Planning an Event or Protest

Reservations

• Contact University Event Services at (208) 426-1677 to reserve  space in the Quad or any other open reservable space. Reservations must not impede pedestrian traffic, disrupt University functions, or disrupt others’ use of their reserved spaces or from going about their own business on campus.
• Reservations are generally not confirmed more than six months in advance.
• Reservations are not guaranteed priority after 15 reservations per semester and/or five reservations in a single week for one organization/individual.

Space Conflicts

Notify Event Services staff if another reservation encroaches on your reserved space and your efforts to keep them out have not been honored.

Open Reservable Space

If a reservable space is not being used, you can use it unless or until a party arrives to use that reserved space. If you use unreserved space, you are responsible to provide your own tables and chairs and are responsible for cleaning up after yourself or your group.

Video- or audio- recording events or participants

If the event is in a public location on campus where access cannot be limited/controlled (e.g., the Quad), then the event and its participants may be video- and audio- recorded.

If the event occurs at a location where access can be controlled or limited (such as a meeting room or ballroom in the Student Union), you can establish reasonable rules for how audience members conduct themselves and what audience members may bring to the event venue (such as cameras, microphones, and/or other video and audio equipment). Rules must be posted at all entrances, be clearly visible, and be equally applied to all audience members. Student organizations interested in establishing reasonable restrictions (e.g., no leafleting, no videotaping) at their events should contact their advisor at the Student Involvement and Leadership Center for further information on how to enact these rules.

Using a megaphone and/or a PA system

Sound amplification, or use of equipment designed or used for sound production, reproduction, or amplification, is generally not allowed.

“Disruptive noise” is prohibited and is defined as “noise where the sound, rhythm, melody, or instrumentation is plainly audible to the listener at a distance of 50 feet or more from the speaker or from within a building containing a classroom, staff or faculty offices, or residences.” “Plainly audible,” in turn, is defined as “sound for which the information content is communicated to the listener, including, but not limited to spoken speech, comprehension of whether a voice is raised or normal, comprehensive musical rhythms, melody, or instrumentation.”

Sound amplification used for official university events, such as NCAA sporting events or performances by the music department, is not disrupting noise because those are core functions of the university.

Chalking

Applying chalk on concrete walkways on campus is permitted under the same rules as other free expression:

• It cannot disrupt university functions
• If it is commercial in nature, it needs to be approved
• It cannot be obscene or threatening

Chalking has limitations: It is transitory; it may be blurred or removed with pedestrian traffic or weather.

Outdoor Signage

Temporary signage is permitted under the same rules as other free expression:

• It cannot impede vehicular or pedestrian traffic
• If it is commercial in nature, it needs to be approved
• It cannot be obscene or threatening
• Is not permitted on car windshields, trees, light posts or the exterior of any university structure

Check with University Event Services to make sure that you have either reserved a space to place it or that you won’t be placing it in a space that someone else has already reserved. They will also coordinate lawn signs.

Indoor Signage

Bulletin boards are provided for:

• Recognized student organizations
• University departments
• The public

The following indoor postings are not permitted:

• On walls
• On doors
• On whiteboards
• Inside bathroom stalls

University personnel may remove materials posted in violation of policy.