Violations of Policy and Sanctions

All members of the organization and their visitors are expected to behave in a manner that aligns with the values and policies of Holyoke Media. Any violation of the organization’s policies may result in loss of member privileges and, in egregious cases, may result in an expulsion from the organization. All Holyoke Media staff are authorized to enforce the policies of the organization up to and including suspension of member privileges. Violations may be issued verbally or in writing.

Permanent Suspensions

Abusive or threatening behavior or language and harassment in any form will result in an immediate and permanent termination of membership privileges.

Major Violations

Any member found to have committed a major violation will receive an immediate 30-day suspension of membership rights. Major violations include, but are not limited to:

• Commercial or profit-making use of Holyoke Media facilities without an appropriate rental or facilities-use agreement.
• Misrepresentation of members’ affiliation with Holyoke Media.
• Falsifying forms, schedules, or records.
• Taking equipment without staff permission.
• Use of equipment for illegal purposes.
• Unauthorized rewiring, repair or reconfiguration of equipment or facilities.
• Tampering with, copying or deleting Holyoke Media software or data.
• Three unexplained no-call/no-show cancellations.
• Smoking within the facility.
• Possession or use of any illegal substance within the facility.
• Using or appearing to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs; or interfering with the orderly conduct of business.
• Abusive language and/or actions, or harassment of any kind.
• Theft of any Holyoke Media, member, staff or visitor’s property.
• Willful defacing, vandalizing, or destroying Holyoke Media property.
• Bringing weapons on the property owned, controlled and occupied by Holyoke Media.
• Blatant disregard of Holyoke Media policies.

Holyoke Media exclusively reserves the right to enforce its policies and procedures; and further reserves the right to permanently revoke the membership rights or rights to volunteer of any individual, family or organization whose behavior violates the policies and procedures of Holyoke Media.

Minor Violations

Members who commit a minor violation of organizational policies will receive a verbal warning or written warning. If minor violations are habitual, member’s use of the facility will be increasingly sanctioned.

• A second minor violation will receive a written warning.
• A third minor violation will result in the suspension of member privileges for one week.
• A fourth minor violation will result in suspension of member privileges for one month.
• A fifth minor violation will result in permanent suspension of member privileges.

Minor violations may include, but are not limited to:

• Late pick-up or return of equipment without notification and approval.
• Mishandling or unsafe use of equipment.
• Failure to clean up after using the facilities.
• Eating or drinking in non-designated areas.
• Handling off-limits equipment or being in off-limits areas.
• Rowdiness or horseplay while in the facility.
• Creating any disturbance to other Holyoke Media members, guests, or to the public.
• Failure to cancel a reservation in accordance with Holyoke Media policies.
• Failure to comply with Holyoke Media policies and procedures.