INFORMATION

University Recreation Policies

Policies within Northeastern University Recreation facilities are in place to ensure the safety and security of all patrons. Please help us maintain a safe and secure environment by reviewing these facility policies.

Northeastern University Recreation reserves the right to put into effect any new guidelines that protect the health, safety and integrity of the participants using the facility. University Recreation adheres to the guidelines, policies and procedures as outlined in the Undergraduate and Graduate Student Handbook, the Code of Student Conduct and the University Policies.

If you have a University Recreation policy related question or a situation specific to your needs that requires further inquiry, please contact us at recreation@northeastern.edu and the appropriate team member will contact you.

Access

Our facilities and programs require that all Northeastern students and faculty/staff/alumni use a current, valid, and active Husky Card to enter the facilities or sign in to programs at all times. Cbord Mobile IDs, Driver’s Licenses, and Passports are not valid for entry to the facilities or programs. Your Husky Card must be handed to the University Recreation staff member upon arrival at our facilities or programs.

  • Students: Access is managed by student accounts.
  • Members: Faculty, Staff, Alumni, and all other paid memberships categories.
  • Guests: Must enter the facility with a member, pay the guest fee, and complete the registration form at least one day in advance. Only one guest per member per day is allowed.
  • Community access: Massachusetts driver’s license or Mass ID is required.

Members and guests must be at least 18 years of age to gain access to any facility.

Members and guests are prohibited from:

  • Attempting to gain access into any University Recreation facility with an ID other than their own.
  • Allowing another person to use their ID to gain access into University Recreation facilities.
  • Attempting to enter a University Recreation facility through points of access not designated as a main entry.

Activity Spaces

General Policies
  • Bicycles are not allowed inside the University Recreation facilities. Skateboards and scooters that can be folded and stored in a locker may be carried into the facility to be secured in a locker.
  • Loud and/or offensive language is not permitted in order to protect the comfort of our patrons.
  • Please limit the amount of idle time on the equipment between exercises or sets. It is expected that all participants adhere to the “work in” model of allowing others to utilize the equipment during your rest periods.
  • Posters and signs may not be put up anywhere in or on the exterior of University Recreation facilities without prior approval from the Assistant Director of Marketing and Wellness.
Food, Beverage, & Other Substances
  • Beverages must be in a non-breakable, re-sealable container. Only water is allowed on the Marino Center courts and on the SquashBusters squash courts. Protein powder and other powder beverage additives may not be brought into any workout or recreation spaces.
  • Food is not permitted in any workout or recreation spaces.
  • University Recreation facilities are alcohol, tobacco, and drug-free facilities; alcohol, non-prescription drugs, e-cigarettes, tobacco products, and vaping devices of any kind are prohibited.
  • Students, members, and guests suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs may not use the facilities and will be asked to leave.
Attire
  • Clothing: To ensure the safety of our patrons and the longevity of our equipment, we require clean and appropriate workout attire at all times when engaging in physical activity in our facilities. This includes, but is not limited to, shorts, sweatpants, leggings, t-shirts, sweatshirts, or other gym attire and closed toe athletic shoes. Jeans, cargo pants or shorts with loops, belts or buckles, and metal embellishments and adornments are not permitted as they can tear the leather benches or pose a risk of catching on equipment.
  • Shoes & footwear: closed toe athletic footwear (ex. sneakers, running shoes, tennis shoes, basketball shoes) must be worn at all times while engaging in physical activity, with the exception of the studios for patrons participating in yoga, Pilates, martial arts, or another similarly related University Recreation sponsored activity once the patron enters the studios. Street shoes, backless shoes, dress shoes, sandals, non-athletic boots, and wedges are not permitted while engaging in physical activity. High heels and any shoe with metal spikes/clips (exception for cycle shoes) that can damage the floors of the facility are not permitted in the facility. Please do your part to keep our facility clean during the winter months; please bring a change of footwear to wear while working out.
Music & Devices
  • Amplified music is restricted to official University Recreation and SquashBusters programming. Earbuds or headphones must be used with personal listening devices.
  • Groups reserving a studio may utilize personal speakers or request a Bluetooth speaker from University Recreation for use during their scheduled reservation time. Music played cannot contain profanity or sexual innuendos or lurid lyrics.
  • Singing, disturbing other patrons, and the use of profanity is prohibited.
Personal Training by Non-University Recreation Staff Members
  • For safety and liability reasons, any individual acting in the fashion of a Personal Trainer must be hired through the University Recreation Office at 140 Marino Recreation Center. Any individual found soliciting or providing these types of services will be denied further access to these facilities. Any Northeastern students found soliciting, providing, or receiving these types of services will be directed to the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution. Your understanding and compliance is greatly appreciated.
Service Animals
  • Trained service animals may enter the facility, including the atrium, with proper identification and training. A service dog or animal may be asked to leave the facility if the animal’s behavior or presence poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others.
Photography & Videography
  • For the privacy and safety of our participants, the use of any devices with picture/video capability (including cell phones) is strictly prohibited in all locker rooms and restrooms, including video conferencing/chatting (ex. Zoom meetings, Teams meetings, FaceTime).
  • The use of cameras or video devices is not permitted in the University Recreation facilities or during programming unless consent through the University Recreation Office has been granted. To obtain permission for photo or video collection please contact the University Recreation Assistant Director for Wellness and Marketing (b.cook@northeastern.edu) for additional information or to submit your request. Please allow at least 3 business days to process your request.
  • Any abusive expression that violates the Northeastern University Student Code of Conduct will be reported accordingly.

