Table of Contents
- Purpose and Scope
- Definitions
- Use of University Space
- Reserving University Space
- Priority for Use of University Space
- Restricted Space and Instructional Space
- Major Events
- Expressive Activity Not Requiring Reservations or Approval
- Distribution of Non-Commercial Written Materials; Postings; Chalking; Banners and Signs
- Sales and Commercial Solicitation; Solicitation of Charitable Contributions
- Special Procedures Regarding Structures
- Additional Requirements and Exceptions
- Accountability
- Termination of Use
- Appendix A: Sales, Commercial Solicitation, and Fundraising
- Appendix B: Major Event Administration
This Policy governs the use of all spaces owned, leased, operated, or controlled by UNC Charlotte (“University Space”), covering activities such as instruction, major events, expressive activities, distribution of written materials, postings, chalking, banners, signs, structures, sales, and solicitation.
Freedom of speech is central to UNC Charlotte’s academic mission, and the University encourages and supports open, vigorous, and civil debate by the University community across the full spectrum of society’s issues. However, to ensure the University can effectively fulfill its role as North Carolina’s urban research university, it may impose reasonable limitations on certain campus activities. The use of a campus location or designated space on campus does not represent an endorsement or support by the University of the content or viewpoints expressed by the individual or group.
This Policy does not extend to long-term uses of University Space where the user has continuous, exclusive use and the ability to secure or restrict access by others, such as dedicated research facilities, administrative offices, or space that is leased or licensed to third parties.
For the purposes of this Policy, the following definitions apply:
- “Academic Term” means the period between the date of Fall Semester opening of the residence halls for Student occupancy and the following Spring Commencement, excluding periods when class is not in session and the University is open.
- “Assigned Space” means space for which a department or unit has been delegated the responsibility to administer and schedule. Assigned Space may include, but is not limited to: conference rooms, offices, lounges, foyers, and designated non-instructional laboratories and/or buildings.
- “Commercial Solicitation” means any proposal to sell; seeking or asking of an offer to buy; dissemination of information for the purpose of facilitating the Sale of goods or services; any activity that attempts to raise funds, whether through Sale of goods and services or donations, for any entity that is not a charitable organization; or the dissemination or collection of surveys for a commercial purpose.
- “Expressive Activity” means all forms of expression that occur on the University campus and that fall within the ambit of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, which may include, but not be limited to, demonstration, speech-making, oral presentation, protest (including silent protest), marching, picketing, signs, leafleting, petition circulation, distribution of Written Materials, counter-protest, symbols, and similar expressive communications and activities that are non-commercial in nature.
- “Fundraising” means any activity that involves the solicitation or collection of money through donations, Sales, and/or event programming intended to benefit a charitable organization or a registered Student Organization.
- “Instructional Space” means space in which classes are regularly scheduled. This includes general use classrooms, laboratories, and related space designed for instructional purposes.
- “Major Event” (formerly referred to as “Large-Scale Event”) means an event at which any of the following conditions apply:
- Over 150 persons are anticipated to attend, and the attendees will include individuals who are not affiliated with the University;
- The event features an elected official, public figure, foreign dignitary, or candidate at the federal, state, or local government level;
- The event is likely to significantly affect campus safety and security (based on assessment from the Department of Safety and Security) or campus services; or
- The event has a substantial likelihood of interfering with other University-sponsored events, activities, or essential University processes.
Major Events additionally include any event at which any two or more of the following conditions apply:
- Events open to the public;
- Ticketed events;
- The event extends the normal operating hours for University Space;
- Alcohol is intended to be served;
- Outdoor amplified sound or light is requested; or
- The complexity of the event requires the involvement of more than one University administrative unit.
8. “Non-Commercial Written Materials” means any hand distribution of leaflets, brochures, flyers, pamphlets, petitions, voter registrations, or other written materials designed for informational and not commercial purposes. This definition does not include the dissemination of information for purposes of the University’s administrative, academic, research, or extension activities.
9. “Non-University Group” means a group of individuals, other than a University Group or Student Organization, that is a legally separate entity from the University, even though some of the members or participants may be University personnel, alumni, or Students.
10. “Responsible Administrator” means the dean or vice chancellor (or their designee) with administrative responsibility and specific accountability for the use of the University Space under this Policy.
