancellor for Finance & Administration or their designee. Unauthorized modifications or installations may be subject to removal or restoration at the user's expense.
7. Related Documents
UW-Eau Claire University Procedure 780A, Booking Sonnentag Center Facilities
UW System Administrative Policy 314, Financial Management of Auxiliary Operations
Regent Policy Document 12-1, Competition with the Private Sector
Wis. Admin. Code UWS 21.06, Use of University Facilities
8. Policy History
Original Issuance Date: July 13, 2026
9. Scheduled Review
July 2031