General Policies

Individuals assume a risk of injury or even death while voluntarily electing to participate in physical activity. All participants are strongly encouraged to have a health evaluation by their physician. All non-student members must sign the “Release and Waiver of Liability and Indemnity Agreement.”

Risk Statement

Participants play at their own risk. Neither Recreation and Wellness Services staff, Kent State University or the agents thereof assume responsibility for injury or damage to personal property resulting from participation in recreational activity or an intramural sports activity.

• Bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, pets, in-line skates, scooters and sleds are not permitted inside the SRWC.
• Only working service animals and service animals in-training are permitted in the building.

To claim a domestic partnership, members must meet the following conditions:

• Are at least 18 years of age and have the capacity to enter into a contract.
• Share a permanent residence, unless residing in different cities, states or countries on a temporary basis.
• Are the sole domestic partner of each other, having been in the relationship for at least six months and intending to remain in the relationship indefinitely.
• Are not currently married to, or legally separated from, another person under statutory or common law.
• Are responsible for each other’s welfare.
• Are not related by blood to a degree that would bar marriage in the state of Ohio.
• Are financially interdependent on each other. This includes documentation of at least three of the following:
  • Joint ownership of real estate property or joint tenancy on a residential lease.
  • Joint ownership of an automobile.
  • Joint bank or credit account.
  • Will designating the domestic partner as the primary beneficiary.
  • Retirement plan or life insurance policy designating the domestic partner as the primary beneficiary.
  • Durable power of attorney, signed to the effect that powers are granted to one another unless residing in different cities, states or countries on a temporary basis

Recreation and Wellness Services values an inclusive environment and encourages participants to maintain proper hygiene and cleanliness. It's important to follow our guidelines to ensure safety, maintain a healthy environment, and preserve the equipment in the facility. Exercise attire and closed-toe athletic shoes must be worn at all times, with exceptions being the locker room areas and the pool. The discretion of the Recreation and Wellness staff may be used to determine appropriate fitness attire when necessary. Always adhere to the specific rules and guidelines set forth by the Recreation and Wellness Services to enjoy a safe and comfortable experience while using the facility. 

The dress code can be summarized as follows:

• Athletic tops and shorts/pants are required.
• Jeans, khakis, and any other clothing with belts, studs, rivets, or exposed zippers are not permitted. These could tear the vinyl on the equipment, leading to potential health risks and costly replacements. 
• Athletic, non-marking shoes with a full back and closed-toe are required in all areas, except locker room and pool area, to protect the feet from accidental dropping of equipment and to prevent slipping. Backless or partially backed shoes are not permitted as they can easily slip off and fail to provide full foot protection.

Recreation and Wellness Services is an equal opportunity employer and strives to provide a culturally diverse workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, military status or disability.

Recreational equipment is available to borrow at the Member Services Desk. Any member may borrow equipment by presenting their membership card. Damaged or unreturned equipment will be billed to the member. Patrons are responsible for lost or damaged equipment. Equipment not returned within two weeks of being checked out will be considered lost, and the participant will be responsible for the equipment replacement cost. Replacement or repair cost for damaged equipment is at the discretion of the Recreation and Wellness Services staff.

Available equipment includes:

• Ab balls
• Ankle straps
• Badminton birdies and rackets
• Basketballs
• Indoor and outdoor volleyballs
• Indoor soccer balls
• Jump ropes
• Key locks
• Medicine balls
• Neck brace
• Ping-pong paddles
• Racquetball balls and rackets
• Safety goggles
• Step bench
• Stop watch

• Food and beverages may be consumed in the mall area and Summit Street Café areas only.
• Drinks in a container with a lid are permitted throughout the facility.
• Possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited. Consumption of alcohol, intoxication, or the appearance/smell of intoxication will be cause for immediate removal.
• Smoking and tobacco use is not allowed on any property owned, operated or leased by Kent State. This includes personal vehicles parked on university property.
• All smoking is prohibited, including the use of electronic smoking devices, mod boxes or electronic nicotine delivery systems that create an aerosol or vapor.
• The policy also prohibits the use of nicotine, tobacco-derived or plant based products, and oral tobacco.
• Restricted products include: cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, cloves, hookahs, e-cigarettes, herbal and oil vaporizers, pipes, water pipes, all smokeless tobacco (chew, snuff, dip, etc.), and all other non-FDA approved nicotine products.
• Gum is prohibited in the facility beyond the Welcome Desk.

• Kent State Recreation and Wellness Services is not responsible for any damaged, lost, or stolen personal property.  

• Patrons may rent out day locks at the Welcome Desk, free of charge if they would like to secure their personal items in the locker rooms.  Day lockers are for day use only. All eligible items found in these lockers at close will be bagged up and logged in our lost and found.  If a locker is locked with a personal lock, the lock will be cut off and disposed of.  RecWell locks will be unlocked with a spare key.

• All lost and found items can be found at the Welcome Desk. 

  • Clothing and smaller items are donated after 2 weeks.  

  • Items of a personal nature (i.e. undergarments, socks, toiletries, etc.) will be discarded if left in the building.  

  • Lost FLASHcards are submitted to the FLASHcard Office each month, and RecWell Member IDs are given each month to Jim Kraus, Senior Assistant Director, Guest Services and Marketing.

  • Wallets, driver’s licenses, and medications are stored in the facility safe and are turned over to the police bi-weekly.  

  • Other items of value (i.e. laptops, cellphones, headphones, tablets, etc.) are stored in the facility safe for six months.  

  • Reusable water bottles are emptied and stored in our office and will be donated every two weeks.

