Office of the VP for Student Affairs

Outdoor Activities Policy

Title: Outdoor Activities Policy
Policy Owner: Office of the Provost and Office of the Vice President for Student Life and Enrollment
Applies to: Workforce Members, Students, Others
Campus Applicability: Storrs and Regional Campuses
Approval Date: August 20, 2024
Effective Date: August 21, 2024
For More Information, Contact Office of the Provost or Office of the Vice President for Student Life and Enrollment
Contact Information: provost@uconn.edu or VPSLE@uconn.edu
Official Website: https://provost.uconn.edu or https://studentlife.uconn.edu

PURPOSE

To support a safe environment for the University community and our visitors and clarify the expectations, restrictions, and requirements related to the use of outdoor spaces, whether scheduled, unscheduled, active, or passive.

APPLIES TO

This policy applies to Students, Workforce Members and Visitors on the Storrs and Regional Campuses.

Jurisdiction: This policy applies to all outdoor facilities and spaces under the control of the University of Connecticut.

POLICY STATEMENT

Outdoor activities are permitted on University property provided they are held in accordance with all University policies and procedures, and relevant laws and regulations. The University has the authority to ensure outdoor activities comply with the following requirements:

  1. Prohibited Items and Practices
    • Weapons or weapon facsimiles.
    • Amplified or projected sound not in accordance with the Amplified and Projected Sound policy.
    • Obstructing public access. Blocking access to public spaces or hindering anyone’s ability to enter or exit an area. A clear path of ingress and egress must always be maintained at all building entrances and exits, ADA ramps, stairs, and walkways, as well as for emergency vehicles.
    • Camping or encampments.
    • Ignitable paper, sky lanterns or other like luminaries that may present fire hazards.
  2. Outdoor Activity Disruption: No outdoor activity is permitted to disrupt another outdoor activity. To minimize/avoid disruption, University officials may direct one or more outdoor activities to relocate. Failure to comply with this or other directives will be considered a violation of University policies and subject to sanctions. Failure to comply may also be subject to law enforcement action, including criminal penalties.

PROCEDURES

 For more information for scheduling outdoor events and procedures related to this policy, visit the InForm website.

ENFORCEMENT

Violations of this policy may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the University of Connecticut Student Code.

The Provost or designee and the Vice President for Student Life and Enrollment or designee shall review this policy annually and will recommend revisions and/or updates as may be appropriate.

Questions about this Policy may be directed to the Office of the Provost at provost@uconn.edu or the Office of the Vice President for Life and Enrollment at VPSLE@uconn.edu.

POLICY HISTORY

Policy created: 08/20/2024 (Approved by the Senior Policy Council and President)

Alcoholic Beverage Sales and Service Policy

Title: Alcoholic Beverage Sales and Service, Policy on
Policy Owner: Department of Dining Services
Applies to: Students, Employees, Others
Campus Applicability: All Campuses
Effective Date: October 23, 2017
For More Information, Contact Department of Dining Services or
UConn Health
Contact Information: (860) 486-3128 (Storrs/Regional Campuses)
(860) 679-4177 (UConn Health)
Official Website: http://www.dining.uconn.edu

PURPOSE

To provide specific requirements for the sale and/or service of alcoholic beverages at University sponsored events.

SCOPE

This policy does not apply to non-University on-campus entities (such as the University of Connecticut Foundation and the Nathan Hale Inn) or off campus Athletic venues.

DEFINITIONS

University Sponsored Events: An official activity, function or meeting operated and/or financially supported by the University of Connecticut, whether on- or off-campus.

Permanent Installation: A permanent foodservice operated by the Department of Dining Services on a Regional Campus.

POLICY STATEMENT

Alcohol Service on University Campuses: The Department of Dining Services is the sole liquor permit-holder on University campuses with a Permanent Installation, and is solely responsible for ensuring the proper service of alcohol at any on-campus University Sponsored Event where a Permanent Installation exists. Campuses with a Permanent Installation must use the Department of Dining Services to serve alcohol. At campuses without a Permanent Installation (except UConn Health) departments must seek approval from the Department of Dining Services to use an alternate service. Requests must be approved in writing by the Department of Dining Services. At UConn Health, requests must be approved in writing by the Dean of the School of Medicine, the Dean of the School of Dental Medicine, or the Chief Administrative Officer, as appropriate.

