MSOE Kern Center Athletic and Recreation Facilities Handbook Updated July 2022
MISSION The mission of the Kern Center is to provide high-quality physical recreation opportunities through the medium of sport; to provide programs and services that promote the three areas of wellness—mind, body, and spirit; and to create an atmosphere that encourages individuals to develop lifelong patterns of positive recreational activity regardless of skill level. The Kern Center’s programs and facilities are available to all students, faculty and staff of MSOE without regard to age, sex, race or disability. THE KERN CENTER NAMESAKE Drs. Robert and Patricia Kern founded Generac Power Systems of Waukesha, Wisconsin in 1959 out of their garage with one employee and grew it into a 2,000-person operation. The company produces generators for industrial and consumer markets and has a number of facilities in Wisconsin, the Midwest and overseas. Robert Kern is the retired chairman and CEO of Generac and has been an MSOE Regent since 1992. Generac was sold in 2006 and resulted in the establishment of the Kern Family Foundation, chaired by Patricia Kern. The Kerns are longtime supporters of MSOE and generous benefactors. The Kern Family Foundation provided the majority of funds needed to build the 210,000 square-foot Kern Center, which opened in 2004. KERN CENTER USAGE REGULATIONS -
All MSOE enrolled students, faculty and staff with a valid I.D. may use the Kern Center athletics and recreational facilities. ** Unless a specific space is closed for a varsity athletic event or sanctioned campus approved event. ** MSOE I.D. holder access is available to MSOE alumni and to both spouse and dependents of current students, faculty and staff for a fee. Valid MSOE I.D. cards must be presented and scanned in at the control desk upon entry. All patrons of the Kern Center must abide by the policies outlined in the guide. Children must always be supervised by an adult. o Any child that is 6 years or older is required to have a valid MSOE I.D. to enter the Kern Center Individuals participating in recreational activities and programs do so at their own risk and are encouraged to be examined by a physician prior to participating, regardless of age. o MSOE and the Kern Center cannot be responsible for injuries sustained while utilizing the facility.
MSOE KERN CENTER I.D. HOLDER Valid MSOE I.D. access to the Kern Center is available to alumni, and to both spouse and dependents of current students, faculty and staff for a fee. Please see below for those options. ID Holder Classification Alumnus/alumnae Individual w/Spouse or Dependent w/Family MSOE Student Individual w/Spouse or Dependent w/Family Faculty/Staff Individual w/Spouse or Dependent w/Family
Monthly Fee *Charged the 6th of every month $25 $30 $35 No Charge $10 $10 No Charge $20 $25
Retired Faculty/Staff Individual w/Spouse or Dependent w/Family Retired Century Club Faculty/Staff Individual w/Spouse or Dependent w/Family
$10 $20 $25 No Charge $20 $25
* 15 day notice of cancelation. $80 cancellation fee if cancelled within the first year.
GUEST POLICY All MSOE enrolled students, faculty, and staff with a valid MSOE I.D. may bring in three guests with them to the Kern Center. Registered alumni members may bring in one guest with them to the Kern Center -
There is a $5 fee per guest, per visit. All guests must accompany the MSOE host at the time of entry to the Kern Center. An assumption of risk and release of liability waiver must be signed by each guest each time they enter the Kern Center and the Control Desk. All guests are the responsibility of the MSOE host while in the Kern Center and must stay with them during the entire visit. Equipment can only be checked out by the MSOE sponsored host.
BEHAVIORAL MISCONDUCT Facility users (both in active and spectator capacities) may not exhibit behavior that threatens, harasses, abuses, intimidates, harms or endangers any person, or that affronts or invades the privacy of any person. Nor are facility users to conduct themselves in a lewd, indecent or disorderly manner. In particular, attacking, assaulting and intentionally inflicting bodily harm on another person; taking any action for the purpose of inflicting bodily harm on another person; taking action with reckless regard that harms another person; or the verbal, written or other transmission of the threatened use of force to inflict harm on another person, is strictly prohibited. CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE The Kern Center staff does its best to try to keep the facility clean and organized. It is expected that anyone using the facility cleans up after yourself, cleans the equipment used, and puts everything back where it was taken from. If there is anything that needs immediate attention, please notify a staff member at the control desk. FACILITY HOURS The MSOE Kern Center is open during the academic year, summer and with adjusted hours during exam/break periods. The academic year hours are as follows: Academic year workout hours Monday–Thursday …………………… 6:30 a.m.–10 p.m. - Student Access………………. 10 p.m.–12 a.m. (with card access to the building) Friday ………………………………………… 6:30 a.m.–8 p.m.