11. “Residential Space” means space that supports the on-campus residential program (except Bissell House).
12. “Restricted Space” means space that is generally unavailable to be reserved, except by special arrangement with the department or unit to which its use has been delegated. Such space may be designed for a particular purpose and may include laboratories, or space that contains artifacts, special equipment or materials that mandate limited access for reasons of safety, asset protection, or security.
13. “Sales” includes the sale of goods or services; sales promotion (including distributing products); and Commercial Solicitation (including taking orders) (collectively “Sales Activities”).
14. “Sponsored Non-University Group” means a Non-University Group that is sponsored by a University Group or a Student Organization. Except with respect to rates charged for use of University facilities, a Sponsored Non-University Group shall enjoy the same rights and obligations of a University Group under this Policy. For purposes of this Policy, a University Group or Student Organization is considered to "sponsor" a Non-University Group only if the following conditions are met:
- The University Group or Student Organization, and not merely a member of a University Group or Student Organization, determines to invite the Non-University Group to use University Space for purposes consistent with the goals and objectives of the University Group or Student Organization; and
- The University Group or Student Organization has substantial participation in and responsibility for planning and executing the planned activity, including responsibility for the Non-University Group's compliance with University policies, and is not merely lending its endorsement to the Non-University Group.
15. “Structure” means any temporary or permanent item that is assembled and/or erected, including but not limited to lawn signs, billboards, bulletin boards, banners, buildings, booths, carts, tables, benches, tents, and art installations.
16. “Student” means an individual who has accepted an offer of admission to the University; is currently enrolled in coursework or has registered for coursework at the University and has a continuing relationship with the University; is an auditing Student; or is participating in an educational program sponsored by or affiliated with the University. The continuing relationship ends upon graduation, termination of the relationship, or a break in enrollment of twelve (12) consecutive months after the last semester attended at the University.
17. “Student Organization” means a collection of individuals associated with each other for a common purpose that has complied with formal requirements for registration through the Student Government Association. This includes, but is not limited to, registered Student Organizations, fraternities and sororities, Student media organizations, and club sports teams.
18. “Support Services” means any service provided by a campus or off-campus entity specifically required to support an event. Such services may include but are not limited to food service, parking, background checks, Police and Public Safety, security, meeting space, technical support (audiovisual, lighting, etc.) and table, chair, tent, or other equipment rental.
19. “University Group” means any group of individuals established by the Chancellor or established by virtue of an explicit delegation of Chancellor authority to a particular administrator, faculty member, staff member, or to the Student body, the faculty, or the staff. A University Group includes a University administrative, academic, or non-academic department, college, school, unit, center, or institute.
20. “University Space” or “Space” means any room, building, Structure, or outdoor space that is owned, leased, operated, managed, or controlled by the University.
A. General Provisions
- The University allows the use of University Space by University Groups, Student Organizations, Students, University employees, Sponsored Non-University Groups, and Non-University Groups and individuals, subject to the provisions of this Policy.
- Reservation of University Space shall be in accordance with Sections IV and V below.
- The number of groups and individuals that may be scheduled for use of University Space shall be controlled by space availability as determined in the discretion of the Responsible Administrator, giving due consideration to the provisions of Section IV below.
- The use of University Space may be subject to reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions.
- The University does not deny the use of University Space based on the content or viewpoint of the speech or the possible reaction to that speech. In addition, the University does not assume any obligation or responsibility for the content of the speech or materials distributed by Students, Student Organizations, or Non-University Groups or individuals. For more information, see the Free Speech website.
- The University does not condone behavior that violates the freedom of speech, choice, assembly, or movement of individuals or organizations. Responsible dissent carries with it sensitivity for the civil rights of others. The University will take steps to protect the freedom of speech, assembly, or movement of any individual or group. For more information, see the Free Speech website.
- Camping is prohibited on University property, except as provided in University Policy 601.9, Prohibition on Camping.
B. Conduct for Use of University Space
All uses of University Space must be conducted under the following conditions:
- Impeding Traffic. The activity must be conducted so that campus pedestrian, bicycle, mobility device, and vehicular traffic, including emergency vehicular access, are unimpeded, and members of the University community not participating in the activity may proceed with their normal activities.
