FAQ-Interim Campus Expression and Space Utilization Policy
Frequently Asked Questions
These FAQs are intended to provide guidance about the application of the university’s Interim Campus Expression and Space Utilization Policy, which is available in the Policy Library. If any interpretation of this guidance is inconsistent with the policy, please refer to the policy or policy owner to resolve any discrepancy.
1. How is this policy applicable to persons who are not VCU students, faculty, or staff?
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 II.B and Section II.B5
2. What conduct by any person is prohibited on university property?
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.
3. Can political groups use space on campus?
Any person who is a member of the public, including any organization, may use university property in one of the ways described in FAQ #1 above. 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.
4. Are groups charged?
The university has provided a structure related to fees and charges as outlined in Section I and II.B.6 of the Campus Expression and Space Utilization Policy.
5. What other requirements are in place for use of space?
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.
6. What is an unprotected expression? What speech is prohibited on campus?
VCU prohibits expression that is not protected by law as set forth in Section I.B of the Interim Campus Expression and Space Utilization Policy.
7. Which area is available to anyone, including the members of the public, for expressive activity?
Per Section II.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
8. How are events generally managed? Am I required to notify the university?
Section II.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).
9. Should I notify campus Police about my event?
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.
10. How do I notify VCU Police about my event?
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.
11. How is event space reserved?
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.
12. Can leaflets be distributed on campus?
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 under section II.B.5 of the Interim Campus Expression and Space Utilization Policy.
13. What are major events?
Please see section II.B.1. of the Interim Campus Expression and Space Utilization Policy.
14. What are the boundaries of the Park Plaza under the 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.
15. What size signs/messages can be displayed?
Signs held by individuals may be no larger than 8 ½ in. x 11. Larger displays may be installed only in the areas designated on the map and in accordance with reasonable restrictions designed to securely install the displays and to protect the physical safety of nearby persons .
16. May ‘counter’ expressive activities occur during expressive activities?
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.
17. What type of restrictions does the University require?
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.
18. Does this policy apply to non-university property?
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.
19. Is chalking allowed?
Yes, chalking on campus is permitted subject to the restrictions outlined in the Interim Campus Expression and Space Utilization Policy Section II. D.
20. Are there specific times and places on campus where I can use speakers or other amplified sound equipmen
Yes, speakers and other Amplified Sound equipmen