Saturday ……………………………………. 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Sunday ……………………………………… 10 a.m.–8 p.m. *Ice Arena: Hours may vary. Please call (414) 277-2301 for open ice hours. **Workout hours during exam/break periods will be posted with notices in the building and email communications. KERN CENTER SCHEDULING The Kern Center workout facility and areas are open for approved recreation when not scheduled. All scheduling of the facility is done using 25Live and approved by the Director of Athletic Operations and Recreational Services. Any requests for athletic and recreational use should be completed at least one week prior using 25Live to input a request. Priority of scheduling is determined by the Director of Athletic Operations and Recreational Services. Priority is typically given based on the following: 1. MSOE leadership approved campus events 2. Varsity Athletics 3. Club Sports 4. Campus Recreation (intramurals, group fitness classes, etc.) 5. Student Organizations 6. Outside groups GENERAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Users are expected to respect the Kern Center and rights of other users. Any user who engages in disorderly conduct, including verbal or physical abuse of an employee or other user is subject to immediate removal from the Kern Center and possible loss of membership privileges. • • • • • • • • •
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Use of the Kern Center is a privilege not a right. It is the responsibility of the Kern Center user to be aware of building policies. The Kern Center is a tobacco-free facility. Smoking and/or chewing is not permitted. This includes the lobby, parking garage and entry areas Alcohol, drugs and banned substances are not allowed in the facility. Kern Center is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Patrons are encouraged to leave all valuables at home. Dunking/hanging on the basketball rims is not allowed. Proper athletic footwear is required. Only non-marking athletic shoes are permitted on activity surfaces. No spitting anywhere in the building except in trash receptacles. The use of video or photo equipment in the facility is strictly prohibited unless Kern Center administration has granted prior approval. Permission must be obtained from individuals being videotaped in these approved situations. The use of camera/video phones or any video recording devices in locker rooms or activity areas is strictly prohibited. Participants must observe all posted policies/regulations and verbal instruction from Kern Center staff. Failure to comply with instructions or with policies may result in suspension of Kern Center privileges. Children must be supervised by an adult at all times. Food/drink are permitted in designated areas only. Glass containers of any kind are prohibited at all times within the facility. Food and chewing gum are not allowed in the Fitness Center or on the track. Weightlifting chalk is prohibited Objects or equipment with sharp edges of any kind are not allowed in the wrestling room. Only wrestling shoes allowed on the mats. No martial arts weapons will be permitted without authorization from the Kern Center administrative staff. Coaching, personal instruction or organized activities are prohibited other than those performed by MSOE employees hired to perform these activities to fulfill their employment role.
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Rollerblades, roller skates, skateboards, roller shoes, hoverboards, scooters and bicycles are not permitted in the facility. Posters/advertising must be approved by the Kern Center or the Student Life Office prior to its placement on facility bulletin boards or counters. Injuries that occur during recreational activities must be reported immediately to the building supervisor at the control desk, and an accident injury report must be completed. Members and guests assume all responsibility of personal injury. Should Kern Center staff deem it necessary for an injured person to receive medical assistance, appropriate medical personnel will be contacted at the injured party’s expense. Helium balloons are not allowed in the facility. Kern Center reserves the right to alter any building or activity policy
LOCKER ROOMS Since the Kern Center cannot be responsible for lost or stolen items, always make sure your locker is well-secured. It is recommended that you leave all valuables at home. • Lockers are available on a day-use basis only. • Patrons may supply their own lock, towel, and toiletries. • Lock and towel rental is free for MSOE students, faculty and staff with proper valid I.D. The I.D. will be held until return of the lock or towel. • Personal locks may not be left on lockers overnight. Personal locks will be cut off at the end of each day and contents will be bagged. • Personal items will only be held for 30 days. o After 30 days, these items will be considered abandoned and shall be donated to a local charity. • Children over the age of four are not permitted in the opposite-sex locker room. EQUIPMENT ISSUE A limited supply of recreational equipment is available for MSOE I.D holders to check out. All equipment is on a firstcome first-served basis. • • • •
MSOE I.D. will be held in exchange of the equipment checked out. Equipment can be checked out at the control desk or if equipment is needed from another area, a staff member from the control desk will help you access the equipment. MSOE I.D. holders are responsible for all equipment checked out to them. Check-out equipment must stay in the Kern Center at all times.
KERN CENTER AREA SPECIFIC POLICIES Strength Training and Cardiovascular Ellipse The strength training and cardiovascular area is supplied with a variety of weight training and cardiovascular training option. Please follow the following guidelines while using these areas. • • • •
Do not drop weights or weight stacks or prop weight plates up against facility walls, pillars or equipment. Deadlifting and dropping of weight should only occur on platforms or in areas when deadlift mats are provided. Closed-toe and closed-heel shoes are required in the cardio/weight areas (no sandals, flip-flops or aqua socks). Shirts must be worn while working out in the cardio/weight areas. Shirts must cover front (top of chest to waist) and full back.
