Dean of Student Advocacy Office

Members of the public may use university property for gathering or organized expressive activity only by invitation or reservation in accordance with the Interim Campus Expression and Space Utilization Policy Section V.e.

In determining whether a particular activity is organized, rather than spontaneous, the university considers certain indicators or factors that include, but are not limited to, the following:

a)   Advance coordination

b)   Coordinated attendance or participation of 10 or more individuals

c)   Regular or scheduled occurrence

d)   Presence of supplies, tools or equipment for the activity

e)   Tables, chairs, or other furniture

f)    A-frame or other self-supporting signs

g)   Sound amplification devices

h)   Advance promotion of the activity, via social media or other channel

i)    Extended duration based on the academic calendar (typically 2 hours)

The University does not consider the viewpoint of any expressive activity in determining whether a particular activity is organized.

See section IV of the Policy.

To preserve the academic environment and because areas that are well-suited for group activity are limited on the University’s urban campuses, the University requires reservations for all organized activities. Reservations are not required for activity that is spontaneous (arising from a momentary impulse).

The University permits affiliated persons (students, student organizations, faculty and staff) to conduct organized activity if pursuant to a reservation. It also generally permits students to participate in short-term, informal organized yard games in outdoor areas if the area is not in use by the University and other policy requirements are satisfied.The University permits unaffiliated individuals to conduct events only if pursuant to a reservation of the Park Plaza Amphitheater or Patterson Gardens.

All Events, as defined in this Policy, that are not sponsored or hosted by an affiliated person(student, student organization, employee or unit) with authority under an applicable university policy require reservations. The affiliated sponsor or host of any Event must follow the policy and procedures that authorize them to sponsor or host an Event. See section I of the Policy.

Major Events require advance notice, coordination with university officials, and specific authorization in addition to a reservation.

Yes. As set forth in the Student Organization Handbook, all student organization activities, meaning activities organized by a student organization, using university property, including indoor and outdoor areas, require reservations. Any activity planned by an officially recognized student organization must go through the event request process. This requirement ensures the university is aware of the event details, can coordinate necessary support, and can confirm the activity aligns with applicable policies and space use guidelines.

Anyone can reserve these spaces by utilizing the Park Plaza/Patterson Gardens Reservation Form, which allows same-day reservations. In addition, affiliated persons may reserve these spaces in advance through EMS. See Policy section V.b

The university prohibits any person from interfering with university and authorized functions, activities, and events and from participating in unlawful conduct on university property. Section I.A. of the Interim Campus Expression and Space Utilization Policy describes specific conduct that is prohibited no matter the relationship of the individual with the university.

Any person who is a member of the public, including any organization, may use university property in one of the ways described in this policy. The university’s grant of permission to individuals and organizations to use its property under the conditions of the Interim Campus Expression and Space Utilization Policy or any other university policy does not indicate support for or endorsement of any particular viewpoint, which may be expressed by any such individual or group.

The university has provided a structure related to fees and charges as outlined in Section 6.V.b of the Campus Expression and Space Utilization Policy.

The university office that manages a room, building or other area may set space use requirements in addition to and consistent with those set forth in the Campus Expression and Space Utilization policy, including restrictions for reservation, scheduling, insurance, and use of such space. For more information, consult the website of the responsible office or contact the office directly.

VCU prohibits expression that is not protected by law as outlined in Section IV. B of the Interim Campus Expression and Space Utilization Policy.

Per Section V.B.5 of the Interim Campus Expression and Space Utilization Policy, the university designates the Park Plaza Amphitheater on the Monroe Park Campus and Patterson Gardens Amphitheater on the MCV Campus for use, including expressive activity, by anyone, including members of the general public who are not associated with the university.

Section V.B. of the Interim Campus Expression and Space Utilization Policy requires organizers of certain events, namely Major Events and other events in reserved spaces, to provide advance notice to the university and receive written authorization through the Event Management System (EMS System).

Organizers of all events are encouraged to provide advance notice to VCU Police prior to commencement of an event or activity to promote the safety and security of all persons on campus. University officials will coordinate with the primary organizer or responsible person regarding appropriate logistical issues related to safety, time, and location.

Notify VCU Police by calling the non-emergency dispatch at (804) 828-1196. To be useful advance notification must include the day, time, estimated size of group and items associated with the event, and the location where the event is expected to begin and be carried out as well as the full name and detailed contact information for the primary organizer and/or person responsible for the activity. University officials will consider factors such as the anticipated size, required accommodations, traffic, noise, time, relationship to nearby areas and activities, security needs, and other relevant facts and circumstances to determine to what extent (a) a suitable location exists and (b) special precautions or arrangements are necessary.

Certain areas of campus may be reserved. Persons who desire to reserve campus facilities for any reason, including to conduct expressive activities, must submit their requests to the appropriate administrator with sufficient notice to allow for logistical support and to otherwise comply with the applicable facility requirements. 

Reservations will be approved on a space-available basis with priority given to university departments, registered student organizations, students, and staff and denied only if sufficient space is not available.

Members of the public may conduct expressive activity, such as public speaking and distribution of literature, only in the Park Plaza and Patterson Gardens with a reservation according to the Interim Campus Expression and Space Utilization Policy.

Please see section V.B.1 of the Interim Campus Expression and Space Utilization Policy.

A map showing areas available for gathering or organized expressive activity by anyone, including members of the public, is here: 2019 Park Plaza Expressive Activity Space Diagram.

Yes, individuals may participate in expressive activity that protests or is ‘counter’ to the expressive activity of others. Such counter expression is subject to the same requirements under the policy, including that it may not disrupt or block expressive activity of others. Please review the map of the Park Plaza for information about the areas designated for such use.

University officials may provide reasonable guidance to individuals about the specific places, specific times and specific manner in which they may engage in expressive activity in order to maintain the safe and effective educational and administrative operations of the university, including carrying out its academic mission, promoting a safe environment, and preserving the functional and aesthetic integrity of the campus.

The Interim Campus Expression and Space Utilization Policy applies only to university property and does not govern events or activities occurring on property not owned or controlled by VCU, including city, state, federal or private property. When the university is aware of events or activities on non-university property that may impact the university community or its operations, it will evaluate the potential impact and take reasonable steps, consistent with applicable law, to promote the safety of all members of our community and avoid unreasonable disruption.

Yes, chalking on campus is permitted subject to the restrictions outlined in the Interim Campus Expression and Space Utilization Policy Section V.d.

Yes, speakers and other Amplified Sound equipment can generally be utilized in Park Plaza Amphitheater on the Monroe Park Campus and Patterson Gardens on the MCV campus on Monday thru Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. without specific prior approval. Additional information about Amplified Sound can be found in the Event Services FAQ here.