Facility Area Policies

Weight Rooms
  • Clean and appropriate workout attire is required at all times (see Attire section).
  • Shoes must be worn at all times (see Attire section).
  • Do not drop or slam weights on the floor.
  • No Olympic lifting-Snatches, clean/jerks, and overhead squats are permitted.
  • No chalk may be used in the facility.
  • To avoid risk of injury, use hand attachments when utilizing cables.
  • Collars and/or clips must be used on weighted bars at all times.
  • Do not lean plates on the equipment or against the walls.
  • Please clean off all equipment after use.
  • Remove and properly re-rack weights when you are finished using them.
  • All dumbbells, plates, bars, and attachments must be returned to the proper place after use, including the attachment rack.
  • Barbells must remain in power racks at all times.
  • Please allow enough space between participants for safety.
Marino Center Courts
  • Hanging on basketball rims or dunking is not permitted.
  • Only roller hockey pucks, made of lighter weight plastic and have glide pegs or rollers that protrude on the surface, or floor hockey balls may be used only on Court 1, for participant safety and to minimize facility damage. Hockey pucks are not permitted on the courts.
  • During Open Rec, the sport designated on the Open Rec schedule has the entirety of the court; University Recreation staff reserves the right to stop all activity other than the scheduled sport(s).
  • The courts can be reserved for group access through our facility reservation request form.
Marino Studios A & B
  • Open studio hours are classified as any hour in which a studio space is not occupied by any University Recreation Programming or reserved by another approved group (you can check the schedule here).
  • Individuals without reservations may use the studio for appropriate activities when it is not reserved.
  • The sound system and locked equipment is only available during group fitness classes when a Group Fitness Instructor is present, however a portable speaker system is available for other scheduled group reservations. To ensure the comfort of all patrons, please do not use personal speakers.
  • Studios A & B can be reserved for group access through our facility reservation request form.