- Building Access. The activity must not block or otherwise interfere with ingress and egress into, within, and out of University buildings.
- Disrupting Activities. The activity must not obstruct, disrupt, interrupt, or attempt to force the cancellation of any University-sponsored event or activity, or by users authorized to use University Space.
- Harassment. The activity must be conducted in an orderly and peaceful manner, and groups and individuals participating in the activity shall not engage in harassing, physically abusive, threatening, or intimidating conduct toward any person.
- Educational Activities. The activity must not disrupt or interfere with classes, meetings, ceremonies, scheduled activities, educational activities, and other essential University processes.
- Heckler’s Veto. The activity must not interfere with or preclude a scheduled speaker from being heard. (For more information, see the FAQ on heckler’s veto on the Free Speech website and University Policy 802, Conduct at Speech Events.)
- Amplification. All activities must be conducted without sound or light amplification (including digital projection) equipment unless permission for amplification is obtained from the Responsible Administrator or their designee(s). Spaces equipped with sound equipment for teaching or presentation purposes may be used without supplemental amplification and in a manner that the sound does not exceed the space.
- Materials. Groups must not leave materials unattended on a surface or vehicle to be picked up, as that is considered littering.
- Safety. The safety of members of the campus community, collectively and individually, must be protected at all times.
- Fires. Setting, attempting to set, or assisting in setting a fire (including luminaries, open flames/candles, grills, campfires, etc.) without authorization or in a manner that creates a safety hazard. For further information on the authorized use of grills during tailgating, see University Policy 718, Tailgating.
- Damage. The activity must not damage, deface, or destroy University property or its grounds, including but not limited to building interiors and exteriors, lawns, shrubs, trees, statues, art installations, or maintenance systems, including sprinkler systems.
- University Officials. Groups and individuals participating in the activity must comply with the directions of University officials who have the authority to impose such directions when enforcing this Policy.
- Displays. Hand-held posters or similar displays must not exceed the size of 3 feet by 4 feet and may not be attached together or closely aligned to exceed such size. The use of hand-held posters or similar displays exceeding the size of 3 feet by 4 feet, or the use of Structures, including lawn signs, billboards, banners, and similar displays, requires prior coordination with the CRES Office.
- Decorative Materials. The use and distribution of particulate decorative materials such as glitter, confetti, sequins, “silly string,” sand, rice, or any other dispersed materials that leave waste or residue, is prohibited without prior authorization from an appropriate University official. Such authorization may impose charges for removal or clean-up of those materials.
- Cleanliness and Trash Disposal. Groups and individuals, including sponsoring groups and organizations, are responsible and accountable for the cleanliness and order of all University Spaces following their use, including the proper disposal of trash and recycling and the arrangement of additional services as needed. The groups and/or individuals will be billed for cleanup that they do not adequately complete themselves, including cleanup of littered materials.
- Compliance with Law and Policy. Groups and individuals must conduct themselves in a manner that does not violate any state or federal law or University policies, including, but not limited to University Policy 705, Food Storage and Preparation, University Policy 709, Food Service Policy, University Policy 717, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), University Policy 706, Alcoholic Beverages, and University Policy 802, Conduct at Speech Events.
IV. Reserving University Space
- Eligibility. Subject to the provisions of this Policy, University Space may be reserved by University Groups, Student Organizations, Students, Sponsored Non-University Groups, or Non-University Groups or individuals.
- Reservation Responsibility. Responsibility for reserving all University Space is delegated to the Conference, Reservations, and Event Services (CRES) Office in accordance with procedures developed by that office, with the following exceptions:
- The reservation of Instructional Space for academic courses and/or course related activities is delegated to the Registrar’s Office.
- The reservation of Assigned Space that is delegated to a specific department or unit.
- The reservation of Residential Space is delegated to the Associate Vice Chancellor of Housing and Residence Life.
- Space Reservation System. All scheduled activities on campus, including use of Assigned Space, must be recorded in the University Space reservation system (currently 25Live) by those delegated the responsibility to perform those duties. This record will assist Support Service units in their efforts to communicate emergency messages as well as meeting locations to University guests, when necessary. It will also provide information on the availability and use patterns of University Space.\
It is the responsibility of all departments or units to make information regarding the planned usage of their Space accessible to other units. Failure to record scheduled activities in the University Space reservation system may result in additional costs and/or a reservation fee, cancellation of the event, and/or loss of reservation or event-hosting privileges.
