Facility Rental

Reservations are accepted from recognized community groups and organizations with local officers. Reservations will not be accepted for private parties such as wedding showers, weddings, wedding receptions, or graduation parties.

Specialty facilities such as the gymnasium and laboratories (including computer labs) generally are not available for use by outside groups. Other facilities, including campus grounds, will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

In most cases, a fee will be charged to cover any additional expenses to the college arising from the use of our facility.

We reserve the right to determine whether additional custodial, security, or other personnel are required for your event. You will be notified in advance regarding the hourly rates that apply to your use of our facilities. These additional fees may be invoiced after the scheduled event.

The following rooms are designated "free use" for eligible community groups during normal hours of building operation:

• Lyons 140 and 141
• Student Commons on the Niles Campus

Fees

Following are the fees for use of college facilities by eligible groups.

Special facilities such as the gymnasium and laboratories (including computer labs) will generally not be considered available for use by outside groups. Other facilities, including campus grounds, will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

A half day is four hours or less; a minimum of 1/2 day will be charged. 

Additional fees for support services such as audio-visual technician, theatre technician, etc. will be charged equal to the actual cost of providing these support personnel. 

For theatre reservations, post-event cleanup will be billed at $25 per cleaning person per hour.

This community is blessed with many fine community service organizations which, like Southwestern Michigan College (SMC), are non–profit. These organizations, as does SMC, strive to enhance the quality of life for citizens and our community. As a non-profit organization itself, SMC desires not to profit when other non-profit organizations use SMC facilities. The college is no longer able to completely subsidize staff costs and overtime expenses to the college when SMC facilities are used, however, in certain circumstances, the fee for using our facilities may be waived.

Theatre Technology Support Options

Tier 1 Support

For a speaker, training presentation, panel discussion, or simple music recital
$100 minimum, which includes:

• 1 SMC technical theatre support staff person
• 1-3 microphones, hand or body style
• Computer
• Projector
• 1-3 simple light cues or presets
• 1-2 hours of preparatory work
• Performances will be additional and billed at hourly rate of $15 per staff person

Tier 2 Support

For smaller productions or recitals with one or two performances
$350 minimum, which includes:

• 2 SMC technical theatre support staff personnel
• Up to 6 microphones, hand or body style
• Computer
• Projector
• Fully programmed custom lighting design
• Up to 8 hours of preparatory work
  • Prepare for and install backdrops
  • Adjust and program lights
  • Mylar flooring install
  • Additional rehearsal preparation
• Performances will be additional and billed at hourly rate of $15 per staff person

Tier 3 Support

For large-scale productions or recitals with several performances
$650 minimum, which includes:

• 3 or more SMC technical theatre support staff personnel
• All necessary microphones, hand or body style
• Computer
• Projector
• Fully programmed custom lighting design
• 12-20 hours of preparatory work
  • Prepare for and install backdrops
  • Adjust and program lights
  • Mylar flooring install
  • Installation of specialty sound or light equipment
  • Additional rehearsal preparation
• Performances will be additional and billed at hourly rate of $15 per staff person

Individuals using college facilities are allowed to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages. 

SMC does not have table linens available for use in our facilities.

As a general policy, no alcoholic beverages are permitted at community events held on the campus of Southwestern Michigan College.

Use of our facilities is subject to the terms and conditions of the Facility Use Policy. Any damages to equipment or facilities will be the responsibility of the organization in charge. Reimbursement will be required in the amount of repair or replacement.

Any organization who uses our facilities is required to have liability insurance in effect during the time frame of the event. We must receive proof of this insurance coverage prior to the event. Proof of insurance may be submitted electronically while completing the Facility Request Form, or it may be provided later via mail, fax, or email to the contact information found on this page.