For the safety of all participants, the longevity of the studio space, and maintenance of the equipment, please follow these policies:

  • Wedges, high heels, and any shoe with metal spikes/clips (exception for cycle shoes) are not permitted in the studios as this footwear may cause permanent damage to the floors.
  • Participants are allowed to be barefoot in the studios at their own risk. Closed toe athletic shoes are required to be worn during all group fitness classes except for yoga, Barre, or Pilates. All participants must wear closed toe footwear in the facility anywhere outside of the Multi-Purpose Room.
  • No props or personal equipment that may damage the mirrors, floors, or walls may be used in the studios or attached to any anchor point. If you are unsure whether your personal equipment can be used, please check with a University Recreation staff member.
  • The boxing stands in Studio B should not be moved from the storage alcove unless for a designated program (group fitness, instructional) as improper movement of the boxing stand can cause permanent damage to the floors.
  • No weight equipment may be brought from the fitness floor into the studio. This includes, but is not limited to: dumbbells, kettlebells, and barbells.
  • Sports are not permitted to be played in the studios. This includes, but is not limited to: badminton, soccer, football, hockey, tennis.
  • The heavy bags cannot be utilized during a group fitness class, unless it is part of the class.
  • All equipment utilized must be cleaned with a sanitary wipe before and after use and should be placed back carefully and neatly to ensure the safety of the next user.
  • Handstands or headstands against the mirrors are not permitted in order to minimize damage to the mirrors.
  • Please refrain from placing the bottom of one’s shoe directly onto the Barres. Shoes may be removed inside the studios if you wish to stretch and utilize the Barres.
  • Please be considerate of other patrons within the studio and acknowledge their personal space.

Open Studio Policy: Studio A and Studio B are available for use when they are not reserved for Group Fitness classes or clubs. Please note that entry is not permitted while classes are in session. You are welcome to use the available equipment, but these items should remain within their respective studios. Groups of 5 or more people who want to work out in a Studio together must reserve the space through our facility reservation request form.

Squash Courts
  • The squash courts are unfinished wood and designed to international squash standards. Maintaining them comes with a significant cost, which is why University Recreation staff are extra diligent in ensuring everyone follows the shoe guidelines.

    • Non-marking sneakers or gum soled squash shoes must be worn at all times. Non-marking sneakers will usually be stamped “non-marking” and will not have a black-carbon rubber area anywhere on the outsole. Staff may ask participants to demonstrate that their shoes are non-marking on a piece of paper before they use the courts.
    • Shoes must be free of any debris (dirt, stones, turf field infill pellets, etc.) and not be worn directly from the outdoors into squash courts. Visible turf field infill must be removed from attire or belongings before entering the courts.
    • Protective eyewear is strongly recommended. Participants may borrow a pair from the 3rd floor equipment desk.
    • Court reservations must be in accordance with existing policies and procedures. Please call the Equipment Desk at 617-373-7604 for reservation information and to learn more about reserving courts through Club Locker.
    • Squash courts may only be used for squash – no other activities are permitted.
Marino Revolutionz Studio

For the safety of all participants, the longevity of the studio space, and maintenance of the equipment, please follow these policies:

  • Wedges, high heels, and any shoe with metal spikes/clips (exception for cycle shoes) are not permitted in the studios as this footwear may cause permanent damage to the floors.
  • Closed toe athletic shoes are required to be worn during all group fitness classes except for yoga, Barre, or Pilates.
  • No props or personal equipment that may damage the mirrors, floors, or walls may be used in the studios or attached to any anchor point. If you are unsure whether your personal equipment can be used, please check with a University Recreation staff member.
  • No weight equipment may be brought from the fitness floor into the studio. This includes, but is not limited to: dumbbells, kettlebells, and barbells.
  • Sports are not permitted to be played in the studios. This includes, but is not limited to: badminton, soccer, football, hockey, tennis.
  • All equipment utilized must be cleaned with a sanitary wipe before and after use and should be placed back carefully and neatly to ensure the safety of the next user.
  • Handstands or headstands against the mirrors are not permitted in order to minimize damage to the mirrors.
  • Please be considerate of other patrons within the studio and acknowledge their personal space.
Facility Reservation Requests
  • Facility reservation requests may be made by Northeastern University student groups and/or Faculty/Staff members requesting space for a group activity/practice or academic related project. Please note that a student organization must be recognized by the Center for Student Involvement or student groups working on a class project under the direction of a Full-time Faculty/Staff advisor. Faculty/Staff members may also submit a request for space for a special class or activity. Campus colleagues, such as Residential Life or representatives thereof (RAs & RDs) may also request space for Residential Hall group activities or events.
  • More information on facility reservations and the Facility Reservation Form can be found here. We ask that all requests be submitted at least 3 weeks in advance of the activity or event.
Multi-Purpose Studio in SquashBusters

