House Rules

  • House Rules
    • SUPERVISION OF CLUB MANAGEMENT
      I. Club Management
      The engagement, compensation and supervision of employees shall be under the general direction of the House Committee.  The House Committee shall also review the performance of the management of the Club.  The Manager of the Club shall operate under written authority delegated to him or her by the House Committee and may be authorized to represent the House Committee in all matters within the limits of that authority.

      CLUB OPERATIONS
      II. Club House Use
      Rules governing the use of the Club House shall be under the control of the House Committee.

      III. Club House Hours
      The House Committee shall determine and publish the hours during which the Club is open, and shall have authority to close any of the Club rooms at any time.

      IV. Member Statements
      On the first day of each month (or as soon thereafter as may be practicable), a statement of accounts shall be sent to each member.

      V. Monies and Payments
      Checks may be cashed by members for an amount not exceeding $150 in one day, when presented in person by a member before 11 p.m. This privilege may be withdrawn or altered by the House Committee.

      Cash payments for Club services are not permitted. All charges must be signed for. The use of credit cards to settle charges incurred while residing in guest rooms in the Club House is permitted for members and guests.

      VI. Room Reservations and Event Cancellations
      Room reservations must be cancelled by noon on the day prior to arrival or the entire room charge shall be billed to the member or guest. Reservations for Club functions must be cancelled with the office at least two business days prior to the event. Charges for ticketed events outside the Club House and for related transportation are not refundable unless the reservation can be resold to another member.

      REGULATION OF PRICES
      VII. Prices
      The House Committee shall regulate the Club’s prices, including charges for supplies or services in any department. Such charges shall be uniform for all members.

      CLUB HOUSE RULES
      VIII. Outerwear & Check Room
      Outerwear and coats, clothing bags, luggage larger than brief or attaché cases, athletic equipment bags, backpacks, strollers, shopping bags and similar items must not be brought into any of the public rooms of the Club House. Such items may be checked in the check room or with lobby staff to be brought to a guest room or held on a baggage cart pending departure, secured by an overnight guest in a guest room, or left in a locker or stall in an athletic facility used by a member or guest. Valuables may also be stored in a safe deposit box available in the Front Office.

      IX.Club Dress  
      Gentleman members and guests are required to wear jackets and dress shirts. Ties are recommended, but not required, except for dinner in the Main Dining Room. Jackets are not required on the 10th Floor Terrace. Ascots and cravats when worn as such are a suitable replacement for ties.  

      Lady members and guests are required to wear clothing meeting similar standards; specifically, tailored clothing that otherwise conforms to this Rule, e.g. suits, dresses, or skirts and dress shirts or sweaters, or tailored pants with dress shirts and jackets, elegant sweaters or scarves of equivalent formality. Tailored pants paired with tailored/beaded tops may be worn without a jacket, sweater or scarf.

      The following clothing is prohibited in the Club House: jeans and other denim apparel, leisurewear of any type, Capri, and cargo pants, rompers, shorts, leggings, T-shirts, sportswear and bare midriff tops, mini-skirts, athletic clothing, beach or thong sandals, and sneakers or other athletic shoes. Members and guests traveling to or from an athletic facility, the 10th Floor Terrace, or guest rooms may pass through the lobby, to and from the elevator and the front door, wearing informal dress that includes no prohibited items.

      The only exceptions are:
      ·       During the weekend, jackets are not required and polo shirts may be worn in the Tap Room, Billiard Room, Television Room, and 10th Floor Terrace.  
      ·       Members and guests may wear informal and prohibited clothes and shoes when traveling to and from, and while using, an athletic facility or guest room but must enter and leave via the side entrance at 3 West 54th Street and go to the respective area directly.  