- Events Requiring Coordination through CRES. To protect the University and its constituents, address risk management, and assure the proper coordination of Support Services, events that meet any of the following criteria must be coordinated through the CRES Office:
- Major Events, as defined in Section II.7, and pursuant to Section VII below;
- Events that are expected to bring more than 40 people from off campus;
- Planned outdoor events;
- Events open to the public;
- Events that may include public figures or foreign dignitaries;
- Events at which alcoholic beverages are sold or served (see University Policy 706, Alcoholic Beverages);
- Events at which minors will be in attendance (see University Policy 716, Minors on Campus);
- Events that require provision of Support Services (consult with CRES to make this determination);
- Events, regardless of whether in Assigned or Instructional Spaces, that are scheduled on Saturdays between August and November, to avoid conflict with intercollegiate football games;
- Events scheduled on a day when a previously announced Major Event is scheduled (consult with CRES to make this determination); or
- Events or Expressive Activities that include:
- The use of hand-held posters or similar displays exceeding the size of 3 feet by 4 feet; or
- The use of Structures, including lawn signs, billboards, banners, and similar displays.
- Publicizing Events with Space Reservations. No event for which space will be reserved may be publicized until the space reservation has been confirmed.
- Small Gatherings. Gatherings that are expected to bring fewer than 40 people from off campus may occur at any open outdoor campus area without reserving space, provided that University Space is not already reserved or scheduled. However, such gatherings are still subject to all applicable University policies, regulations, and rules, including the conditions in Section III above. Accordingly, the University encourages all groups or individuals planning an activity involving the use of outdoor space to contact CRES to discuss how these provisions might apply to the activity.
- No Reservation Transfers. Once a space is reserved by a University Group, Student Organization, Student, Sponsored Non-University Group, or a Non-University Group or individual, the reservation is not transferable to another group or individual.
- Reading Days, Final Examinations, and Commencement. Each academic semester, Non-University groups may not reserve University Space from the first reading day until after commencement unless an exception is approved by the Chancellor. Student Organizations may not reserve University Space from the first reading day until after commencement unless approved by Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.
- Athletic Schedule Priority. Events that are scheduled for any academic year prior to the official release of NCAA intercollegiate athletic schedule for competitions that occur in the Student Activities Center or athletic facilities must have a contingency plan that may include alternate dates or Spaces. If the CRES Office, in consultation with the Department of Safety & Security and other relevant officials, determines that the University cannot support both events, NCAA intercollegiate athletic contests will have priority, and other events may be required to reschedule or relocate.
If changes are made to the NCAA intercollegiate athletic schedule after its official release date, the Department of Athletics will consult with the CRES Office to ensure that campus services can still accommodate any previously scheduled events that may be affected by the athletic schedule change.
V. Priority for Use of University Space
- The highest priority for the use of University Space will be for activities for which the Space is designed. Other than recreational facilities and student-fee funded facilities, which may set their own priorities for the use of non-instructional Space, the use of University Space shall be reserved according to the following priorities:
- University Groups shall have priority in the use of University Space.
- If a University Group is allocated a specific University Space (see University Policy 601.4, Integrated Space Management), that Group has priority over other University Groups and activities for use of that Space.
- University Groups engaging in activities other than academic classes and research will have the next highest priority in the use of University Space.
- Student Organizations, Students, and Sponsored Non-University Groups and individuals will have the next highest priority for use of University Space.
- Non-University Groups and individuals that are not sponsored by a University Group will have the lowest priority for use of University Space.
- Non-University groups are not permitted to reserve space more than 60 days and no fewer than 48 hours in advance of a requested date that falls during the Academic Term.
- Non-University groups are permitted to reserve non-recreational outdoor space only at Belk Plaza and West Quad.
- University Groups shall have priority in the use of University Space.
- After application of the priorities established above, and except as specifically provided elsewhere in this Policy, the following priorities shall be observed in resolving conflicts where the same space is requested for use at the same times by different groups:
- NCAA Intercollegiate competition athletic events shall have priority to the extent required and specific to athletic facilities.
