Office of the VP for Student Affairs

Outdoor Activities Policy

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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

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Title: Alcoholic Beverage Sales and Service, Policy on
Policy Owner: Department of Dining Services
Applies to: Workforce Members, Students
Campus Applicability: All UConn Campuses, including UConn Health
Approval Date: December 23, 2025
Effective Date: January 1, 2026
For More Information, Contact Department of Dining Services or
UConn Health Administrative Services
Contact Information: (860) 486-3128 (Storrs/Regional Campuses)
(860) 679-4248 or roomscheduling@uchc.edu (UConn Health)
Official Website: https://www.dining.uconn.edu

PURPOSE

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

APPLIES TO

Workforce members and students on all University campuses. This policy applies to on or off-campus University Sponsored Events.

This policy does not apply to:

  • Non-University owned on-campus entities (e.g., the University of Connecticut Foundation; The Graduate Hotel)
  • Events at any University Athletic venue

DEFINITIONS

Permanent Installation: A food service location operated by the Department of Dining Services.  

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

POLICY STATEMENT

Any individual or organization serving alcohol on University Property and/or at a University Sponsored Event must have a valid liquor permit and comply with all applicable laws and policies. Individuals responsible for planning an event must ensure that the sale and/or service of alcohol complies with this policy. University funds or Trustee student organization fees cannot be used to purchase alcohol, either directly or indirectly. Funds used to purchase food or cover facility fees may never subsidize the purchase of alcohol.

Final responsibility for complying with this policy is the obligation of the individual hosting the event. Exceptions to this policy may be granted by the Office of the President.

Sales and Service of Alcoholic Beverages

Alcoholic beverages may be possessed, served, sold or consumed at a University Sponsored Event if all the following conditions are met:

  • Alcoholic beverages must be served or sold under a valid and appropriate liquor permit.  At campuses with a Permanent Installation,  the Department of Dining Services holds the liquor permit. Campuses without a Permanent Installation, including UConn Health, may rely on an approved vendor or caterer with a valid liquor permit.  See Connecticut License Lookup.
  • Donated alcohol must be served through the appropriate permit holder. There are specific state guidelines for donated items and they must be administered directly with the approved permittee.
  • University workforce members hosting department meetings or gatherings on or off campus cannot supply their own alcohol.
  • Alcohol servers must be certified in Training for Intervention Procedures (TIPS).
  • 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.
  •  The individuals responsible for event planning must ensure that the appropriate controls are in place to prohibit alcohol consumption by persons under the legal drinking age, including but not limited to events at which students are expected to attend.

Additional restrictions include:

  • Alcohol service is prohibited in academic buildings while classes are in session in that building. Exceptions at UConn Health may be granted in advance in writing  by the appropriate Dean.
  • Alcohol may not be served at any student organized event or function where individuals under the legal drinking age are likely to be present.

Alcohol Service on University Property

Campuses With Permanent Installations (excludes UConn Health)

The Department of Dining Services is the sole liquor permit-holder on University campuses with a Permanent Installation. University Sponsored Events on campuses with a permanent installation must use the Department of Dining Services to serve alcohol, unless written approval by the Department of Dining Services was obtained in advance.

Campuses Without Permanent Installations (excludes UConn Health)

On University Campuses without a Permanent Installation, departments must obtain written approval, in advance, from the Department of Dining Services to use an alternate alcohol service. Individuals responsible for event planning must ensure that the sale and/or service of alcohol complies with this policy.

On UConn Health Campuses

At UConn Health, requests for the use of an alternate alcohol service must receive written approval in advance by the Dean of the School of Medicine or the Dean of the School of Dental Medicine, as appropriate. For events sponsored by units outside the Schools of Medicine and Dental Medicine, written approval in advance is required from the Chief Administrative Officer, or their designee, at UConn Health. Requests must be submitted through the Department of Dining Services’ online form.

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.

ENFORCEMENT

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

Violations of this policy and any related procedures 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.

PROCEDURES/FORMS

Department of Dining Services’ Alcohol Request Form

POLICY HISTORY

Policy Created: 10/23/2017

Revisions: 12/23/2025 (Approved by the University Senior Policy Council and President)

Immunization and Health Screening Policy

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Title: Immunization and Health Screening Policy
Policy Owner: Student Health and Wellness
Applies to: Matriculating students with an on-campus presence
Campus Applicability: Storrs and Regional Campuses
Approval Date: September 29, 2025
Effective Date: September 29, 2025
For More Information, Contact: Student Health and Wellness
Contact Information: (860) 486-4700
studenthealth@uconn.edu
Official Website: https://studenthealth.uconn.edu

PURPOSE

To promote public health and safety across the university community by defining and enforcing immunization and health screening requirements in accordance with Connecticut law.

APPLIES TO

This policy applies to all matriculating students with an on-campus presence, including students registered for an in-person class and/or those who live in university housing.

POLICY STATEMENT

Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) and Varicella (Chickenpox)

Prior to matriculation, each student must provide Student Health and Wellness with documentation of immunization against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) and Varicella (Chickenpox). Acceptable documentation includes:

  • A record of two vaccine doses administered after the first birthday;
  • A positive titer (blood test) demonstrating immunity; or
  • A certificate from a physician, a physician’s assistant, an advanced practice registered nurse, or the director of health in the student’s town of residence stating that the student has had a confirmed case of such disease.

Meningococcal Vaccine Requirement for Residential Students

Each residential student living in university housing, including properties owned or leased by the university, must provide Student Health and Wellness with evidence of having received a meningococcal conjugate vaccine not more than five years prior to matriculation.

Tuberculosis (TB) Screening

All students must complete the tuberculosis risk assessment contained in their student health questionnaire. Students that respond affirmatively to any questions in the risk assessment are required to submit evidence of a tuberculosis test performed within the six months prior to their matriculation date. A chest x-ray will be required for positive test results.

Exemptions

Medical exemptions to required immunizations must be certified by a physician, a physician assistant or an advanced practice nurse. In accordance with Public Act 21-6, only religious exemptions dated prior to April 28, 2021, will be recognized.

Students that have not received the required vaccines or otherwise demonstrated immunity, including those students that have a medical or religious exemption, can be required to leave campus if the Student Health and Wellness Medical Director or a Connecticut public health official determines that an outbreak has occurred or that an unvaccinated student presents a danger to others on campus.

ENFORCEMENT

Violations of this policy and any related procedures may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with the University of Connecticut Student Code.

After the tenth day of classes, a registration hold will be placed on the account of any student that does not comply with this policy.

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

REFERENCES

C.G.S. Title 10a Chapter 185b Sec. 10a-155 Required immunizations for college students
C.G.S. Title 10a Chapter 185b Sec. 10a-155a Presence in institution of a student who has not been immunized
C.G.S. Title 10a Chapter 185b Sec. 10a-155b Meningitis vaccination for residents of on-campus housing
Public Act 21-6
CSDE Guidance Regarding Act 21-6, An Act Concerning Immunizations

POLICY HISTORY

Policy created: 11/19/2014

Revisions: 09/29/2025 (Approved by the University’s Senior Policy Council and President)

                               

 

Outdoor Amplified and Projected Sound Policy

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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)