      Athletic facilities may have their own dress requirements, such as non-marking shoes and white clothes in the squash facility. Members are responsible for their and their guests’ compliance with the Club Dress Rule. They are advised, and should advise their guests (including those attending member-sponsored events), that anyone, including school age children, not conforming to this Rule after being requested to do so shall not be served and may be asked to leave the Club House. The Club reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to determine on a case by case basis what is or is not appropriate attire, and in doing so its objective shall be to preserve the ambiance of the Club House.

      Members and guests must courteously and cooperatively respond to Club employees seeking to achieve compliance with this Rule.

      X. Electronic Devices
      Cellular phones and other digital devices should be silenced and put away prior to or upon entering the Club House. When permitted, digital devices in the Club House should be used in a manner so as not to disturb other members and guests. Cellular phones and other digital devices may be used for spoken communications only in phone booths, overnight guest rooms, private rooms and other areas of the Club House approved from time to time by the House Committee. Cellular phones and other handheld digital devices may be used for reading and silent communication in the Percy Douglas Reading Room, the Dwight Lounge, the Library and its adjoining areas, and the Club’s athletic facilities. Laptop computers may be used silently in the Library and its adjoining areas and in other areas of the Club House approved from time to time by the House Committee. Unrestricted use of laptop computers and other digital devices is permitted in the overnight guest rooms. The use of cellular phones and other digital devices for photography is governed by Rule XII. 

      XI. Conduct of Business
      The conduct of business meetings, display of business papers or any meeting where the discussion becomes disturbing to others are also prohibited in public areas of the Club House.  Private rooms are available by reservation.

      XII. Photography
      The taking of photographs or videos, or the streaming or broadcasting of any images, is not permitted in the public areas of the Club House without the prior permission of the House Committee Chair or the Chair’s designee. The term “Images” as used in this Rule means photographs, videos, streaming or broadcasting of images taken in the Club House. The taking of Images is permitted: (1) at scheduled private events if the sponsoring member obtains prior written permission from the House Committee Chair or the Chair’s designee and agrees in writing to any conditions required by the House Committee Chair or the Chair’s designee; (2) by a designated person at Club events as determined on a case-by-case basis by the House Committee Chair or the Chair’s designee; and (3) in private rooms. Images may not be used for commercial purposes or posted to any public forum, including public-facing social media, without prior written approval of the House Committee Chair or the Chair’s designee.     

      XIII. Publicity, Stationery, and Non-Solicitation
      No member or guest shall use the name “The University Club” with the intention or consequence of having it appear in a public forum such as a newspaper, periodical or other publication, or newspaper publicity, press release, publicly facing social media or website, without prior written permission from the House Committee. There shall be no press or media coverage of Club related activities without written approval of the House Committee. The member or member host at all Club events is responsible to ensure that other members’ privacy is respected. No member or guest shall use stationery bearing the name or logo of the Club or the Club’s mailboxes or address for business purposes, publication, release to the news or other media, or in a manner that might imply involvement of the Club other than for official Club business. Members and guests may not use the Club or its resources, including the Club Directory, to solicit business or political activity from other members and guests.

      XIV. Responsibility of Care
      The Club shall exercise due diligence in protecting the property of members and guests in the Club House, but its responsibility for any loss or damage of such property may be limited by law.

      XV. Gratuities No member or guest shall give any money or other gratuity to any employee of the Club. The only permitted gifts or gratuities to employees are donations to holiday or other club-sponsored funds and the gratuity system in the Dining Rooms or elsewhere, as authorized by the House Committee.

      XVI. Smoking, including the use of electronic cigarettes, is prohibited inside the Club House at all times. Smoking is permitted on the 7th floor terrace, which may be closed during meal periods or other events. 

      XVII. Children
      Children are permitted in the Main Dining Room, the Dwight Dining Room and the Dwight Café.  Children are permitted in any public area of the Club House in which a family or children’s event or activity is being held.  Children are permitted in the Fitness Centers, the Squash facilities, and the Billiard Room in accordance with rules and policies adopted by The Fitness Committee, The Squash Racquets Committee and the Billiard Committee, respectively.  Other than for lunch on weekends, children under the age of 21 are not permitted in the Tap Room.   In all instances in which children are permitted, they must be accompanied by a responsible adult and behave in accordance with the Club’s general rules for all members and guests regarding comportment.