The Multi-Purpose Room houses a variety of activities that support general recreation, clubs, and student activities.

  • The Multi-Purpose Studio can be reserved for group access through our facility reservation request form.
  • Open studio hours are classified as any hour in which a studio space is not occupied by any University Recreation Programming or reserved by another approved group (you can check the schedule here).
  • Individuals without reservations may use the studio for appropriate activities when it is not reserved.
  • When an activity or class is in session, there will be a “class in session” sign outside of the room. We ask that patrons do not go inside the studio during reservations to minimize disruptions to the group inside.
  • The sound system and locked equipment is only available during group fitness classes when a Group Fitness Instructor is present. To ensure the comfort of all patrons, please do not use personal speakers.
  • Bags and backpacks cannot be brought above the third-floor locker room area. All bags and backpacks should be locked up in the locker rooms on the third floor. Locks are provided at the equipment desk on the third floor or can be brought in by patrons.
  • Wedges, high heels, and any shoe with metal spikes/clips (exception for cycle shoes) are not permitted in the studios as this footwear may cause permanent damage to the floors.
  • Mats should be fully wiped down before and after use and placed neatly in the designated storing area.
  • Weights and dumbbells may be brought into the studio but should be placed on mats and, in order to prevent damage, never placed on the wood floor.
  • Sports are not permitted to be played in the studios. This includes, but is not limited to: badminton, soccer, football, hockey, tennis.
  • Only approved activities consistent with studio use are permitted. These activities do not include any sports involving projectiles, racquets, balls, or sticks of any kind. During non-reserved times, combat sports (ex. Tae Kwon Do, Karate, Boxing) may only use practice pads for physical contact – no sparing, grappling, or other physical contact is permitted.
  • Any equipment borrowed for use should be placed neatly back in the appropriate storage area.
  • Handstands or headstands against the mirrors, windows, or columns are not permitted for safety and to minimize damage to the area/equipment.
  • Please be considerate of other patrons within the studio and acknowledge their personal space.
  • Participants are allowed to be barefoot in the Multi-Purpose Room at their own risk. Closed toe shoes are required to be worn during all group fitness classes except for yoga, Barre, or Pilates. All participants must wear closed toe footwear in the facility anywhere outside of the Multi-Purpose Room.

Health and Safety

The safety of all participants who utilize the recreation facilities is our highest priority. The policies herein have been implemented with the express intent to reduce the risk of hazards and address the response to safety and emergencies.

  • For your safety and protection, some areas of University Recreation facilities are under 24-hour video surveillance.
AED
  • AED’s are located in all University Recreation facilities. University Recreation staff members should be notified immediately when an AED is needed and can bring the AED to the location of the emergency. A staff member on duty is trained to use the AED.
Fire Emergency
  • If a fire alarm sounds, everyone must exit the facility immediately in a calm and safe manner. Please follow all directions from University Recreation staff members and first-responders.
  • Building fire codes require that all areas of egress must be clear, at all times, to allow for a safe exit of the building in the event of an emergency.
Injuries
  • All injuries sustained within University Recreation facilities should be reported to University Recreation staff as soon as possible. First aid kits are located throughout the facilities. A staff member on duty is trained to provide CPR & basic first aid. NUPD can be contacted for more serious injuries.
Weather
  • In the case of a weather emergency, all members and guests must follow the direction of University Recreation staff.
  • No patrons are allowed to remain in non-shelter areas during a weather emergency.
Facility Reservation Requests
  • Facility reservation requests may be made by Northeastern University student groups and/or Faculty/Staff members requesting space for a group activity/practice or academic related project. Please note that a student organization must be recognized by the Center for Student Involvement or student groups working on a class project under the direction of a Full-time Faculty/Staff advisor. Faculty/Staff members may also submit a request for space for a special class or activity. Campus colleagues, such as Residential Life or representatives thereof (RAs & RDs) may also request space for Residential Hall group activities or events.
  • More information on facility reservations and the Facility Reservation Form can be found here. We ask that all requests be submitted at least 3 weeks in advance of the activity or event.