Alcohol Service at Off-Campus University Sponsored Events:  If alcohol is to be served at an off-campus University Sponsored Event, the individuals responsible for event planning must ensure that the sale and/or service of alcohol complies with this policy.

Sales and Service of Alcoholic Beverages

Alcoholic beverages may be possessed, served, sold or consumed at a University Sponsored Event or Permanent Installation only under the following conditions:

  • In no circumstances may alcohol be purchased with University funds or Trustee student organization fees, either directly or indirectly. For example, funds used to purchase food or cover facility fees may never subsidize the purchase of alcohol.
  • Service and sale of alcoholic beverages is covered by an appropriate liquor permit. At campuses with a Permanent Installation, this is the Department of Dining Services’ liquor permit. At campuses without a Permanent Installation, including UConn Health, this is an approved vendor or caterer’s liquor permit.
  • Alcohol servers are TIPS (Training for Intervention Procedures) certified.
  • Alcoholic beverages are served as a complement to a planned program or event with a legitimate University business purpose.
  • Alcoholic beverage service is accompanied by food service and non-alcoholic beverage alternatives in amounts sufficient for all attendees.

Additional restrictions include:

  • Alcohol service is prohibited in academic buildings while classes are in session in that building. At UConn Health, exceptions must be approved in writing by the appropriate Dean or the Chief Administrative Officer.
  • University employees may not host department meetings or gatherings on campus and supply their own alcohol.
  • At campuses with a Permanent Installation, all alcohol service must be arranged, purchased, and served by the Department of Dining Services. External caterers may not provide alcohol on these campuses.
  • No alcoholic beverages may be served for any group of students of the University, or for any function, where it is reasonable to expect consumption by persons under the age of twenty-one years.

Campuses without the Presence of the Department of Dining Services

If alcohol is to be served at a University Sponsored Event at a campus without a Permanent Installation (except UConn Health), the individuals responsible for event planning must first submit a request for approval to the Department of Dining Services. This form is located at https://dining.uconn.edu/alcohol-request-form/. At UConn Health, requests must be submitted using this form and approved by the Dean of the School of Medicine, the Dean of the School of Dental Medicine, or the Chief Administrative Officer, as appropriate.

Exceptions to this policy may be granted by the Office of the President. At all times, any entity serving alcohol on campus must have the appropriate liquor permit.

ENFORCEMENT

This policy is intended to complement existing University policy regarding alcohol, including but not limited to, the General Rules of Conduct, Student Code, and the University Policy on Alcohol and Other Drugs.

Violations of these policies may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the University of Connecticut Student Code.  Depending on the nature and severity of the violations, additional sanctions may be enacted.

Immunization Requirement

Title: Immunization Requirement
Policy Owner: Student Health and Wellness
Applies to: Students
Campus Applicability: Storrs and Regional Campuses
Effective Date: November 19, 2014
For More Information, Contact Student Health and Wellness
Contact Information: (860) 486-4700
Official Website: http://www.shs.uconn.edu/

The University Division of Health Services sends health report forms to entering students. Their physicians must sign these forms signifying that the student is adequately immunized for measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, meningitis and tuberculosis. Students must complete the forms and return them directly to the University Health Services before registering.  Please contact Health Services at 486-4700 with any questions.

Further information is available at: https://studenthealth.uconn.edu/immunizations/

Outdoor Amplified and Projected Sound Policy

Title: Outdoor Amplified and Projected Sound Policy
Policy Owner: Office of the Provost and Office of the Vice President for Student Life and Enrollment
Applies to: Workforce Members, Students, Others
Campus Applicability: Storrs and Regional Campuses
Approval Date: August 20, 2024
Effective Date: August 21, 2024
For More Information, Contact Office of the Provost or Office of the Vice President for Student Life and Enrollment
Contact Information: provost@uconn.edu or VPSLE@uconn.edu
Official Website: https://provost.uconn.edu or https://studentlife.uconn.edu

PURPOSE

To manage and regulate the use of outdoor Amplified and Projected Sound on University Property to ensure a conducive academic environment.

APPLIES TO

Storrs and Regional campuses, including all students, Workforce Members and visitors.  This policy does not apply to the School of Law.

EXCLUSIONS

This policy does not apply to the use of Amplified and Projected Sound for the following:

University Athletics and Athletic Events: All University Athletics organized/sponsored events and activities, including practices, games, and other athletic activities.