• Wet clothing, towels, and swim equipment are not logged in the lost and found and are stored in the Natatorium.  Lifeguard staff will hang these items to dry and will store them in the Aquatics Office.

• Patrons can inquire about lost and found items in-person at the Welcome Desk or by calling 330-672-0481.  If an item has not yet been turned in and recorded in our Lost and Found log, the item description and patron’s information will be added to the SRWC Lost and Found Log.

Taking photos or videos (cameras, video cameras, and cell phones) is strictly prohibited in the pool, locker rooms and restrooms.  All other photographs or recording videos in the SRWC and the Ice Arena must be directed to the Senior Assistant Director, Guest Services and Marketing and is subject to approval based upon content and circumstances.  Recreation and Wellness Services welcomes students and media members who want to cover a story about Recreation and Wellness Services facilities, programs or clubs.  If approved, individuals should come to the Member Services Desk in the Warren Student Recreation and Wellness Center or the Skate Rental Counter at the Ice Arena at the time of the approved filming. A media pass will be given for the duration of the filming and should be returned upon the completion of filming. We can also assist and arrange interviews with Recreation and Wellness Services staff and experts on recreational topics.

Signs and Announcements

The SRWC features a public posting board in the vestibule area that is available on a first come, first serve basis. No other signs may be posted in the facility without approval from the Senior Assistant Director, Guest Services and Marketing. Questions regarding collaboration or sponsorship may be directed to the Senior Assistant Director, Guest Services and Marketing.

Recreation and Wellness Services follows the Kent State University non-discrimination policy, which includes gender identity as a protected class. Patrons of the Student Recreation and Wellness Center are welcome to use the restroom  and locker room space where they feel most comfortable, and that corresponds with their gender identity. An individual’s gender identity is not always consistent with what some people expect to see in traditional physical presentation or appearance. This can include clothing, hairstyles, make-up, and/or body parts. All students and patrons retain the rights to privacy as well as physical and emotional safety. All students and patrons retain the rights to privacy as well as physical and emotional safety. Recreation and Wellness Services encourages anyone who is not comfortable using the locker room under these conditions to use one of our two Universal Locker Rooms located near the pool.  These Universal Locker Rooms are open during regular business hours and feature single shower stalls, day use lockers, toilet facilities, and are available on a first come, first serve basis. 

University Policy

On some occasions, weather conditions may delay or cancel classes. When that happens, decisions on a class delay, cancellation or campus closure will be made before the following times:

• 5:30 a.m. for morning and all-day cancellations
• 10 a.m. for afternoon classes
• 3 p.m. for evening classes.

In the event of a weather closing, university policy specifies that:

• Morning classes begin before 12 p.m. (noon) Monday - Friday.
• Afternoon classes begin after 12 p.m. (noon) Monday - Friday.
• Evening classes begin after 4:15 p.m. Monday - Friday.

For extreme cold, we will delay or cancel when the wind chill reaches (or is predicted to reach) -20 ° Fahrenheit for an extended period.

Campus Closure

• If the notification to close the Kent Campus comes before 5 a.m., 
  • The SRWC will open at 10 a.m.
  • The KSU Ice Arena will adjust facility hours based off private ice rental cancellations.
• If conditions warrant, the administration may choose to close the SRWC, Kent State Ice Arena or Tri-Rec early.
• If inclement weather happens during the weekend, all modifications/closures will be made as quickly as possible with the Kent State University Police Department's assistance.
• When the university closes the Kent Campus, 
  • All programs within the SRWC are canceled.
    • This does NOT include individually scheduled appointments (personal training, private lessons, etc.).
    • Appointments scheduled during that day's modified hours of operation will continue as usual.
    • Appointments scheduled outside of that day's modified hours of operation will be rescheduled.
    • Should a patron decide to cancel their individual appointment, no penalty fees will be applied.
  • All programs within the KSU Ice Arena, such as College Late Night Skate, Club Hockey, and KSU Figure Skating, are canceled.
    • This does NOT include private ice rentals.  Should private ice rentals decide to cancel their ice time, no penalty fees will be applied. (Kent Cyclones, High Schools, Goodyear, etc.)

Class Cancellations

• If conditions warrant, the administration may choose to close the SRWC, Kent State Ice Arena or Tri-Rec early.
• If inclement weather happens during the weekend, all modifications/closures will be made as quickly as possible with the Kent State University Police Department's assistance.
• When the university cancels any classes on the Kent Campus, 
  • All programs within the SRWC are canceled during that same time period.
    • This does NOT include individually scheduled appointments (personal training, private lessons, etc.).
    • Should a patron decide to cancel their individual appointment, no penalty fees will be applied.
  • All programs within the KSU Ice Arena, such as College Late Night Skate, Club Hockey, and KSU Figure Skating, are canceled during that same time period.
    • This does NOT include private ice rentals.  Should private ice rentals decide to cancel their ice time, no penalty fees will be applied.  (Kent Cyclones, High Schools, Goodyear, etc.)

How Modifications Will Be Published

• Winter weather procedures will be published on the department’s website (www.kent.edu/recwell).
• Should conditions warrant modifying facility hours, the following communication procedures will be completed.
  • Update the facility hours on the department website.
  • Post message on all social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram).
  • Send email to all non-student members using Constant Contact.
  • Post featured announcement on the main department homepage.
  • Update incoming phone announcement recording.
  • Send push notification to KSU Rec-Well app users.
  • Post updated facility signage on main entry doors.
  • Email program participants if programs are cancelled.