The purpose of this policy is to set forth uniform guidelines for the usage of the Melcher Hall classrooms and ensure that they are to be used for the purpose of supporting the UH System’s mission of teaching, research, and public service. UH System facilities are not available for unrestricted use for other purposes. However, UH System facilities may be reserved by internal or external individuals, groups, or organizations for other purposes as long as such use does not interfere with the purposes for which the facilities are provided.

The philosophy behind this policy is to maximize the use of Melcher Hall classrooms for the broadest number of faculty and staff as well as other members of the University of Houston community.

Who is eligible to use Melcher Hall classrooms?

Events may be sponsored only by a university administrative, academic, or student unit, not an individual. Sponsorship includes being actively involved in the event, monitoring its progress, and taking overall responsibility for its success and policy compliance. Sponsoring organizations include the following:

• Colleges, divisions, or departments
• Organized faculty or staff bodies (i.e., Faculty Senate, Staff Council, etc.)
• Officially recognized student organizations
• Academic and/or administrative committees consisting substantially of persons conducting official university business

(Priority will be given first to instruction/scheduled classes.)

The UH System and its components have absolute preemptive priority over all non-System persons or groups. The UH System and its components reserve the right to cancel, postpone, or alter arrangements for any event.

(State law prohibits the use of the university’s facilities and grounds for personal gain.)

List of classrooms and capacity

Melcher Hall:

Room 110 – 66 swing-out chairs

Room 112 - 44 tablet-arm chairs

Room 113 - 44 tablet-arm chairs

Room 114 - 66 swing-out chairs

Room 115 -

Room 116 - 66 swing-out chairs

Room 118 - 66 swing-out chairs

Room 120 – 24 tablet-arm chairs

Room 126 - 66 swing-out chairs

Room 127 – 46 swing-out chairs

Room 128 - 66 swing-out chairs

Room 129 – 32 tablet arm chairs

Room 130 - 66 swing-out chairs

Room 138 – 44 tablet-arm chairs

Room 140 - 66 swing-out chairs

Room 150 – 282 fixed tablet-arm chairs

Room 160 – 361 fixed tablet-arm chairs

Room 170 -  285 fixed tablet-arm chairs

Room 180 – 281 fixed tablet-arm chairs

Room 213

Room 248 - 38 chairs at fixed tables

Room 256 - 38 chairs at fixed tables

Cemo Hall:

Room 101 - 80 rolling chairs at tables

Room 105 - 80 rolling chairs at tables

Room 109 - 80 rolling chairs at tables

Stubblefield Auditorium - 432 arm tablet chairs

To reserve Melcher Hall classrooms listed above, use the following link: https://www.bauer.uh.edu/faculty/forms/roomreserv.asp

For weekend functions, reservations must be made by Tuesday. Food and drink may not be brought into Melcher Hall classrooms. Exceptions may be granted if the faculty member or program representative submits a Service Center Voucher to cover any damage or necessary carpet cleaning.  All approval signatures must be obtained and the SCV will be submitted through workflow. If the SCV is not used it will be returned to the originator.

The UH System and its components have absolute preemptive priority over all non-System persons or groups. The UH System and its components reserve the right to cancel, postpone, or alter arrangements for any event.

• If the Melcher Hall classroom is left in an unusually unclean condition, additional charges may be necessary.
• It is the responsibility of the faculty/staff member or program representative to ensure that no food or drink is brought into Melcher Hall classrooms unless an exception has been approved.  Exceptions will not be granted to regularly scheduled classes.
• If food is allowed, it must be served outside the classroom.
• The faculty/staff member or program representative must make arrangements with UH Custodial Services @ X35684 prior to the event to have extra garbage receptacles available for the event.
• Tables and chairs can be rearranged; however, the faculty/staff member or program must return the classroom to its original classroom setup at the conclusion of the event.
• All who use Melcher Hall classrooms must adhere to campus alcohol policies in conjunction with city, state and federal laws. Alcoholic beverages may not be dispensed within Melcher Hall prior to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or prior to noon on Saturday and Sunday, also upon approval.
• Obtaining audiovisual equipment and/ or audiovisual operator is the responsibility of the faculty member or program requesting Melcher Hall classrooms. For AV equipment or operators call 713-743-4871. (There will be a fee for operator services.)

What if?

If the building or classroom is not unlocked, contact the University of Houston Police Department.

If a different set-up is required, it is the responsibility of the requesting department, faculty/staff member or program representative to process a work order through the University of Houston Physical Plant to make the necessary adjustments in the room. (Approximate cost: $150.) The classroom must be returned to its original classroom setup at the end of any class or event.

Additional Equipment

It is the responsibility of the requesting department, faculty/staff member or program representative to make 5 day advance requests for additional equipment.

For microphones (lapel or hand held) call 713-743-4871.

Overhead projectors are already located in all Melcher Hall classrooms.

Extra chairs must be requested from Customer Service @ X34948 at least three days in advance of event.  A Customer Request Form must be filled out and submitted via e-mail from the appointed departmental contact and the Melcher Hall classroom reservation contact.  Contact the Labor Shop @ X35607 for an estimate and additional set up information.

Conference Room and Open Area Reservations

Each of the five academic units in BCB has a conference room, for which they exclusively have ability to schedule usage of.  These rooms are typically reserved for only the home department’s needs, but possibly could be used in extenuating circumstances with the department chair’s approval.

The reservation of the following conference rooms and open areas of Melcher Hall is handled by the concierge or dean’s reception staff:

Dean’s conference room in suite 350

Executive Boardroom in 302

Front entry area elevator lobby

First floor area beneath the stock ticker

First floor area around the glass stairway

First floor “drum” area behind the auditorium classrooms

Starbucks lounge

Please note that these areas must be reserved in advance to avoid over booking and ensure compliance with state and college regulations.  Since Melcher Hall is a property of the state of Texas, no private organization can solicit or provide services for profit through usage of BCB facilities.  Events that are held within the walls of Melcher Hall must support the UH System mission of teaching, research and public service. 

Events may be sponsored only by a university administrative, academic, or student unit, not an individual. Sponsorship includes being actively involved in the event, monitoring its progress, and taking overall responsibility for its success and policy compliance. Sponsoring organizations include the following:

Colleges, divisions, or departments

Organized faculty or staff bodies (i.e., Faculty Senate, Staff Council, etc.)

Officially recognized student organizations

Academic and/or administrative committees consisting substantially of persons conducting official university business

The UH System and its components have absolute preemptive priority over all non-System persons or groups. The UH System and its components reserve the right to cancel, postpone, or alter arrangements for any event.

(State law prohibits the use of the university’s facilities and grounds for personal gain.)