Express Newark Conduct Policy and Guidelines

Express Newark is located at 54 Halsey Street, 2nd Floor, in the historic Hahne & Company building in downtown Newark, NJ. It is a center for socially engaged art where people co-create, collaborate, and make art for social change. Supported by Rutgers University—Newark, Express Newark’s exhibitions, classes, and programs actively cultivate a dynamic, open, and welcoming space for artists of all ages.

Express Newark abides by the Code of Student ConductAcceptable Use Policy for Computing and Information Technology Resources, Guidelines for Free Expression, and other University policies, and applicable state and federal laws.

Visitors who do not adhere to the following behavior guidelines may be asked to leave and may to subjected to loss of access privileges, appropriate administrative action with the university, and prosecution under state law. Flagrant or repeat violators may be banned from all university locations. Instances of non-compliance will be documented and kept on file.

Animals

      Users with disabilities may bring assistance animals into the Express Newark. No other animals are allowed except in accordance with Rutgers University Policy 30.1.5: Pets at the University.

      Appropriate Use of Express Newark

        Any activity that interferes with visitor, student, faculty or staff safety or use of Express Newark is not permitted, and users engaged in these activities will be required to leave the building.

        Inappropriate conduct includes: 

        – Harassment or threatening behavior; 

        – Engaging in sexual conduct or lewd behavior; 

        – Possessing, selling, or appearing under the influence of illegal drugs; 

        – Smoking, chewing, and using other tobacco products, including vaping and electronic cigarettes and other inhalants; 

        – Damaging, defacing, or misusing any Express Newark materials or property. This includes disabling or unplugging Express Newark equipment, changing hardware or software, or using Express Newark equipment not designated for public use; 

        – Unhygienic behavior and activities that disturb other patrons;

        – Visitors must wear clothing, including shirts and shoes, in the building;

        Sleeping in Express Newark; 

        – Making unreasonable use of the public restrooms, including laundering clothes and bathing;

        – Making unreasonable noise. This includes loud talking, using devices (with or without headphones) at a volume that disturbs others, and using a cell phone or other voice transmission device, except in designated areas. 

        – Monopolizing Express Newark space, furniture, equipment or outlets to the exclusion of others; 

        – Obstructing aisles, stairways, or reading areas with personal belongings, including when charging personal devices. This includes actions that block access or exits to Express Newark premises or create safety hazards. 

        – Engaging in any activity that violates federal, state, local, or other applicable law or Library policies. Viewing child pornography is illegal and subject to federal and state prosecution.

        Cell Phones and Other Electronic Devices

          The Rutgers University Express Newark requires users to set cell phones and other electronic devices on non-audible signals except for medical personnel. Medical personnel who cannot put their device to non-audible should use the lowest ringer or alert volume. Phone and virtual conversations must be kept at a low volume level considering classes and the overall multi-use functional use of the space.

          Children’s Use of the Express Newark and Electronic Resources

            A parent, adult guardian, or responsible caregiver must always accompany children or adolescents under 18 without university affiliation. 

            Parents, guardians, and caregivers – not Express Newark or Rutgers University – Newark – are responsible for their protection and safety and must never leave children unattended. Parents, guardians, and/or caregivers are responsible for noting scheduled Express Newark closing times and should be aware that an Express Newark facility may sometimes have to close unexpectedly due to emergencies or safety issues.

            Parents, guardians, and/or caregivers are responsible for letting their children know what they should do if they must leave Express Newark. Children are expected to abide by all Express Newark user conduct and security policies. When a young child is in Express Newark unattended by a parent or guardian, university police will be called to ensure the child’s safety and to assist in locating a parent or guardian. Parents or guardians are responsible for children’s use of Express Newark, including access to the internet. Express Newark personnel may request identification to verify any unaccompanied young person’s age and university affiliation.

            Destruction or Mutilation of Express Newark Property

              Express Newark is responsible for custodial care of the resources to benefit the overall community. No person should willfully, maliciously, or wantonly mutilate, deface, tear, write upon, mar, or injure any Express Newark materials, exhibitions, electronic resources, furnishings, equipment, or facilities. No furniture should be moved or reclined on without permission.

                Food and Drink

                  Rutgers University food and drink policies are specific to each location and are intended not only to preserve our gallery and exhibition spaces, classrooms, conference areas, lecture hall, studios, and equipment to maintain the overall longevity and comfort of Express Newark’s furnishings but also to provide an environment respectful of all students, faculty, staff, and community needs. 

                    Motorized and Non-Motorized Conveyances

                      Users with disabilities may bring assistive technology such as wheelchairs into Express Newark. No other conveyances are allowed.

                        Noise and Other Disruptive Behavior

                          Express Newark users and patrons expect our facility to be a place for engagement in study and art making. All Express Newark visitors are required to be courteous and refrain from harassing or annoying others by behaving in a manner that can be expected to disturb other users. Users whose bodily hygiene is offensive to constitute a nuisance to other persons shall be required to leave the building. Shoes must be worn at all times.

                            Smoking

                              Smoking and the use of tobacco products and electronic cigarettes is prohibited in Express Newark under Rutgers University Policy 20.1.22: No Smoking Policy.

                                Staff Areas

                                  To assure the safety and productivity of Rutgers staff, and faculty, unauthorized individuals are only permitted in labeled staff/faculty areas if invited to enter by staff as necessary for the conduct of Express Newark business.

                                    Examples of unacceptable behavior by participants include:

                                    1. The use of sexualized language or imagery and unwelcome sexual attention or advances.
                                    2. Trolling, insulting/derogatory comments, and personal or political attacks.
                                    3. Public or private harassment.
                                    4. Publishing others’ private information, such as a physical or electronic address, without explicit permission.
                                    5. Other conduct that could reasonably be inappropriate in a professional setting.
                                    6. Carrying weapons of any kind.

                                    This Code of Conduct is a living document and will be periodically updated.