Know Campus Policies

Events held on campus should follow University rules and federal and local laws. They are subject to requirements around:

• Time and place to lessen impact to campus operations (i.e., hinder teaching, research, administrative, or public service functions)
• Distribution of food and drink to prevent the spread of foodborne illness
• Number of people attending for their safety and the safety of the broader community
• Frequency to allow other University groups and organizations access to event spaces
• Protection of natural landscapes intended for ecological, environmental, and aesthetic benefits on campus
• Use of furniture that impacts accessibility of the area or causes damage to infrastructure
• Objects with the possibility to injure attendees or create larger emergency incident (e.g., open flames, confetti cannons)
   

See more: Classroom Event Guidelines, Major Events - Twin Cities campus, Rules and Parameters for Events Requiring a Permit, Student Group Event Planning (Twin Cities)

Connect with the designated contact below for necessary permits and approvals.

• Hosting outdoor events - Outdoor Event Office
• Use of food, tents, or other large furnishings - Building Code Department
• Use of classroom space - Classroom booking
• Signage and banners larger than 14in x 22in - [email protected]
• Proposal and approval process for large events - Major Events - Twin Cities campus

Sometimes, an event materializes without advance planning. Even these events must follow University policy while maintaining safety and respect for community members and campus property.

You can: 

• Include up to 100 participants
• Gather at places like Coffman Plaza, McNamara Plaza, Northrop Plaza, St. Paul Student Center Plaza, West Bank Plaza
• Include one handheld battery-operated amplification device (bullhorn)
• Include signs and banners smaller than 14 inches x 22 inches
• Distribute printed materials more than 25 feet from building entrances
• Use washable chalk on sidewalks to advertise an event. Chalking must be done by recognized University groups or offices and include the name of the group sponsoring the event
• Put up posters and flyers smaller than 14 inches x 22 inches on special bulletin boards or in designated kiosks on campus to advertise an event in a manner that makes them easy to remove and doesn’t damage the boards (e.g., staples or tape but not glue or paste)

You must: 

• End your event by 10 p.m.
• Clean up the space afterwards
• Show your ID if asked by University officials or the police

You may not:

• Utilize tents, other structures or displays, or contact tables
• Damage University property or University grounds, including by way of graffiti and stickers
• Interfere with classes, research, work, or other University operations
• Interfere with the flow of traffic or block entrance to buildings
• Remain in buildings after scheduled closing hours
• Threaten, harass, intimidate, stalk, or assault others
• Pose risk to the health and physical safety of yourself or others
• Use University facilities or services without permission, including using keys or passwords you’re not supposed to have
• Participate in a protest during your work hours if a student worker or other staff
   

See more: Spontaneous Civic Engagement Guidelines, Using and leasing University Outdoor Space: Twin Cities, UMPD First Amendment Assemblies policy

You can advertise or demonstrate for causes through flyers, chalking, or posters. These must be:

• Hung on designated bulletin boards or kiosks or distributed more than 25 feet from building entrances
• Washable and on flat sidewalk surfaces if using chalk, with the responsible University group our organization name clearly visible
   

See more: Distribution of Information through Publications, Banners, or Chalking

Photos and videos can be taken in public spaces on campus; if they’re intended for media publication or commercial use they must follow these guidelines. You have the right to audio or video record interactions with police or emergency officials.

See more: Saint Paul Police policy, Minneapolis Police policy