- The request first received shall have priority over all later requests.
- Where requests are received at substantially the same time from different groups, University Groups shall have priority over Non-University Groups.
- If conflicts remain after those priorities are applied, selection shall be by lot.
- A reserved use shall have priority over any unscheduled use, even when reserving Space is not required by this Policy.
- Once reserved, the use will generally not be rescheduled or moved by the University. However, the University reserves the right to move any group or individual to another Space or reschedule the activity to accommodate the needs of groups assigned a higher use priority by this Policy. In the event the University moves or reschedules the use, the University will provide a reasonably similar location or time for that activity and will provide notification and explanation of the reason for the change.
VI. Restricted Space and Instructional Space
A. Restricted Space
- It is the responsibility of the appropriate Vice Chancellor or authorized unit head to identify that portion of the Assigned Space that is Restricted Space.
- The appropriate Vice Chancellor will delegate to a department or unit the responsibility for determining access to, and security for, Restricted Space.
B. Instructional Space
- Academic Scheduling
- Scheduling academic courses and course-related activities has first priority in Instructional Space.
- It is the responsibility of Academic Affairs to establish departmental priority for Instructional Space and to establish when such space is to be used for scheduling academic courses and course-related activities.
- Academic Affairs may delegate the scheduling of courses and course-related activities to an academic department for Instructional Space for which that department has Departmental Priority.
- If use of Assigned Space is necessary to accommodate the scheduling of a course or course-related activity, the Registrar will coordinate approval for such use with the appropriate Responsible Administrator.
- Non-Academic Scheduling
- Non-academic related activities may be scheduled in Instructional Space only after the release of that space each semester by the Registrar to ensure academic courses and course-related activities have priority. The responsibility for scheduling all non-academic activities in Instructional Space rests with the CRES Office.
- For activities planned in either Assigned Space or Restricted Space, the department or unit to which authority has been delegated will record the activity in the University space reservation system or will authorize the CRES Office to do so.
- To ensure proper coordination and support, all activities using University space (other than Tailgating under University Policy 718), regardless of whether they are scheduled outdoors or in Assigned, Restricted, or Instructional Space, that are proposed to occur on any Saturday between August and November must be reserved through and approved by the CRES Office, regardless of scheduling authority.
The University reserves the right to classify any proposed event as a Major Event, consistent with the factors set forth in Section II.7.
Major Events must be administered according to the provisions in Appendix B, Major Event Administration.
VIII. Expressive Activity Not Requiring Reservations or Approval
- The University permits Expressive Activity by individuals, University Groups, and Non-University Groups without prior reservation in any outdoor Space on University property, other than Bissell House.
- To avoid Space conflicts, however, all individuals and groups planning Expressive Activity on campus are encouraged to reserve University Space for such Expressive Activity through the CRES Office. A group that has reserved Space shall have exclusive use during the period of the reservation.
- All Expressive Activities must be conducted consistent with the conduct rules established in Section III(B) above.
IX. Distribution of Non-Commercial Written Materials; Postings; Chalking; Banners and Signs
A. Distribution of Non-Commercial Written Materials
- Subject to the provisions below, University Groups, Student Organizations, Students, Sponsored Non-University Groups, and Non-University Groups and individuals may distribute Non-Commercial Written Materials without reserving University Space in any outdoor area of campus, so long as it is not otherwise restricted, reserved, or scheduled. Those wishing to distribute Non-Commercial Written Materials are encouraged to check with CRES to determine whether a particular space has been restricted, reserved, or scheduled.
- All groups or individuals using Structures in association with the distribution of Non-Commercial Written Materials will be required to reserve University Space under the provisions of Section IV above.
- University Groups, Student Organizations, Students, Sponsored Non-University Groups, and Non-University Groups and individuals may reserve space in limited indoor facilities to distribute Non-Commercial Written Materials. The Responsible Administrator or designee will establish uniform procedures for the time, place, and manner of such solicitations.
- In expressing a policy of open distribution of written materials, the University does not assume any obligation or responsibility for the content of the materials distributed.
