Dean of Students Office

Policies on Gatherings

Eastern Michigan University enables faculty, staff, student organizations and other groups to host a variety of events on campus in the spirit of the free exchange of ideas, to supplement and enrich students’ educational experience. To that end, the University makes certain event facilities and spaces available to faculty, staff, and student organizations and to other non-University users in certain circumstances.

Peaceful & Orderly Gatherings

The goal is for all on-campus events to be orderly and peaceful so as many persons as possible can participate in and benefit from an open exchange of ideas. Because events can sometimes raise security concerns, and because the continuation of the University’s academic mission must remain paramount, the University will strive to meet these goals while protecting the First Amendment rights of those who wish to participate in on-campus events.

Reasonable Rules

Accordingly, the University promulgates reasonable rules and regulations surrounding the use of its campus facilities governing the time, place, and manner of such use, with the parallel goals of protecting its community’s First Amendment rights, ensuring the safety and security of all persons on and around campus, and safeguarding the University’s academic mission and activities.  Several of these rules and regulations are collected on this page.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can the University cancel or disband a function or gathering if the campus community disagrees with the organizer’s views? Expand dropdown
  No, the University cannot cancel or disband a function or gathering based on the organizer’s views. However, the University reserves the right to cancel or disband a gathering or function that is significantly disruptive or poses a significant risk to campus safety as determined by the University’s Director of Public Safety.
• What is generally considered “significantly disruptive”? Expand dropdown

  Any function or gathering conducted in a way that impairs, interferes with, or obstructs the normal operations of the University and/or interferes with the rights of other members of the University community or visitors, including but not limited to:

  • Intentional occupation of or blocking the entry or exit of University facilities;
  • Intentional obstruction of the free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic on University premises or at University sponsored or supervised function;
  • Solicitation on campus without prior approval from appropriate University officials; and
  • Actions that impair, interfere with, or obstruct the orderly conduct, processes and functions within the university community.
• What kinds of disruptive conduct violate EMU’s Code of Community Responsibility for Students? Expand dropdown

  Actions that impair, interfere with, or obstruct the normal operations of the University and/or interfere with the rights of other members of the University community or visitors. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  • intentional occupation of or blocking the entry or exit of University facilities, including but not limited to, buildings, classrooms, offices, hallways, entryways, conference rooms and campus grounds.
  • Actions that impair, interfere with, or obstruct the orderly conduct, processes and functions within the university community.
  • Participating in, leading, or inciting others to disrupt scheduled and/or normal campus activities, events and programs.
  • Intentional obstruction of the free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic on University premises or at University sponsored or supervised functions.
  • Solicitation on campus without prior approval from appropriate University officials. This includes, but is not limited to, the disbursement of any forms of promotional/informational material on University property or on items (e.g. motor vehicles) on University property, requests for donations, or the selling or vending of any merchandise or services.
• What is a “significant risk to campus safety?” Expand dropdown

  As the University’s primary officer with responsibility for overall campus safety, the University’s Director of Public Safety has discretion to determine if an activity is posing a significant risk to campus safety. 

• Can anyone camp or sleep overnight in a tent on campus? Expand dropdown

  No one may sleep outside on University property, or pitch, stay in, or sleep in a tent on the University campus. 

• Can I bring my own grill or furniture to set up on campus? Expand dropdown
  No. No one may set up furniture, carpet, or personal grills outdoors, and nothing may be attached to buildings, trees or plants on campus.
• What regulations exist about signage and the distribution of published materials? Expand dropdown

  Signage must comply with the University’s Bulletin Board & Posting Policy [PDF] or may be subject to removal.

  Published materials may be distributed at locations listed below, without prior regulation of content:

  • On open grounds owned by the University.
  • In display containers approved by University Event Services.
  • At the desks of residence halls or in residence hall mailboxes, so long as distribution is in accordance with residence hall rules.
  • Outside entranceways of University buildings and, in case of inclement weather, in entranceways of buildings so long as traffic is not obstructed.
  • On approved bulletin boards in accordance the Bulletin Board & Posting Policy [PDF]

  The University may remove any content found to be in violation of law or university policy.

• Is alcohol allowed at outdoor events? Expand dropdown
  Any event involving the consumption of alcohol anywhere on EMU's campus must be approved in advance by University Event Services and must comply with the University's Alcohol and Other Drug policy.
• Where can I rent a space for an outdoor event? Expand dropdown
  Outdoor spaces to be used for events at the University can be booked through University Event Services via the BookEMU portal, which will also provide additional terms and conditions.
• Can people at a gathering use microphones, speakers, and other sound amplifiers? Expand dropdown
  Yes, people using outdoor spaces may use amplification so long as it does not disrupt the orderly conduct of the campus, classes, or other lawful activities, does not exceed 90dBs, does not occur near classroom buildings or residential buildings during final examinations or other University-designated study days, and ceases before 10:00 p.m.