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Return all weights and equipment to appropriate storage after use. Break down all weight bars after use. Collars are recommended on weight bars for your safety. Limit use of cardio equipment to 30 minutes during peak times (typically 4–6 p.m.). Patrons are expected to dry off the weight benches and cardio equipment after their use (spray bottle and towel are provided). Spotters are recommended for any overhead lift or squat movement using free weights. Do not rearrange cardio or weight room layout. Use proper breathing technique during strength training. Use a spotter. Lift only the amount of weight you can safely manage. Do not continue to work out if you experience dizziness, nausea, chest pains or other similar symptoms.
Track •
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The track area should be used for its intended purpose. o The track area is designed for running, walking, and rearranged for functional type training including core work. o Weights or equipment that has not been placed on the track should not be used on the track level. Dropping of any weights or balls is prohibited. Inside lane of track is for walking. Users must abide by daily track direction: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday—counterclockwise; Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday—clockwise. 10 laps on the inside lane is equal to one mile. Track is 160 meters in length. Any person performing activity observed outside its designed use will be asked to leave the area. Scheduled events have priority over open recreation.
Arena • • • • •
Only to be used for basketball, volleyball and conditioning activities. All other activities would need to be cleared prior to activity by the Director of Athletic Operations and Recreational Services. No tape allowed on the gym floor unless approved by Director of Athletic Operations and Recreational Services. Protective coverings must be placed on floor prior to chairs and tables being used on the floor. Clean, non-marking athletic shoes are only allowed on the floor. Shoes just worn outside must be removed prior to play. Scheduled events have priority over open recreation
Fieldhouse • • • •
Used for a variety of sports: basketball, volleyball, indoor soccer, tennis, badminton, floor hockey, etc. Baseball, softball and lacrosse can be played with appropriate supervision and protective equipment. Courts can be divided into three sections. A member of the control desk can assist with this process. Scheduled events have priority of open recreation.
Ice Arena The Kern Center houses an NHL-sized hockey rink utilized both for athletic contests and recreational activities. Programming includes intramurals, open skate, special event skating, drop-in hockey and rink ice for figure skaters and their coaches. Services include both skate rental and skate sharpening. Policies and Procedures All Kern Center Facility Usage Guidelines, Policies and Procedures apply plus: • All rental groups wishing to use a locker room must sign out a key at the skate rental desk. Membership I.D. and car keys are required for a security deposit. • Stretching and light calisthenics will be restricted to the east side of lower level two. Absolutely no running is allowed through hallways or bleachers during rental or Ice Arena activities. • All patrons are expected to help provide a safe and clean environment by disposing of trash in proper receptacles. • Ice use is by permission/schedule and/or contracted time only. Each new rental or event as determined by Ice Arena coordinator is required to have the ice resurfaced. • All Ice Arena group users must read, sign and are bound to contractual agreement. • There are no designated areas for ball playing, street hockey or any stick and puck activities on lower level one or two. • Parents are responsible for their children’s behavior on and off the ice. Children not involved in ice activities are to remain in the supervision of a parent. • USA Hockey’s Zero Tolerance Policies will be strictly enforced. • The American Hockey Coaches Association “Code of Conduct” ideals will be required by hockey participants. • Contact Ice Arena Coordinator with any questions about open skating, broomball or drop-in hockey at (414) 277-2301 or zienkeiwicz@msoe.edu. MSOE Open Skating: MSOE students with valid I.D. may skate for free during open skating. Most sessions are held on Sunday nights and after MSOE hockey games. Skate Sharpening: •
$5 per pair (hockey skates or figure/goalie skates)
Viets Field Viets Field is constructed on top of the in-ground, 780-car parking facility across Knapp Street (1305 N. Broadway) from the Kern Center. The field is used for collegiate soccer and lacrosse and youth sports. As an extension of the Kern Center, it further supports MSOE’s commitment to student wellness and development as a whole person. Hours for “drop-in” usage are (subject to weather and field events): Monday–Thursday: 6:30 a.m.–9 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 6:30 a.m.–8 p.m. • • • • • • •
Card access is permitted to the field level for drop-in play. Scheduled events have priority over open recreation. No food, gum, Gatorade, soda, or sunflower seeds are allowed on the field. No metal cleats are allowed on the field. All goals and equipment must be returned to its original spot after use. Heavy equipment, including workout equipment is prohibited unless approved by the Director of Athletic Operations and Recreational Services. Equipment can be checked out at the Kern Center front desk.