Policy Library

The University has established policies and procedures for maximum benefit and utilization of its facilities. The policies and procedures include safeguards and administrative guidelines, and define the University’s obligations to matriculated students, the faculty, the staff and the public. The policies and procedures additionally seek to protect the health and safety of persons present on University property, to protect University property from damage, and to preserve the normal operations of the University against disruptions.

710.1.1 Compliance with Law. Any person making use of any property or facility of the University must take reasonable care that all local, state, and federal laws and all University policies are followed as a condition of such person’s use of any property or facility of the University.

710.1.2 No Disruption of Educational Mission. No person making use of any property or facility of the University shall be permitted to, in any way, obstruct or disrupt the educational mission of the University including, but not limited to, teaching, research, or services that support those functions.

710.3.1 Persons with Legitimate University Business. Every person with legitimate business at the University has the privilege of access to the public areas of the buildings and grounds of campus during designated open hours thereof.

710.3.2 Solicitation. Soliciting for monetary reasons or selling will not be permitted on the campus except in cases of student groups whose activities are approved through the Student Affairs Office.

710.3.3 Purpose. Use of space for purposes other than those for which it has been designated will not be allowed. Neither will individuals or groups be permitted to interrupt the use of space after it has been duly assigned, without permission of the University President or designee.

710.3.4 Incidents of Violence Physical violence, specific threats of physical violence, intimidation, and the destruction of property are strictly prohibited, and the University may exclude from its campus grounds, property and facilities any person who violates this prohibition.

710.3.5 Use of Outdoor Areas. Except with the written approval of the President of the University, use of outdoor space on the grounds of the University shall be governed by the following limitations:

a. Use of sound amplification equipment is permitted only with the advance written approval of Conference and Event Services and generally will only be approved from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, or 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Use of sound amplification equipment shall be permitted for not more than three consecutive hours at any one time and will be approved in a three hour block of time, if approved. Use of sound amplification equipment shall not be permitted to disrupt teaching, research, residential life on campus, or the work of University faculty and staff.

b. Use of flashing or rotating lights is not permitted.

c. Use of outdoor space must not encroach closer than fifteen (15) feet from a point of ingress or egress to any building or facility to ensure safe access.

d. Destruction, damage, or defacement of property is not permitted and the University reserves the right to charge costs for repair, replacement, or clean-up of University property damaged by outdoor space use.

e. Signage including placards, posters, banners, and other similar articles must be removed at the conclusion of any instance of outdoor space use and should not be affixed in any manner to University property except with advance written approval of Conference and Event Services.

f. Erection of structures of any kind whether temporary or permanent in nature and without regard to size or material is not permitted except for the erection of a temporary canopy for a period not to exceed six (6) hours with the advance written approval of Conference and Event Services. Such canopy must be attended at all times by a representative of the organization approved to erect it. The University may remove any non-permitted structure and charge costs for such removal.

g. Camping, including any activities which reasonably appear in light of all the circumstances to demonstrate an intent to use  a tent, shelter, vehicle, motor home, trailer, bus, or similar, as a living accommodation or for overnight occupancy, including the erection of one or more of the foregoing to form an encampment or other grouping of structures, is not permitted on University property.

h. Users of outdoor space must refrain from leaving debris, trash, or unattended articles on University property except in designated trash receptacles. The University may remove any unattended articles on University property for disposal.

i. Use of outdoor space must not disrupt, impede, or interfere with ingress or egress from all or any portion of a University facility or pedestrian or vehicular traffic on or through campus.

j. Use of outdoor space must not disrupt, impede, or interfere with teaching, research, residential life on campus, or the work of University faculty and staff.

Failure to observe the foregoing limitations on the use of outdoor areas of the University may result in University discipline as applicable, removal from University property and possible prosecution for trespass and other acts, and charging of costs by the University for any damages to University property or for the removal of materials or structures from Campus.

710.3.6 Occupation of University Facilities for Demonstrations. The University will not permit use of any University facility for any demonstration or occupation that disrupts the operations of the University, the freedom of movement, or any other lawful activities.

710.3.7 Right of University to Deny Use. The University reserves the right to deny the use or continued use of areas if it determines that access by a group or individual is disruptive to the normal operation of the facility or the University. If the University determines a situation is no longer peaceful and orderly, the assistance of the Public Safety Office will be requested.