Equipment and Personal Belongings

Check-out
  • You are welcome to check out locks, towels, and equipment with your Husky ID card, however, you are accountable for all items borrowed and we request that all equipment be returned to the equipment desk after use. In the event of lost or damaged items, you will also be required to reimburse Northeastern University before your ID is returned.
  • Please be aware that we do not permit overnight use of equipment or lockers. All checked out locks and equipment must be returned by closing time. In the case that items are left in lockers, we allow patrons 24 hours to retrieve their items and return checked out locks. Items left in lockers with University Recreation locks for more than 24 hours will be removed and a $15.00 storage fee will be assessed. Personal locks left on lockers after closing will be cut on a nightly basis and a $15.00 storage fee will be assessed for the contents of the locker.
Personal Items
  • Please bring any necessary items you will use during your workout (phone, water bottle, headphones, yoga mat, gloves, etc.) with you.
  • Bags and backpacks cannot be brought to the workout activity floors of the building. All bags and backpacks should be locked up in the locker rooms. Locks are provided free of charge at the Marino Center check-in desk or the SquashBusters 3rd floor equipment desk or can be brought in by patrons.
  • Coats, jackets, and other clothing not being worn during your workout need to be left in your locker. Clothing that is not being worn should not be left hanging on equipment or railings as it poses a safety risk for moveable parts of the equipment. Please do not leave loose clothing in walkways where they create a trip hazard.
  • No personal fitness equipment may be utilized that attaches to existing equipment/structures in the facility or props/equipment or any other items that will come in contact with the floor, walls, ceiling or mirrors that could leave marks, scrapes, dents, holes or cracks in the floor, walls, ceiling or mirrors.
  • Smaller scooters and skateboards that fit inside a locker can be stored and locked. Other larger sized items must be locked up outside of the facility.
  • Staff cannot hold personal items or any oversize items for patrons while they workout.
  • Rollerblading and scootering are not permitted inside University Recreation facilities. The use of rollerblades is only permitted on Court 1 inside the Marino Recreation Center during scheduled roller hockey times. Rollerblades may be carried into the Marino Recreation Center and used during scheduled hours only on Court 1.
  • Any lost item that is found can be retrieved at the appropriate facility. University Recreation staff will assist in retrieving lost items, but Northeastern University and the University Recreation department are not responsible for any lost, missing, or damaged personal items. If you lost an item in our facilities, please ask the building staff members for assistance. Items left over 30 days will be discarded.

Programs

Group Fitness

Our group fitness programs are open to all paid members. Please visit the Group Fitness page for more information and to view the program specific policies.

Intramural Sports

Our intramural sports programs are open to all paid members. Please visit the Intramural Sports page for more information and to view the program specific policies.

Personal Training

Our group fitness programs are open to all paid members. Please visit the Personal Training page for more information and to view the program specific policies.

Pool

Our aquatics programs and open swim times are open to all paid members and full-time faculty and staff. Please visit the Aquatics page for more information, pool schedules, and to view the program specific policies.

We kindly ask you to respect these policies and guidelines as they are important in maintaining the Northeastern University Community. Please note that non-compliance may lead to a suspension of facility privileges. Northeastern University also holds the right to introduce new guidelines as necessary to prioritize the health and safety of all those in our facilities. We truly appreciate your understanding and cooperation.