Understanding Rights and Responsibilities: Programming Policies
The Department of Student Activities has made an effort to identify and paraphrase those sections of Rights and Responsibilities, the University’s standards of personal conduct, which are relevant to the planning and promoting of student events. The following policies should be noted by student leaders engaged in coordinating activities. Please refer to Rights and Responsibilities for the complete text.
- Outdoor Events (section 2.13)
The Department of Student Activities encourages student organizations to be creative in their planning and organization of events. It is understood that sometimes, the best location for a particular event might not be inside a building. Planning an event outside requires a bit more thought and consideration depending on the scope of the program as the noise could travel and disturb the local surroundings. Students must obtain clearance from the Department of Student Activities for the use of loud speakers or other sound equipment at outdoor events. For a more detailed outdoor event policy, please inquire of the Department of Student Activities or see the full policy on our website (www.brandeis.edu/studentlife/studentact).
- Posting (section 2.14)
Publicity is probably the single most important aspect of event planning. There are, however, parameters for advertising your program. You may only display posters, banners, handbills, and notices on spaces designated for that purpose. You may not place any of these items on trees, lawns, sidewalks, motor vehicles, permanent University signage, or exterior doors. The Usdan Student Center has a unique posting policy, and is available at the Information Booth. Chalking sidewalks is permitted, within certain guidelines established by the Department of Student Activities. Please visit the Take the Lead! website for more publicity ideas.
- Use of University facilities and the seal (sections 3.3, 16.2, and Appendix C)
The University considers the use of its’ seal a privilege reserved for student organizations recognized by the Student Union or Graduate Student Association (or otherwise recognized by the Division of Student Life) for purposes of identifying the organization. The seal may not be used for political purposes on any letters, or other written material. In addition, recognized student organizations may use University facilities for meetings, programs, events, or other activities subject to the standards and policies published in Rights and Responsibilities.
- Demonstration (section 4 and 15)
Brandeis University has a history of social activism, and prides itself on being a community of inquiry and persuasion. The University community believes in the right and is committed to the protection of all peaceful forms of protest including mass demonstrations, pickets, and rallies. A member of the University community may protest and demonstrate provided such protest does not obstruct physical movement to, from, or within any place on the campus, including University property located off the main campus. The campus must be open to a free exchange of ideas; therefore, the University may limit the time, place, and manner of demonstration. All members of the community are expected to conduct dialogues with dignity and courtesy. Violence or the threat of violence by any member of the University is prohibited. If you are planning a demonstration, please communicate your intentions to the Director of Student Activities at least six hours in advance. - As long as your planned activity will not disrupt or obstruct others, it is permitted in any public area of a campus building – excluding libraries, faculty and administrative offices, classrooms, laboratories, and other research facilities, the computer center, and the Faculty Center – during the hours when the building is normally open.
- If your planned activity will not disrupt or obstruct others, it is permitted in outdoor areas of the campus. If you plan to create a physical representation of your demonstration (i.e., signage, structures of any kind, etc.) you must receive permission from the Director of Student Activities.
- Members of the University community may be permitted to use the internal public areas of buildings after closing hours when the Director of Student Activities determines the risk is not significant. A member of the University community must request this approval in writing at least six hours in advance.
- The person(s) providing notice for any in-building demonstration must sign a statement prior to the demonstration accepting responsibility for any damages caused by the demonstration group.
- Facility Use (section 7)
In general, the University will permit scheduling of as many events as facilities will allow. However, if the Department of Student Activities determines that cross-programming in close proximity to traditional major events will be detrimental to such programs, the scheduling of space may be limited. For more detail regarding planning an event, see Quick Tips: Program Planning. - The University requires a minimum of ten days advance notice for the reservation of space unless waived by the Department of Conference and Events Services.
- Events must end no later than 2 am unless the venue has a prior condition requiring an earlier ending time. Exceptions to this standard may be made by the Department of Student Activities in consultation with the Department of Public Safety.
- The requirements for safety and security at events will be based on a timely review by the Director of Public Safety.
- If the group is sponsoring an event to which a performer (i.e., dj, lecturer, etc.) has been invited, the group must identify that performer on the reservation form, and assume responsibility for that person while they are on campus.
- The group is responsible for all costs associated with the event.
- Alcohol at Events (section 9)
The University recognizes that the appropriate service of alcoholic beverages at an event can positively contribute to the overall program. However, Brandeis upholds and supports all local, state, and federal laws with regard to alcoholic beverages. Student groups are expected to obey the law and all University policies. The event sponsor assumes responsibility for all guests or attendees at their event. For more information regarding programming with alcohol, please consult the staff in the Department of Student Activities. - Alcoholic beverages may not be served at any public event on University property at which there are underage individuals unless there is advance approval by University officials and reasonable precautions are taken to limit the serving of alcohol to those of legal age.
- Alcohol will not be served at any time to individuals who are or appear to be intoxicated.
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages must be available at any event where alcohol is served.
- Tax exempt status of the University (section 16)
As an institution of higher learning, the University is considered tax exempt. In some instances, it is permissible for student organizations to utilize the tax-exempt number in order to procure items for the purpose of University activity. Unauthorized use of the tax exempt numbers or postal permit is prohibited. As members of the University community, students have an obligation to conduct themselves in a manner which will not affect this tax-exempt status. This includes the following: - Students may not speak on behalf of the University in a political campaign. In any political activity, a University title may only be used as identification not as an indication that the individual is speaking on behalf of the University.
- Students or student groups may not raise money for personal gain. All proceeds from group activity must benefit the University, a University recognized organization, or a recognized charitable organization.