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The University may grant use of its facilities as available to non-University groups and agencies when such use does not interfere with the normal operations of the University.  All non-university groups and agencies must comply with University policies, guidelines and facility fee schedules. Established rental rates are available from Conference and Event Services.

710.5.1 Reservations. External individuals and groups must reserve University space through Conference and Event Services. Academic, instructional and administrative spaces including general classroom areas,  offices and workspaces of faculty, staff and administration, research and instructional laboratories, similar facilities and any associated hallways and lobbies thereof will not be reserved or permitted to be used in a manner which would in any way disrupt or impede the educational mission of the University including, but not limited to, teaching, research or services that support such functions. Any use of a University facility which blocks or disrupts ingress or egress into all or any portion of a University facility will not be permitted, including, but not limited to, obstructing doorways, hallways, staircases or elevators, even if the relevant University facility has been reserved.

710.5.2  Priority of Use. University departments and registered University student organizations will be given priority in reserving any University facility.

710.5.3 Employment Recruitment Activities. Agencies coming to campus to recruit full‑time, part-time or temporary employees or interns must make reservations for space and schedule with the Career Center. The Center will schedule personal interviews in its facilities or in semi‑public areas if the facilities of the Center do not accommodate the demand.

Indiana State University considers freedom of inquiry and discussion essential to a student's educational development. The appearance of visiting speakers is encouraged as one means by which members of the University community are provided with an opportunity to explore a variety of views and opinions.

710.7.1 Divergent Views and Subject Matter. The University recognizes that any subject or view may be repugnant or distasteful to an individual or group holding divergent views. The University further recognizes that the question of appropriateness is not determined by the subject matter as such, but by the method of presentation and the extent to which there is critical examination through disciplined inquiry by faculty and students.

710.7.1.1 Restraints. Restraints on activities connected with learning should be held to that minimum which is consistent (i) with preserving an organized society in which peaceful, democratic means for change are utilized and (ii) avoiding any obstruction or disruption of the educational mission of the University. Each individual has the right to express ideas and opinions; however, it must be recognized that those who have different opinions have the same rights. The exercise of rights involves acceptance of responsibility.

710.7.2 Guidelines. On the basis of these premises, Indiana State University will encourage any University recognized group of students, faculty, or staff, to invite speakers to campus subject to the following guidelines.

a. The speaker does not advocate violation of any federal or state law.

b. Neither the sponsoring group nor the speaker will indicate University support of the speaker or his/her ideas.

c. A member or members of the sponsoring University group will be in attendance with the speaker through the entirety of the event.

710.7.3  Reservations of Space.  In order to properly schedule the event, assure adequate facilities, and security, and ensure necessary publicity and proper procedures, the sponsoring group wishing to invite a visiting speaker to the University will make all reservations of space with Conferences and Event Services at least seven (7) days in advance of the speaker's appearance.

710.7.3.1 Non-University Groups and Agencies. Non-University groups, agencies, and individuals may not reserve University space to invite a speaker to campus unless the event or program is subject to a risk management and safety and security review by the University.

710.7.3.2 Ticketing and Advance Registration  Requirements. If Conference and Event Services reasonably anticipates that the number of attendees to an event will exceed the capacity available in the reserved University space, tickets or advance registration will be required for attendees of events If the University has reasonable concerns about security and safety caused by the possible attendance of non-University individuals, the University will limit admission to students, faculty and staff with University identification cards.

7.10.7.3.3 Modification or Cancellation of Events. The University will reject or cancel any event which it:

a. anticipates will substantially disrupt or interfere with the University’s operations, including closing buildings, cancelling classes, disruption of research activities and the like. In making this determination, the University will not consider potential disruptions attributable to hecklers, protestors or counter-demonstrators.

b. determines based on advice of law enforcement that there are true threats or a risk of imminent violence or other criminal conduct that would endanger people or property and are likely to occur.

710.7.4  Approvals for University Speakers.  Approval for visiting speakers whose events are open to all of campus or the public may be approved by the appropriate  Vice Presidents and Cabinet member.

710.7.5  Other Speakers. Speakers participating in regularly scheduled classes or University programs or speakers seeking state or federal offices are covered under other provisions. (See also Policy Library, Section 310.1.3, “Methods of Instruction,” and Section 915.2, “Political Activities.”)