The following University Events: Events and activities sponsored by the Offices of the President, Provost, or Vice President for Student Life and Enrollment, and University-wide Admissions events (i.e., UConn Bound Day, Fall Campus Visit Days, etc.), Student Activities sponsored University-wide events (i.e., WOW, Homecoming, Family Weekend, Winter Weekend, Spring Weekend, etc.) and Student Activities sponsored Outdoor Movies, Convocation, and Commencement activities and events.

The University Marching Band and Athletic Bands: official, organized practices and performances as directed by the band director or their designee.

DEFINITIONS

Amplified and Projected Sound: This refers to any sound that is electronically amplified or projected through the use of equipment such as amplifiers, speakers, DJs, megaphones, or other sound systems. It also includes the use of acoustic instruments like trumpets, trombones, violins, air horns, drums and other similar instruments or items that can produce significant sound levels.

Scheduling Office: A space management office responsible for managing and approving requests for the use of University spaces. The Scheduling Office communicates compliance information, including space-related and activity-related rules, regulations, and requirements, covering local, state, and federal laws, as well as internal policies. This may involve coordination with other University offices, including but not limited to Environmental Health and Safety Services, Facilities Operations (i.e., Landscape and Grounds, electrical services, custodial services, Central Warehouse, etc.), Housing and Residential Life, Parking and Transportation, University Safety (i.e., the Fire Marshal’s Office and the Fire Department, the UConn Police Department, etc.), as well as external entities such as Call Before You Dig (CBYD).

University Property: Any building, space or area under the control of the University of Connecticut at the Storrs & Regional Campuses.

Venue: Any location where an event takes place.

Workforce Members: Employees, volunteers, trainees, and other persons whose conduct, in the performance of work for the University, is under the direct control of the University, whether or not they are paid by the University.

POLICY STATEMENT

1. Outdoor Amplified and Projected Sound Conditions

Amplified and Projected Sound is permitted on campus within specified times and locations to minimize disruption to academic activities, residence halls, and public spaces. The following conditions govern the use of Amplified and Projected Sound.

Subject to the Additional Conditions, Special Permissions and Restrictions below, Amplified and Projected Sound is permitted as follows:

  • Weekdays (Monday through Friday): Amplified and Projected Sound may be permitted between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m.
  • Weekends (Saturdays and Sundays): Amplified and Projected Sound may be permitted between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
  • Quiet Hours during Finals: The University observes a traditional period of quiet hours in recognition of the study period in advance of final exams and the exams themselves. This is in effect 24 hours per day each semester, beginning at 11:59 p.m. on the last day of classes through 11:59 p.m. on the last day of finals or Commencement.

2. Additional Conditions:

    • Academic Classes or University Business Disruptions: Amplified and Projected Sound must not be disruptive to or interfere with academic courses or University business.
    • Sound Levels: Sound levels that are disruptive to the education environment, such that they may interfere with classes or other University activity, are prohibited. For example, sound levels must not exceed 85 decibels (dB) at a distance of 50 feet from the source. Requests for sound levels exceeding this limit require additional permissions and must be submitted to the Scheduling Office. Failure to comply with requests to reduce volume that is in excess of the approved limit may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the University of Connecticut Student Code of Conduct, including the immediate cancellation of the remainder of an ongoing event or gathering.
    • Outdoor Spaces adjacent to Residence Halls:
    • Sunday through Thursday: Amplified and Projected Sound is not permitted.
    • Fridays: Amplified and Projected Sound is permitted from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
    • Saturdays: Amplified and Projected Sound is permitted from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

3. Special Permissions

    • Event organizers may seek additional permissions for Amplified and Projected Sound from the designated Scheduling Office.
    • Permissions may be granted based on the specific location and the nature of other activities occurring at the same time.

    4. Restrictions

    Permission may be denied by the Scheduling Office based on the impact of Amplified and Projected Sound on nearby activities and events.

    PROCEDURES

    A link containing information on the Scheduling Office will be listed at https://inform.uconn.edu.

    ENFORCEMENT

    Violations of this policy may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the University of Connecticut Student Code.

    The Provost or designee and the Vice President for Student Life and Enrollment or designee shall review this policy annually and will recommend revisions and/or updates as may be appropriate.

    Questions about this Policy may be directed to the Office of the Provost at provost@uconn.edu or the Office of the Vice President for Life and Enrollment at VPSLE@uconn.edu.

    POLICY HISTORY

    Policy created: 02/11/2002

    Revisions: 08/20/2024 (Approved by the Senior Policy Council and President)