Melva Lind Interpretive CenterGuidelines for students, staff, and guests

Thank you for choosing the Melva Lind Interpretive Center to host your gathering.
Here are a few guidelines and rules regarding procedures that may be helpful. Please 
read carefully and thank you for following all directives.

Decorations and modifications:

• Please do not use nails, staples, spray paint, or 3M Command hooks on the ceiling or ANY drywall area. 
• All decorations must be taken down and taken away after the event. 

*Cleaning: Keeping the Interpretive Center clean and orderly is imperative. Please do your best to keep the area clean.

• Please clean the tabletops (rags and cleaner can be found in the kitchenette). 
• Sweep/Swiffer mop, if necessary (see kitchenette for supplies).
• Unless provided by the Arboretum, please take extra materials/food after the event is complete.
• Collect all garbage and place the garbage bags out back (behind the kitchen) to the trash cans. (We want to ensure we do not attract mice.)

*Organization: 

• Put tables and chairs back into their original placement. Rearrange any furniture that was put out of place. Keep podium up at the front.
• If used, please turn off the sound system and put technology cords back in the wood box neatly. If you used the screen, please use the toggle button to retract the screen. 
• If up, please pull down the wood kitchen divider in the kitchen window.
• Turn lights off when you leave the space (located in the hallway by the restrooms).

Projector and Sound System:

•  The “up and down” toggle button for the screen can be found on the east wall and (ultimately) behind the screen.
• To turn on the projector, refer to the technology panel below the display case (to the far right of the fireplace).
• Directions for your laptop are located on the wood ledge. 
• When finished, please retract the screen to the ceiling.
• Please turn off the sound system and neatly place technology cords back in the wood box.

Fireplace: If you are renting out the space, you are approved to use the fireplace. Please be aware that the person who starts the fire is responsible for the safety and well-being of guests and property for the duration of the fire. Please follow these guidelines:

• Be sure the damper is open by positioning the lever all the way to the right.
• Begin with a hot fire to draw smoke up (a small, cold fire can result in a smoke-filled room!).
• Prepare before lighting: Use lots of crumpled paper, some kindling on top of that, and split logs on top.
• Once fire is burning well, close glass doors to prevent smoke rollout.
• Do not leave fire unattended.
• Leave only after fire has died down to coals. Be sure the mesh screen is closed!
• Leave damper open even after the fire dies down.
• For assistance with the fireplace, call 933-8888 for Gustavus Campus Safety.

Media/Photography: All commercial photography must be registered through the Gustavus Arboretum.

• More information on our photography policy can be found here.
• The link for photography registration may be found here.
• Non-commercial and not for profit photographers are allowed to use the Arboretum to take pictures for their own personal use. 

Parking: Visitor parking can be found near the Interpretive Center in Lots M and N and are marked with blue signs. Please note that Silver or Blue parking is for Gustavus students and Gold parking is for Gustavus staff/faculty during weekdays. Parking is not enforced on weekends, but overnight parking requires a permit from Campus Safety. 

No Alcohol or Drugs: Alcohol is not permitted unless verified by the Arboretum. Drugs are not permitted on the Arboretum grounds in accordance with College rules.

No smoking: Gustavus Adolphus College is a 100% smoke-free campus. All forms of tobacco use, including cigarettes, cigars, bidis, smokeless/spit tobacco, hookahs, blunts, pipes, e-cigarettes and snuff are prohibited. This applies to all campus grounds including parking lots, athletics facilities, event venues, classrooms and common areas. Read more about the policy here. 

Cancellations: In the event of a cancellation, please contact arboretum@gustavus.edu or call 507-933-6181 immediately.

• Please let the Arboretum know as soon as possible if you no longer need this space.
• If you are an off campus renter, please let us know 4 weeks in advance or you may forfeit your deposit.

Contact: If you have any questions about any of these use policies or guidelines please contact the Gustavus Arboretum Office at 507-933-6181 or arboretum@gustavus.edu. 

*If the Interpretive Center is found in disarray and directives were not followed, student organizations/guests could be subject to fines and/or banned from future use.