Dedman Center Rules and Standards
The Dedman Center’s ability to be open and serve our community relies on each of us taking personal responsibility to adhere to known and prescribed protective and safety measures and guidelines while practicing courtesy and respect with “good gym etiquette.”
If you are not willing or able to help us by following the standards and protocols outlined here, regardless of agreement, we ask that you refrain from visiting the Dedman Center.
Dedman Center Quick‑Reference Rules
General Expectations
- Treat everyone with respect and courtesy.
- Follow all University and Dedman Center policies and rules.
- Follow Campus Recreation staff instructions.
- Report inoperable or damaged equipment, injuries, illness, or unsafe behavior to staff.
- Use appropriate attire and fully enclosed shoes.
- Return equipment in good condition to proper location.
- No obscene language, loud music, or disrespectful behavior.
- Practice good gym etiquette:
- Clean equipment after use
- Rerack weights
- Return towels and equipment
- Share spaces, equipment, and machines with others.
Entry Requirements
- Valid physical photo ID required (SMU ID, Member Card, or government issued photo ID). Photographs of ID on a phone are NOT accepted.
- All access is subject to membership or guest pass verification.
- Fraudulent ID use (by someone other than owner) or unauthorized entry (entry without following proper procedures) violates Campus Recreation and Student Conduct policy resulting in loss of privileges, disciplinary proceedings, and/or charges.
- Minor Children (age 17 years or younger) of Members are restricted. See Family Recreation Hours.
- Non-members must purchase a Guest Pass or sponsored by a Dedman Member Family/Friends Pass:
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Must present government issued photo ID card or document.
- May NOT enter with minor children.
Facility Rules
- No food beyond the entry gates.
- Only resealable or lidded drink containers are allowed.
- NO Can Beverages past the entry gates.
- No Filming/photos without prior Campus Rec approval. See Filming/Photography.
- Proper workout attire required includes shoes that enclose the entire foot. Exceptions are activities at exterior properties, Mat Room Studio, and pool.
- Spaces/equipment are first‑come, first‑served—no “saving” areas.
- Behavior or conduct deemed to be threatening, harassing, offensive, or cause intentional damage will result in loss of privileges, disciplinary proceedings, and/or charges.
- Day-use lockers must be emptied upon departure or by end of day.
Prohibited
- Alcohol or drugs (possession, use, or being under the influence) on premises.
- Smoking/vaping inside or within 25 feet of the entrance.
- Personal coolers.
- Pets (Service Animals allowed per policy).
- Solicitation without University approval.
- Electric scooters & bikes, skateboards, roller blades, hoverboards, wheeled shoes, etc.
- Activities involving balls with a solid or hard interior core inside the building including but not limited to baseball, softball, lacrosse ball, etc.
- No Personal Training unless employed by SMU Campus Recreation.
Equipment & Property
- Campus Recreation equipment must be returned to the designated or proper location.
- Fees and loss of privileges will apply for damaged or unreturned items.
- The individual that checked out the equipment will be responsible for return of equipment in proper condition.
Teams & Groups
- Athletic teams must obtain Campus Recreation approval before practices, workouts, or events.
- Only chartered SMU Student Organizations and academic/business departments may reserve space. See Reservation and Events for more information.