Student Business Regulations

Williams College permits student businesses on campus if they provide a useful and desirable service and if the student management is competent and responsible. The College assumes no liability for the products or services provided by student businesses. In deciding whether to permit a student business, the College also must consider both the demands of its tax–exempt status and the need to maintain a harmonious relationship with the Williamstown community.

The following regulations govern student businesses at Williams:

1. No Williams student may engage in the sale and distribution of goods or services to or solicitation of subscriptions from Williams students without the approval in writing from the office of the Dean of the College.

2. The word “College” must not appear as part of a business name on any advertising letterhead, piece of equipment, or product.

3. Dormitory room addresses, SU box numbers, or general delivery to the Campus Post Office cannot be used in any form of advertising, public notices, or for the delivery of any material. Student distribution charges are $.07 each for 30 pieces and above. Students distributing mail for outside businesses are charged $.18 each piece. The Campus Post Office will contact the sender and the Dean’s Office prior to distributing mailings with questionable content. Mailings may also be delayed due to current workloads. Three days notice should be given to the Campus Post Office to ensure the timeliness of delivery of business advertisements.

4. A financial report must be submitted to the Dean’s Office at the end of each year’s operation.

5. Business permits must be renewed annually at the Dean’s Office.

6. Inasmuch as the College does not charge a fee for business permits, the practice of “selling” or “auctioning off” the “right” to operate a business is prohibited. Violation will lead to permanent revocation of permission to operate on the campus.

7. Vending machines on the campus are under the control and supervision of the College. Operation of such equipment by students is prohibited.

8. Outside companies or organizations wishing to operate on the campus must do so through a recognized student business.

9. Conflicts:

a)   When there are multiple requests to operate businesses within a single field, the office of the Dean of the College will determine the maximum number of student agents allowed to operate.

b)  When student businesses come into conflict with the activities or services of student organizations recognized by the College Council, the office of the Dean will refer the applications of proposed businesses to the College Council. Upon reviewing the case of the applicant and the case of the organization with which the applicant is in conflict, the College Council will assist the Dean in deciding whether the proposed business should or should not operate.

10. The office of the Dean of the College and the Committee on Undergraduate Life may review at any time the operation of any student business and may revoke its permission to operate on the campus.