      XVIII. Club Employees
      Members and guests shall not send employees out of the Club House for any purpose.

      XIX. Animals
      No animals other than guide dogs and duly licensed and trained service animals shall be allowed on the Club premises.

      XX. Firearms
      Firearms are strictly forbidden in the Club House.  The only exceptions are for personnel employed or retained by the Club to provide security, law enforcement personnel on official business, or as approved in writing in advance by the General Manager or the Chair of the House Committee.

      SPONSORED EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
      XXI. Member & Guest Use The Club House is intended for the exclusive use of members and guests. Members may sponsor guests to occupy the Club's guest rooms, subject to availability, who may then utilize the facilities and services of the Club House during their stay.

      As provided by Rules adopted by the Council, certain non-members may also obtain guest privileges, including spouses of members, widows and widowers of Club members, certain presidents of colleges and universities, certain library directors, and non-resident guests registered for limited periods by a Member. Holders of guest privileges are allowed access to the Club House and use of all dining facilities, guestrooms, the Library, to attend scheduled Club events and activities, and to entertain no more than three guests at a time. A holder of guest privileges who desires to entertain in the Club or use the private dining rooms must obtain approval in advance from the General Manager.

      Other guests of members may only use the Club House when accompanied by a member, and absent members may not authorize visitors to attend events, receive services or incur charges. Members shall be personally responsible for the behavior and charges of their guests. No guest shall attend any business meeting of the Club. The privileges of any guest may be terminated at the discretion of the Council in the first instance or by the Council upon the recommendation of the House Committee. None of the guest privileges of the Club may be extended to any person under the age of eighteen years without advance approval of the House Committee or its designee.

      Members may also sponsor events at the Club House for family, social, charitable, or business purposes, but may not receive any form of compensation or financial gain for doing so. Prior to making any reservation, members shall identify the organization or group that is to attend and the specific nature of the event. Sponsors must be members of their sponsored organization or social group, must be present at the event, and shall be personally responsible for the behavior of those who attend and for all charges that are incurred. The House Committee reserves the right to approve or disapprove any member-sponsored event.

      Member-sponsored events may not be used in any way to raise funds for political candidates or political causes, and political fundraising literature may not be distributed in the Club House. This provision shall not be construed to prevent political figures from appearing or speaking at an event, so long as fundraising activities are neither conducted nor implied.

      Those who attend a member-sponsored event may not have access to or use of the Club House, except as is necessary to pass through public areas to or from the event, unless accompanied by the sponsoring member or members. Members shall show consideration for the privacy and comfort of the membership when accompanying their guests in the Club House. Specific rules or customs governing the use of rooms such as the Douglas Reading Room, the Library, Billiard Room, etc. must be observed. Members must always notify personal guests and participants in their sponsored events, in advance, of the rules pertaining to conduct in the Club House, particularly including those governing appropriate attire, display of business papers, use of electronic devices, etc.

      Members are always responsible to ensure that their guests comply with all Club rules. The University Club is committed to providing a safe and harmonious club environment which enhances the experience of our members and guests. All members and guests have the right to be treated fairly and with respect. Accordingly, any forms of harassment at the Club will not be tolerated.

      DEPORTMENT AND DISCIPLINARY ISSUES
      XXII. Member Deportment The House Committee is responsible for addressing deportment and disciplinary issues involving Club members and guests, and shall coordinate with the President on such matters, as appropriate, pursuant to Article XIV, Section 2 of the Constitution.

      RECEIPT OF COMPLAINTS AND REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES
      XXIII. Complaints & Recommendations All requests and complaints shall be made in writing, signed and addressed to the House Committee. It shall be the duty of the House Committee to call the attention of the members to any violation of the Constitution or House Rules.