B. Postings
- Bulletin Boards
- Physical postings, including flyers, posters, advertisements, and other materials intended to share information, may be attached only to surfaces that are designed and designated for such purposes. Such bulletin boards bear the title "General Purpose." The Responsible Administrator or designee may establish uniform procedures for the time, place, and manner of such postings.
- Bulletin boards not marked "General Purpose" are reserved for use by particular offices; unauthorized postings may be removed immediately by those offices.
- No notice, advertisement, or document of any kind should be attached to any wall, door, or other surface, other than bulletin boards provided for such purposes, unless authorized by the Responsible Administrator. Damage to walls or other surfaces resulting from violation of this policy will require that the individual responsible pay the costs of repair, and may subject that individual to criminal penalties under applicable law and to disciplinary action pursuant to applicable University policy.
- Bulletin boards and other approved posting locations in the residence halls are not “general purpose” and therefore are reserved for use exclusively by Housing and Residence Life. See the Resident Handbook.
- Digital Projections
- Unauthorized postings, including messages or advertisements, in the form of outdoor digital projections onto buildings or other surfaces on campus are prohibited.
C. Chalking
Chalking is permitted on University premises pursuant to the following restrictions:
- Chalking by University Groups or Student Organizations for the purpose of advertising or promotion is permitted on horizontal concrete or brick surfaces in outdoor public areas other than parking lots and parking decks that are exposed to rain where it will naturally be washed away.
- Chalking is not allowed under overhangs or other areas that would block the surface from being exposed to rain.
- Only washable chalk may be used for chalking. Spray chalks may not be used except as approved by the Responsible Administrator.
- Chalking is strictly prohibited on vertical surfaces such as buildings walls, vertical steps, columns, etc.
- Chalking by a Student Organization in violation of this Policy will subject the organization to referral to the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Resolution and/or to pay restitution for the cost of removal of the chalk from the prohibited area.
- The University may remove chalking for aesthetic purposes during a University-sponsored event. Any removal of chalking will be done in a content and viewpoint neutral manner.
Failure to follow the chalking policies may result in the responsible individual(s) or Group(s) being charged for time and materials required to remove the prohibited chalking. Additionally, the responsible individual(s) or Group(s) may be subject to appropriate University disciplinary action for vandalism or criminal action for damage to state property.
D. Banners and Signs
Banners, signs, or other notice materials may be posted only in designated areas and are subject to the following requirements:
- stakes may be no more than 12" tall;
- may not be left in place for more than 2 weeks;
- must remain in good repair while posted;
- signs other than traffic or parking directions may not be placed on the verge (grassy strip between sidewalk or building and roadway or between 2 lanes of traffic) and must not impede any vehicular or pedestrian line of sight;
- must be advertising an on-campus event, Student Group, University Group, or a candidate for elected Student Government office;
- if advertising a specific event or as a directional sign, must be removed 48 hours after the event.
All banners or signs not meeting the above requirements may be removed and discarded by University officials. If removal of signage by University officials results in excessive time or expense, the person or group responsible for the signage, if known, may be subject to consequences under applicable University policies.
Structures (as defined in Section II above) used to display materials are subject to the procedures in Section XI below.
X. Sales and Commercial Solicitation; Solicitation of Charitable Contributions
A. Sales. University Groups, Student Organizations, and Students may use University facilities to carry out Sales or Commercial Solicitation (including taking orders), or Sales promotion (including distributing products) (collectively “Sales Activities”) on the University campus only under the conditions described in Appendix A. Non-University Groups are strictly prohibited from using University facilities for Sales activities except when sponsored by a University Group.
B. Solicitation of Charitable Contributions
- University Space may not be used to conduct charitable solicitation for any organization other than (a) a University Group or (b) a Sponsored Non-University Group that is a non-profit, charitable organization exempt from taxation (under Section 170(b)(1)(a) of the Internal Revenue Code). Any Sponsored Non-University Group requesting use of University Space to solicit charitable funds must be prepared to provide to the University a copy of its letter from the Internal Revenue Service verifying its tax-exempt status prior to conducting any such solicitation.
- Any University Group or Sponsored Non-University Group desiring to solicit funds must first receive written approval from the Director of the Conference, Reservations and Event Services Office or designee. The Responsible Administrator or designee (official or unit that manages the building or space in which the activity is taking place) will establish uniform procedures for the time, place, and manner of such solicitations.
