Student-Run Businesses

Hampshire College supports and encourages student entrepreneurship that meets legal and ethical expectations of the College's established community standards and policies. Fundamental expectations of this policy are:

1. Student entrepreneurial initiatives must not jeopardize the College's tax-exempt status.
   (a) Hampshire College receives tax exemptions as an educational institution, which can be jeopardized when individuals in the campus community operate a business enterprise on College premises. Campus-based activity, which can result in the distribution of profits to individuals, is inconsistent with the College's tax-exempt status.
2. Entrepreneurs shall not use their student status to compete unfairly with local merchants or campus services.
3. Students are not to harass others, including their fellow students, in their commercial endeavors.
   (a) Advertising within the residence halls and mods is not permitted unless approved by the area coordinator for the area.

The entrepreneurship program through the School for Interdisciplinary Arts was established to provide a structure for student-run businesses invested in through the Seed Fund. Those who wish to start or participate in a commercial venture through the entrepreneurship program either through the Seed Fund or an entrepreneurship course should consult with the program coordinator. Students establishing a campus-based venture not associated with the entrepreneurship program must consult with Five College risk management before implementation of a business. All campus-based businesses must comply with the following provisions:

(a) Students who act as commercial agents, sell merchandise, or distribute goods or advertising on campus are prohibited from using College facilities or services, including residence hall rooms, campus telephone numbers, computing and/or network services or College postal facilities, for the purpose of commercial activities.
(b) Use of the Hampshire College name or insignia must be cleared in advance of such use in all instances by the College's Director of Communication and Marketing and/or Vice President for Institutional Support and Chief Advancement Officer.
(c) Use of the Hampshire College name, insignia and trademarks on products and merchandise requires prior approval and vendor licensing by the College. Information regarding Hampshire College product licensing and Hampshire's code of conduct for licensees is available through the Office of Marketing and Communication.
(d) Students providing on-campus services may be required to enter into a contract with the College before commencing services.