The new rules and policies of the Wellness Center

By Tayhana Taylor, World News Editor

On April 8th, Saint Leo University officially opened the new Wellness Center located on the university’s main campus in Saint Leo, FL. The center is dedicated to mind, body, and spirit connections. The Wellness Center is open to students, faculty, staff, and others outside the school community.

As a way of maintaining the community-oriented nature of the Wellness Center, there are policies about membership and rules to follow while using the facilities at the center.

With proof of ID, students attending the university (undergraduate, graduate, or part-time) have free access to the Wellness Center and the classes offered.

“The facility I have been using the most so far is the basketball court,” said Ashley Tucker, a junior majoring in criminal justice with a double minor in psychology and social work. “I go there at least twice a week to play with my friends.”

University faculty and staff members can purchase an annual membership for $100 or pay a monthly fee of $10. This membership fee covers access to facilities at the Wellness Center and the classes. Adult family members of faculty and staff who share the same residential address are also welcome to purchase a membership for the same price. Household members who purchase an annual membership get ten free classes and a 50 percent off individual class rate on an ongoing basis.

Alumni members are charged an annual rate of $499 or a monthly rate of $49. With the purchase of a yearly membership, they receive ten free classes and 50 percent off individual class rates.

Since the Wellness Center will be a place for the members inside and outside the University, adult community members can also purchase a membership. This membership costs $650 annually or $65 monthly. By purchasing an annual membership, community members also get ten free classes and a 50 percent discount on individual class rates on an ongoing basis.

Couples who live together may join for an annual rate of $950 or a monthly rate of $95 per couple. Couples who buy the annual membership will receive 20 free classes and 50 percent off individual classes on an ongoing basis.

All membership is non-refundable, and the membership card can only be used by the owner. Loaning, selling, forging, or transferring membership cards are not permitted. If a Saint Leo community member violates this policy, it could result in suspension from the facility or cancelation of membership and access to all departmental facilities and programs.

A day pass for visitors can also be purchased for $10 that gives individuals access to the fitness floor, gymnasium, and pool. If these guests choose to take a class at the center, there is an individual class rate of $15 per class.

Those who may be interested in taking class sessions but do not have a membership can purchase one of the class packages. Class packages are available at the following rates: ten classes for $120 for three months, 20 classes for $200 for six months, or $450 for a year. The period for each package starts on the date of purchase.

Aside from membership, there are some general policies regarding attire, advertising, use of mobile devices, pets, and parking.

Attire:

Appropriate attire must be worn at all times, including swimwear and gym wear. Swimwear must cover private areas. No thongs, see-through clothing, or other inappropriate swimwear is allowed —the Wellness Center is a family-oriented space, so dress accordingly.

Regarding gym wear, all individuals using the gym, fitness floor, or one of the studios must wear athletic attire (no buttons, zippers, or hardware that may damage equipment) and closed-toe athletic shoes. Tops and bottoms are required at all times. Non-marking shoes must be worn in the fitness areas. Cleats, open-toe shoes, sandals, and bare or stocking feet are not allowed.

Advertising:

Unlike other areas on campus, the Wellness Center prohibits posting fliers on walls, doors, tables, floors, or any other surfaces in the facility. The Center’s executive director must approve any display of digital graphic advertisements.

Use of Mobile Devices:

While using any facility at the Wellness Center, mobile devices for a verbal conversation are banned in the fitness areas, studios, and gym. This is prohibited to maintain a peaceful and quiet environment for all. It is recommended that personal sounds be used with headphones regardless of the location in the Wellness Center.

Photographing or taking videos of another at the Wellness Center without that person’s permission is not permitted.

Pets:

Pets are not allowed inside or on the pool deck of the Wellness Center. An exception is made for service animals.

Parking and Bikes:

To accommodate those who drive, parking is available for members and guests of the Wellness Center in the Marmion-Snyder parking lot, the Benedictine parking lot, and the grass lot to the left of the emergency access road.

Those riding scooters, golf carts, or bikes must park them in the assigned area next to the pool deck on the right of the building. No parking is permitted in the circle immediately in front of the building. This space is reserved for the University’s autonomous CubCar.

Food, Beverage, Tobacco, Alcohol, and Drug Use:

Alcohol, illegal drugs, tobacco, and weapons should not be brought or consumed on the Wellness Center premises.

There should be no food or gum being consumed on the fitness floor. Water and sports drinks are allowed on the fitness floor, but they must be in a sealed container; disposable cups are not allowed.

Alcohol may be allowed only in special events authorized by the executive director in consultation with Saint Leo University Safety and Dining Services.

Pool:

One of the main features most students are excited about is the pool–whether to enjoy the view or go for a swim.

“I am enjoying all of the amenities available, especially the pool area, because it’s a great space to enjoy the view while studying or relaxing,” said Berkel Anderson, a sophomore majoring in biomedical and health sciences.

There are a specific set of guidelines for using the Wellness Center pool. Some of these include:

• Swimming at your own risk—there will be no lifeguards on duty for open swim.

• Hours are posted outside of the pool gate entrance. Exceptions can be made with approval from the executive director of Wellness Center.

• For your safety and the safety of others, obey the Wellness Center staff under all conditions.

• Children under 18, except for enrolled Saint Leo students, must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

• It is required that guests shower before entering the pool.

• No running or horseplay is allowed in the pool area.

• Diving is not permitted from any area around the pool deck.

• Guests who are not potty-trained must wear diapers in and around the pool.

To review the remaining pool rules, you can read the Wellness Center’s manual with the guidelines.

The opening of the Wellness Center is a new and exciting journey and if these guidelines are followed, it will be a safe one as well.