All Faiths Chapel

Regulations

1. All Faiths Chapel is the center of on-campus religious activities and is available to TAMU students, former students, and employees of all denominations and creeds. The purpose of the Chapel program is to encourage the spiritual expression and development of the Texas A&M University community. The Chapel will be open at all times, except during University holidays, to the campus community for individual meditation.

2. Recognized student organizations desiring to use the Chapel for appropriate meetings during a semester will need to come by the Scheduling Office on the second floor of Rudder Tower to obtain a semester form. The completed form will be returned to the Scheduling Office. Reservations for semester meetings will be taken beginning April 15 for the fall semester and November 15 for the spring semester.

   During the year, priorities will be given for use of the chapel for funerals, memorial services, special non-sectarian religious services, weddings and other special occasions as they arise. Available dates for these occasions may be requested at any time during the year.

3. The Chapel may be used for religious services on a regular basis by any recognized student organization. Reservations may be requested to be relinquished should a funeral, memorial service, or special non-sectarian religious holiday programs be requested. The Chapel program will try to avoid competing with off campus religious organizations and will instead supplement their activities.

4. Please call the Scheduling Office, (979) 845-8904, to obtain fees for use of the Chapel. The fee will be paid to the Scheduling Office with a check or cash. Checks should be made payable to TAMU All Faiths Chapel. Confirmation for use of the Chapel will be made upon payment in full. A cancellation request must be made 30 days in advance in order to receive a refund.

5. A signature on the reservation form and payment of applicable fees certify a duly constituted contract. The user group must: (1) replace all Chapel equipment, chairs, and other furnishings to their proper locations; (2) lock the cabinets and return the key to the Scheduling and Services Office on the next TAMU working day; (3) turn off, close, and unplug the organ and return the key to the Scheduling and Services Office on the next TAMU working day; (4) turn off all lights; (5) dispose of any trash; and (6) abide by all the All Faiths Chapel regulations.

6. Altar equipment and folding chairs are kept in locked cabinets at the back of the sanctuary. When needed, the cabinet keys may be checked out at the Scheduling and Services Office. The confirmation form will be needed to check out the key. The key must be checked out before 5:00 p.m. on the last working day before the scheduled activity and must be returned to the Scheduling and Services Office the next working day.

7. Groups or individuals using the Chapel are asked to show proper respect for the facility by not damaging the Chapel in any way. Charges will be made for damages incurred, missing property, and any unusual cleanup charges. NO FURNISHINGS OR EQUIPMENT MAY BE TAKEN FROM THE CHAPEL FOR ANY PURPOSE.

8. The sanctuary will seat 179 guests. Folding chairs may be added to increase the capacity to approx. 200. Facilities at the Chapel are not adequate for wedding receptions and will not be scheduled for such events.

9. When floral decorations are used, they should be kept simple and in harmony with the natural beauty of the Chapel sanctuary. No floral bouquets, ribbons, or decorations will be attached to the walls or seats with tape or adhesive. Candles will only be allowed in appropriate holders or candelabrum and only on the altar. Non-drip candles are to be used. Nothing should be attached to windows with tape or adhesive.

10. Drinking, eating and smoking is prohibited in the Chapel at all times.

11. The organ should only be played by a trained and experienced person. The organ must be turned off, closed, and unplugged after each use. Also, the piano should only be played by a trained person.

12. Denominational brochures, leaflets, tracts, etc. may be displayed in the Chapel only in conjunction with an authorized activity. They must be removed at the conclusion of the activity.

13. Chapel lights will be turned off by the user at the conclusion of each activity.

14. The Chapel will be closed and locked during the break between the fall and spring semesters. No events will be scheduled in the Chapel during this time.

15. Failure to comply with any of the All Faiths Chapel regulations can result in termination of Chapel use by individuals or groups responsible for the violation. Violators are subject to disciplinary action in compliance with Texas A&M University Rules and Regulations.

16. In case of misuse and/or at the discretion of the Division of Student Affairs, the Chapel may be locked as a measure to ensure against damage or loss of property.

17. Locking of any Chapel doors by unauthorized personnel is expressly prohibited.

Suggestions Concerning Weddings and Arrangements

1. Texas A&M University does not employ anyone to perform wedding ceremonies. You must secure your own minister or leader.

2. It is suggested that you appoint someone to coordinate some of the necessary tasks associated with the wedding. This person can be responsible for obtaining and returning the storage cabinet key, setting up and replacing altar equipment and chairs, cleaning up after the ceremony, and other necessary tasks.

3. Becoming familiar with ALL FAITHS CHAPEL REGULATIONS. Especially note items concerning FEES, CLEAN-UP, EQUIPMENT, AND FLORAL DECORATIONS.

4. Provide your minister or leader with the following information:
   - time for wedding rehearsal
   - the number of attendants standing with the bride and groom
   - who will escort the bride to the altar
   - if both parents of the bride and groom will be present
   - the number of songs and solos
   - the location of the wedding reception
   

5. Please do not throw rice; bird seed may be substituted instead.

6. Please contact the Special Events Parking Coordinator in Transportation Services, 862-2551, to secure information for parking areas available on your wedding date. It is wise to do this as soon as you have scheduled the Chapel for your special date in order to relay this information to your wedding guests.