Spiritual Commons Code of Conduct

The Spiritual Commons (SC) rooms are for usage by people of different faiths and life stances and can be used for general meetings, prayer, worship and meditation. These rooms are generally open access, so when they are not being otherwise used for booked activities, they are available for use as spaces for quiet individual use or for conversation and small meetings. Access to the rooms outside of normal building public access hours (currently 8am - 6pm Monday to Friday) is via the main library entrances. The Spiritual Commons are part of a university building and so subject to the same regulations and constraints as any other University building. 

The overview of use is to recognise that they are intended for spiritual practice by individuals and groups and priority to such activities is given. Users of the rooms are asked to use them in a way that allows others to share the space for quiet prayer or meditation. Bookings for specific activities can be made which might over-ride this.

Access

• The SC facilities are intended for use by Northumbria University staff and students. However because staff and students are often networked with and part of local faith communities, it is acknowledged that speakers and attenders of meetings might be from outside of the University on some occasions. 
  
  
• Visitors to the facility should familiarise themselves with the health and safety requirements and to follow instructions by relevant members of University staff (eg a chaplain) including the Security team. 
  
  
• Children and dependents are welcome but must be accompanied at all times and remain the responsibility of the adult with whom they entered.
  
  
• By entering the rooms, users are agreeing to abide by a ‘fair use’ ethos which includes treating the room and any other users of the room in a respectful manner and in line with relevant university policies and guidelines.
  
  
• "Fair use" involves not unduly disturbing other users who may be praying, meditating, or otherwise enjoying quiet reflection. It also means vacating the room when a booked meeting is due or when asked by appropriate staff members (for example, a chaplain). A chaplain may determine whether a use of a room is reasonable in the event of any dispute or issue arising. 
  
  
• Users of the rooms are also requested to be mindful of the potential for disturbance in the near vicinity of the SC rooms, especially during core appointment hours in the nearby student advice area.
  
  
• Bookings to use the room for specific events or a series of events can be made and enquiries in the first instance should be made to the Spiritual Care Co-ordinator or nominated deputy. Bookings would be subject to relevant University policies including Events policies, External Speakers Policy and where appropriate Students’ Union policies for external speakers. Bookings to outside groups would only normally be considered if they are in principle open to students and /or staff of the University or are otherwise related to the work of spiritual care in the University. University security is normally informed of any booking requests involving outside speakers or use of the rooms outside of core hours.
  
  
• The facilities are provided on an ‘as is’ basis and users are invited to make use of them on a best endeavours basis.

Usage

• You must help keep the Spiritual Commons rooms clean and tidy at all times. Please do not leave or store any personal belongings in the facilities. Furniture can be moved to facilitate acts of worship or reflection, and should be returned to a state amenable to general use afterwards.
  
  
• Notices and posters are to be placed only on designated noticeboards provided under the direction of a chaplain and may be removed by a chaplain at any time. If any notices or posters are in a language other than English, there should also be a translation to ensure that everyone is able to access the information. Any notices that contravene University regulations will be removed.
  
  
• With the exception of sacred texts or with the expressed permission of the Spiritual Care Co-ordinator (or nominated deputy), books and pamphlets should normally be in English.
  
  
• Any division of the room e.g. for gender segregation, must be compliant with equalities law and for the purposes and duration of an act of worship only.
  
  
• Inappropriate behaviour or behaviour which contravenes the Handbook of Student Regulations may lead to access being withdrawn and disciplinary action taken.
  
  
• Any collections for charity or as part of an act of worship must be approved in advance with the spiritual care coordinator or nominated deputy.

Other issues

• In an emergency, or if you require first aid or immediate assistance contact the Security Service’s 24/7 emergency number – 0191 227 3200.
  
  
• The SC rooms are cleaned and maintained by University staff and contractors. Users are asked not to prevent staff from fulfilling their tasks.
  
  
• In the case of an emergency, University Security and other staff may need to access the rooms rapidly.  This may entail disturbing an act of worship or reflection. Such a decision would never be taken lightly, and it is hoped that users will recognise the importance of taking necessary action in emergencies. 
  
  
• Overseeing usage of these facilities is ultimately the responsibility of the Director of Student Library and Academic Services.
  
  
• Comments or suggestions about the Spiritual Commons facilities can be made in the first instance to the Spiritual Care Team by email: spiritualcare@northumbria.ac.uk.
  
  
• To notify the University that someone may be contravening the above protocols, contact the University’s 24/7 Security Service on 0191 227 3999. 

Spiritual Commons Code of Conduct
Version 2 
Reviewed November 2023