where Nature and Culture Meet
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Frequently Asked Questions about Rentals
How do I make a reservation?
Tentative reservations can be made over the telephone or by downloading the rental form from this web site and sending it as an attachment to an e-mail. We encourage you to contact us as soon as possible concerning availability. Your reservation is official upon receipt of the rental fee, the completed and signed function agreement, and, if applicable, the approval letter to serve alcohol at your function.

RENTAL FEES & DEPOSITS.
Events may be booked up to one year in advance. Bookings may be placed on a tentative hold for 5 days; tentative bookings are automatically released after 5 days unless confirmed. Reservations are confirmed when all rental fees, deposits and Friends Membership dues are paid and received with signed contract by the Rental Coordinator. A letter of confirmation is mailed upon receipt.

Deposit amount matches the Rental Fee for the time period rented. (Example: $300 rental fee = $300 deposit). Rental Fee and Refundable Deposit is refundable for events cancelled at least 90 days in advance, less the Non-refundable deposit. If the reservation is cancelled less than 90 days prior to the event, all deposits will be forfeited and rental fees refunded. A reservation cancelled less than two weeks prior to event will result in forfeiture of the rental fee unless the facility can be rebooked for another event. Refunds are processed at the end of each month. Please allow 2 to 4 weeks for refunds. If damages occur beyond the scope of fees and deposits paid, Renter is responsible. Official Clemson University events rates: (Events sponsored or co-sponsored by CU units) are half price of stated rates in the Rental Information brochure. A deposit is not required for Official Clemson University events, however, any charges for clean up or damages will be billed to the sponsoring unit. Rental fees are payable by IDO noting date, time, location of event, and name of department requesting reservation.

FRIENDS MEMBERSHIP.
A separate check to CU/Foundation must be included at a minimum membership level of $25 per year. Membership materials will be furnished in confirmation materials.


ACCEPTED FORMS OF PAYMENT FOR RENTAL FEES AND DEPOSITS.
Checks made payable to CU/SCBG, Visa, Mastercard or Discover credit cards.

SET-UP & DECORATIONS.
The South Carolina Botanical Garden does not provide set-up or teardown services. Set-up may NOT begin prior to your reservation time. A separate rental time must be reserved and rental fee paid for set-ups required the day before a scheduled event. Set-up times for caterers must be disclosed to help determine rental time and requirements needed for your reservation.

Birdseed, rice, glitter, confetti, flower petals or similar materials may not be thrown or scattered anywhere in the buildings or on the grounds. Helium filled balloons; fog and bubble machines; and fireworks are prohibited. Any candles must be dripless. Art exhibitions on display in the Hayden Conference Center, potted planters in and around any garden area may not be moved or removed. Material may not be taped, pinned, nailed or tacked to walls. Contact the Rental Office for information about lighting, sound, and other special equipment.

No furniture may be moved except tables & chairs located in the Hayden Conference Center Lecture Room and storage closet, conference tables in the Hayden Conference Center Agnew Room and upholstered benches in the Agnew Room. Tables & chairs located in the Hayden Conference Center may not be used outside. Please contact Garden Rental Office for list of audio/visual equipment available for use in the Hayden Conference Center. The Garden does not furnish office equipment, FAX, message or copying services.

Tables located at the Fran Hanson Discovery Center and the patio of the Carriage House must be returned to their proper places. Set-up times must be scheduled for the Fran Hanson Discovery Center area at time of reservation as business hours are until 5:00p.m. daily.

TEARDOWN & CLEAN-UP.
While caterers frequently include these services in their fees, it is the responsibility of the renter to ensure that they are done properly and that the building and premises are left clean and undamaged. Clean-up must occur immediately following the event and must be completed within the specified time frame. The Garden staff will clean only restrooms and specifically identified areas. A checklist is provided in the Hayden Conference Center kitchen. In general, for all areas,

All food and beverages must be removed and spills cleaned thoroughly.
All equipment must be returned to its designated area.
Floors are swept, vacuumed, or mopped as appropriate.
Trash, garbage and other debris must be removed and placed in dumpsters.
Carriage House restrooms are to be cleaned of all surface debris, garbage emptied and building locked upon departure.
All personal items, decorations, and similar materials must be removed from the premises.

STORAGE & DRESSING ROOMS.
No overnight storage is permitted. Limited same-day storage is available in certain areas, sometimes at additional cost. Rental equipment should be picked up immediately following the event, unless prior arrangements have been made and approved. The South Carolina Botanical Garden is not responsible for food, beverages, audio/visual equipment or other property left on the premises before or after events. Dressing rooms are available in the Hayden Conference Center restrooms and Carriage House restrooms during scheduled rentals in these areas only.
FOOD SERVICE.
It is the responsibility of the renter to contract for food and beverage service if required. In-house catering is required through Clemson Catering for groups of 50 or more. Outside caterers must be approved by Rental Coordinator for any size group. Caterers must be properly licensed and insured.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES.
Alcoholic beverages must be served strictly in compliance with Clemson University Alcohol Beverage Policy. Alcoholic beverages and tickets/coupons redeemable for alcoholic beverages may not be sold.

ENTERTAINMENT.
Musical entertainment and dancing are allowed in all garden areas, however dance floors are not permitted in any Garden area . Dance floors are permitted in the Hayden Conference Center . Renters are reminded that residential neighborhoods are located nearby the Garden, thus sound volume should be moderated. Concurrent events may also take place so proper consideration must be given to other renters. Special electrical power needs must be discussed with Rental Office.

SMOKING.

No smoking is allowed inside the buildings. Please provide your own ashtrays. Some facilities are located in forested areas, therefore be very careful to extinguish cigarettes and cigars properly.

PUBLIC SAFETY.

The renter must conduct the event with full regard to public health and safety and shall observe and abide by all applicable laws, regulations, and requests by duly authorized persons responsible for public health and safety. All sidewalks, doors, aisles, and other passages, and all ways of access to public utilities of the premises, including fire extinguishers, must be kept unobstructed. The South Carolina Botanical Garden and Clemson University is therefore held harmless for injuries which may occur on premises during scheduled events.

SECURITY.

The South Carolina Botanical Garden reserves the right to provide or require the renter to provide uniformed security for certain events at additional costs. The South Carolina Botanical Garden and Clemson University will not accept liability for theft, damage or intrusion into automobiles and their contents. Guests must park in approved spaces.


OBJECTIONABLE PERSONS.

The Garden staff retains the authority to eject or cause to be ejected from its premises any person or persons it deems necessary for lewd or indecent actions, fighting, intoxication, loud or abusive language, or other conduct that is offensive, disruptive or otherwise objectionable. It is the responsibility of the Renter to eject univited guests by contacting the Clemson University Police.
SPECIAL NEEDS & EMERGENCIES.
During rental events, a Garden staff member is available until 5:00pm to answer the phone at 864-656-4470 or 864-656-3405. Please provide this number for emergency messages only. In an emergency, contact the University Police (656-2222) or dial 9-911. The CUPD will then contact a Garden Staff member to assist you if needed. Emergency numbers are located at the Carriage House and the Hayden Conference Center.

OCCUPANCY INTERRUPTION.

If the rented space is destroyed or damaged or rendered unusable or unsafe for occupancy before or during the rental event, this agreement shall terminate at the discretion of the South Carolina Botanical Garden staff. The renter agrees to pay a pro rata fee up until the time of termination and waives any claim for damages or other compensation.
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