      RECIPROCAL CLUB ARRANGEMENTS
      XXIV. Reciprocity The House Committee shall review and make recommendations to the Council on reciprocal and other relationship arrangements with other clubs and monitor those arrangements once established.

  • Dress Code
    • IX. Club Dress  
      Gentleman members and guests are required to wear jackets and dress shirts. Ties are recommended, but not required, except for dinner in the Main Dining Room. Jackets are not required on the 10th Floor Terrace. Ascots and cravats when worn as such are a suitable replacement for ties.  

      Lady members and guests are required to wear clothing meeting similar standards; specifically, tailored clothing that otherwise conforms to this Rule, e.g. suits, dresses, or skirts and dress shirts or sweaters, or tailored pants with dress shirts and jackets, elegant sweaters or scarves of equivalent formality. Tailored pants paired with tailored/beaded tops may be worn without a jacket, sweater or scarf.

      The following clothing is prohibited in the Club House: jeans and other denim apparel, leisurewear of any type, Capri, and cargo pants, rompers, shorts, leggings, T-shirts, sportswear and bare midriff tops, mini-skirts, athletic clothing, beach or thong sandals, and sneakers or other athletic shoes. Members and guests traveling to or from an athletic facility, the 10th Floor Terrace, or guest rooms may pass through the lobby, to and from the elevator and the front door, wearing informal dress that includes no prohibited items.

      The only exceptions are:
      ·       During the weekend, jackets are not required and polo shirts may be worn in the Tap Room, Billiard Room, Television Room, and 10th Floor Terrace.  
      ·       Members and guests may wear informal and prohibited clothes and shoes when traveling to and from, and while using, an athletic facility or guest room but must enter and leave via the side entrance at 3 West 54th Street and go to the respective area directly.  

      Athletic facilities may have their own dress requirements, such as non-marking shoes and white clothes in the squash facility.

      Members are responsible for their and their guests’ compliance with the Club Dress Rule. They are advised, and should advise their guests (including those attending member-sponsored events), that anyone, including school age children, not conforming to this Rule after being requested to do so shall not be served and may be asked to leave the Club House. The Club reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to determine on a case-by-case basis what is or is not appropriate attire, and in doing so its objective shall be to preserve the ambiance of the Club House. Members and guests must courteously and cooperatively respond to Club employees seeking to achieve compliance with this Rule.

      X. Electronic Devices
      All digital devices including cellular phones must remain silent in all public spaces in the Club House.  Silent use means that all sounds on digital devices must be turned off and digital devices may not be used for oral communication.  Passive use of handheld digital devices is permitted in the Percy Douglas Reading Room and the Dwight Lounge, unless a Club event is taking place in such room, and in the Club’s athletic facilities.  Passive use means that text messages, emails, digital books and periodicals and other written material transmitted digitally may be read but typing on digital devices (other than to enter a password to access materials) is prohibited.  Active and silent use of all digital devices including laptops is permitted in the Library.  Active use means that typing is permitted.   

      Cellular phones and other digital devices may be used for making and/or receiving phone calls and electronic messages in private rooms and in the telephone booths located throughout the Club - most of which provide adequate reception for these devices. In addition, many of the Club's house phones may be used without charge for outgoing local calls, including most calls to local cellular exchanges. Please keep usage brief and be considerate of others seeking to use the booths.

      Digital devices and laptop computers may be used in private rooms or other areas of the Club House that may be designated for such use by the House Committee.

      XII. Photography
      No photography is permitted in the Club at any time without prior permission from the House Committee or its designee. If a photograph, video or other depiction of a University Club member or of the Club’s facilities is taken or made on Club property, it is a violation of Club policy for the depiction to be posted on a website, social networking site or similar communications medium. Without the written approval of the House Committee, it is also a violation of Club policy to describe in related text or commentary any of the Club’s facilities or activities.
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