- All charitable solicitations on campus must comply with State law regulating the solicitation of charitable contributions (N.C. Gen. Stat. Chapter 131F).
- Special rules apply to Fundraising and Commercial Solicitation activities in the residence areas; see University Policy 601.5, Use of Student Residence Facilities.
XI. Special Procedures Regarding Structures
- Any University Group, Student Organization, Student, Sponsored Non-University Group, or Non-University Group or individual wishing to construct or place any Structure (as defined in Section II above) on the University campus for any purpose must first obtain the written approval of the Director of CRES, appropriate Responsible Administrator, or designee.
- The written request shall fully describe the proposed Structure, its location and operation, and must be received by CRES no later than ten (10) business days prior to the proposed construction or placing of the Structure. (Under exceptional circumstances, the Chancellor will consider requests for waiver of ten-day requirement.)
- CRES is responsible for coordinating the request with the Associate Vice Chancellor for Facilities Management, the Associate Vice Chancellor for Safety and Security, and other administrators as appropriate. Such requests are subject to the priorities in the reservation of University Space established under this Policy.
- CRES may place narrowly tailored conditions upon the time, place, and manner of construction and operation of the proposed Structure to assure health, safety and security of the campus community, to avoid substantial interference with the operation of the University, or to avoid substantial loss from damage to University property, but in no event may such condition be based upon the viewpoint or content of the speech or ideas such Structure may be intended to transmit or symbolize.
- CRES shall announce the decision on the request within five (5) business days of its receipt, unless the requester has failed promptly to provide information requested by CRES that is reasonably necessary to make an informed decision.
- This Section XI does not apply to Tailgating, which is governed by University Policy 718, Tailgating.
XII. Additional Requirements and Exceptions
Responsible Administrators may issue additional rules for the use of University Space under their administrative control. Such rules must be consistent in all respects with this Policy.
The University may make exceptions to this Policy by approval of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs or designee, but only where doing so significantly furthers the University’s mission. Any request for an exception must be sponsored by a University unit and must clearly demonstrate how granting the exception will significantly further the University’s mission.
In addition, in cases in which a Proclamation of Extraordinary Event (PoEE) has been declared by the University, the Chancellor or designee may make exceptions to this Policy. See University Policy 701, Emergency Management.
Groups and individuals participating in activities covered by this Policy, whether sponsored or not, are accountable for compliance with the provisions of this Policy. Violations of this Policy may be grounds for appropriate disciplinary action. Individuals or groups who invite non-University participants to an activity may be held accountable for such participant’s non-compliance with this Policy. In addition, since non-University individuals or groups are not subject to the University’s disciplinary procedures, their failure to comply with these provisions may result in appropriate action under State or Federal law, included but not limited to trespassing an individual or group.
- The University reserves the right to terminate any use of University Space that fails to comply with this Policy or other applicable University policy.
- If a decision is made to terminate the use of University Space for an event due to violation of this Policy or other University policy, the group, organization, or individual using the University Space is responsible for making sure that an announcement is made directing the participants or audience to disperse, that all other appropriate action is taken to end the event, and that any Structures (including signs, billboards, bulletin boards, banners, buildings, booths, carts, tables, benches, tents, and art installations), as well as trash, litter, and recycling are removed from the Space.
- Initially approved August 29, 1977
- Revised September 11, 1978
- Revised November 27, 1978
- Revised July 8, 1985
- Revised May 2, 1988
- Revised August 28, 1995
- Revised July 22, 2013
- Updated July 19, 2021
- Revised December 13, 2022
- Revised August 14, 2024
Authority: Chancellor
Responsible Office: Student Affairs
Related Resources:
Related Resources:
- Appendix A: Sales, Commercial Solicitation, and Fundraising
- Appendix B: Major Event Administration
- Use of University Space: Frequently Asked Questions [pending]
- Free Speech Website
- N.C.G.S. Section 131F, Solicitation of Contributions
- University Policy 601.5, Use of Student Residence Facilities
- University Policy 601.9, Prohibition on Camping
- Faculty Guidance on Book Buyers [updates pending]