Sponsorship and Vendors

Portland State University does not solicit off-campus vendors to sell merchandise on campus. All student organization sponsorship of vendors must be in accordance with this and other University policies.

Vendor Restrictions Credit Card Companies: It is Smith Memorial Student Union policy that no credit card companies will be allowed to set up tables to solicit business on campus.

Advertisement of Alcohol and Tobacco: According to Portland State University's Internal Management Directive on Alcohol and Drugs, alcohol and tobacco companies may not promote their products through the sponsorship of University events (social, intramural, athletic or other). This includes logos, endorsements visual displays or other recognizable advertisement.

Beverages: Portland State University has an exclusive contract with Pepsi Co. for pouring rights. This means that student organizations may not sell, promote, or give-away non-Pepsi beverages. Likewise, no beverage companies besides Pepsi Co. may sponsor student organization events or activities.

Inviting Vendors to Campus
It is the policy of Smith Memorial Student Union that student organizations may invite vendors to participate in an activity or event as follows:

1. The presence of the vendor, and the products or items the vendor sells, must directly relate to, support and enhance the theme and purpose of the sponsoring group and/or the scheduled event or activity.

2. The student organization must provide the vendor a sign that clearly identifies the name of the hosting organization. The sign must be prominently displayed at the vendor location at all times during the event or activity.

3. The student organization is responsible for assuring that the vendor complies with all applicable policies. Organizations that fail to properly monitor vendor activity, resulting in violation of policy, may lose the privilege of hosting vendors for up to one academic year.

4. Before making any commitment to a vendor, the organization officer or event/activity coordinator must review the proposed event, including proposed vending activity, with his or her SALP/ CREC Advisor. Advisor approval is required before proceeding further.

5. Vendors who set up tables outside that are not part of a larger event, must pay the student organization no less than the going rate that would be paid to Smith Memorial Student Union for an off-campus vendor.

The student organization is responsible for making all arrangements related to the vending activity, including but not limited to:
The student organization is responsible for making all arrangements related to the vending activity, including but not limited to:

1. Negotiating all agreements with the vendor, including the required Vendor Compensation Agreement;

2. Reserving the table with the Campus Event Scheduling Request Form;

3. Assuring that the vendor knows, understands, and agrees to abide by, all applicable University policies;

4. Timely notifying Campus Safety, Smith Memorial Student Union and other affected entities and making required arrangements or obtaining necessary approvals.