1485 W Cunningham Rd, Othello WA 99344 | Phone: 509-335-3500 entomology.bees@wsu.edu
This policy applies to all individuals, organizations, and groups seeking to rent space in the WSU Honey Bee Facility for meetings, workshops, or events.
About the WSU Honey Bee and Pollinator Facility
The WSU Honey Bee + Pollinator Facility has three meeting spaces available for meetings, classes, and other events. Note: The facility grounds house 100-200 honey bee colonies. Precautions should be taken when socializing outdoors.
Rental Spaces and Features
Conference Room & Break Room:
- Capacity for 15 guests
- 82” Large Plasma Screen
- Cameras for Zoom video conferencing
- Standard seating at large table
- Wireless internet
Large Classroom & Break Room:
- Capacity for 50 guests
- Projection Screen
- Standard seating at 18 tables
- Additional seating available
- Audio-visual equipment
- Wireless internet
Break Room:
- Capacity for 35 guests
- Projection Screen
- Projector
- Standard setting for 6 tables
- Wireless internet
- Full-use kitchen including a refrigerator, microwave, kitchen utensils, and ample counter space
Extra seating is available in all rooms. Food service permits are the user’s responsibility and are not included in the facility rental fee. Contact the Adams County Health Department to discuss approval for food service.
Rental Fees
- Meetings lasting between 1-2 hours: $125
- Meetings over 2 hours: $250/day (this fee covers administrative and custodial services).
The WSU Honey Bee Facility is committed to inclusivity; groups requesting reduced fees are encouraged to reach out.
Washington State University Business Policies & Procedures provide the basis for offering services and/or renting space at our Center. Fees charged to cover expenses for building operations and maintenance are applied to administration, audio-visual, care of grounds, custodial and utility, environmental safety, repairs, security, and/or supervision costs.
Hours of Operation
Rental spaces are available during regular operating hours 8 am-5 pm, Monday through Friday. The WSU Honey Bee + Pollinator Facility is closed on weekends and for state holidays. If you need access outside of business hours, please indicate this with your reservation. Rentals outside of regular business hours may incur an additional fee.
General Rules for Facility Use
- Normal business hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm. Room set-up can begin at 8:00 am and room clean-up, with all attendees departed, must be completed no later than 5:00 pm.
- All WSU buildings and grounds are NICOTINE-FREE and SMOKE-FREE facilities.
- All users are responsible for taking reasonable care in using the facilities, cleaning, and leaving facilities in good condition. You agree to monitor the event to minimize the likelihood of damage. All costs incurred by WSU Honey Bee + Pollinator Facility for cleaning and repair due to misuse will be billed to the user.
- During business hours, the reception and lobby area will still be in use for WSU Honey Bee + Pollinator Facility business.
- Meeting attendees are NOT allowed in the greenhouse facilities.
- Children are to be supervised at all times, and are not allowed to climb on furniture, benches, or other structures in or around the building.
- Political signs or other advertising are not allowed on WSU properties per WSU policies.
- The renter may put temporary signage in the rented facility space during an event. Do NOT use tape or other sticky substances to post or hang signs, decorations, paper or other materials on the inner walls or doors. Do not drive nails or tacks into beams, walls, or woodwork; maintenance repair fees will be charged if there is any damage. Signs must be removed immediately upon conclusion of the rental period.
- Standard safety and fire precautions must be observed; safety exit information is posted.
- Parking space is limited. Meeting attendees are not to park along Cunningham Rd.
- Organizations who utilize the WSU Honey Bee + Pollinator Facility must have a policy of nondiscrimination and provide membership and services to all without regard to race, sex, religion, age, color, creed, national or ethnic origin; physical, mental, or sensory disability, marital status, sexual orientation; and status as military personnel or veteran.
Kitchen Use in Break Room
Caterers must be able to document food handling certification from the local health department. WSU Honey Bee + Pollinator Facility is served by an on-site domestic wastewater treatment and disposal system. To ensure the septic system remains fully operational:
- Food scraps and other materials CANNOT be washed down the sink or toilets. DO NOT WASH COFFEE GROUNDS DOWN THE SINK. Scrape food scraps into garbage before washing dishes.
- Do not flush hair combings, dental floss, sanitary napkins, tampons, wipes, cigarettes, gauze bandages, paper towels, oils, grease, bleach, or any items other than toilet paper down the toilets.
A small coffee maker and tea kettle are available for use. All renters must supply their own coffee/tea, sugar, and creamer.
Please thoroughly clean all kitchen equipment, and any reusable tableware, cups, or utensils that were used.
Use of alcoholic beverages requires a banquet permit issued by the Washington State Liquor Control Board, and permission of the WSU Honey Bee + Pollinator Facility approving official. A copy of the banquet permit MUST be posted conspicuously during the event. Users must comply with WSU Business and Policies & Procedures 70.29 and Executive Policy 20 regarding use of alcohol within the Othello facility. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ARE NOT ALLOWED OUTSIDE.
Cleaning Responsibilities
At the conclusion of the facility rental period, the user is responsible for cleaning and returning the facility to its original condition at the start of the rental period.
Cleaning responsibilities include:
- Sweep all debris and immediately mop any spills.
- Dispose of all garbage and recyclables in properly designated bins.
- Check restrooms to make sure floors are clear of debris, and toilets are flushed.
- Remove all personal belongings after use of the facility, and check rooms to make sure that no personal belongings are left by guests or participants.
- Close outside doors securely.
- Ensure that no water faucets are left running in the kitchen or restrooms.
If the facility requires additional cleaning by WSU Honey Bee + Pollinator Facility staff after the departure of the renter, an hourly cleaning fee will be charged to the renter.
Auditorium and Audio/Visual Equipment
In case of unexpected issues, contact Jenifer Silva. Access to mechanical, electrical, or telecom equipment rooms by guests is prohibited. All equipment and furniture must be returned to its original condition at the conclusion of the rental period.
Financial Responsibility
Rental fees will be invoiced directly following the event. Checks should be made payable by WSU Entomology. Users agree to be financially responsible for the cost of repairing any damage done to any equipment, furnishings, or facility during the period of use.
Additional Fees will be assessed for the following services:
- Maintenance charges for additional work required by WSU Honey Bee + Pollinator Facility staff related to event
- Hourly cleaning charges if the facility space is not thoroughly cleaned and returned to the original condition at the conclusion of the event
The facility monitors the actual costs of operating these facilities and adjusts the assigned rates accordingly. Fees charged to cover expenses for building operations and maintenance are applied to administration, audio/visual equipment, care of grounds, custodial & utility, environmental safety, repairs, and security.
By signing the WSU Facility Use Rental Agreement, the renter acknowledges receiving and reviewing this Facility Use Policy and agrees to comply with all policies laid out herein.
Last Updated: December 17, 2024
