Current through all regulations passed and filed through September 16, 2024
(A)
Policy statement
and purpose
The use of sound amplification devices
on university premises can disrupt university teaching, learning, and other
activities and interfere with public safety and public-address systems. This
policy is to specify the rules governing the use of amplified sound devices on
university premises.
(B)
Policy
scope
This policy applies to all persons
present on university premises except as otherwise stated in this
policy.
It does not apply to a personal stereo,
radio or music player used by university students, faculty, or staff in a
university residence hall room, office or other private enclosed space,
provided that the music or sound is kept at a reasonable volume and does not
disturb other persons outside of the enclosed space.
(C)
Policy
definitions
"Sound amplification device" means any
electronically powered, operated or assisted device that amplifies sound. A
sound amplification device includes, but is not limited to, any system of
public address, bullhorn, music or voice amplifier, portable speaker,
megaphone, or any combination thereof.
A "sound amplification device" is not a
university owned or controlled public address system.
(D)
Policy
(1)
To ensure public
safety and the orderly operation of the university, amplified sound devices may
be used on the university premises only in compliance with this
policy.
(2)
The use of the amplification device requires written
approval be obtained in advance from the approving office or a designated
representative. The approving offices are as follows:
(a)
Bowen-Thompson
student union: director of Bowen-Thompson student union or
designee.
(b)
Union oval or the Bowen-Thompson quadrangle: director
of Bowen-Thompson student union or designee.
(c)
Residence halls
and adjoining spaces: director of residence life or designee.
(d)
Athletic
facilities and adjoining spaces (Doyt L. Perry stadium, Cochrane field, Steller
field, Meserve field, Stroh center, Slater family ice arena, Anderson
arena/Memorial hall): director of athletics or designee.
(e)
Student
recreation center/Perry field house/intramural fields and adjoining premises:
director of student recreation center or designee.
(f)
Firelands: dean
or designee.
(g)
All other university premises and adjoining spaces:
vice president for finance and administration or designee.
(3)
Applications shall be made in writing to the approving
office. A new application shall be made for each use.
(4)
Applications must
be submitted not less than five university working days before the date of use
being requested.
(5)
Applications will be considered on a first
applied/first approved basis except that university sponsored events shall
always have priority without regard for when approval was
sought.
(6)
Circumstances arising during an approved use of a sound
amplification device may warrant BGSU public safety, other law enforcement
agencies, or other university offices to require the relocation of or
limitations on the use of sound amplification devices in order to minimize
disruption and distraction and the university reserves the right to do
so.
(7)
The written authorization shall specify the date, time,
location, duration, manner and any other relevant information for the approved
use of sound amplification device. Authorization may be revoked if the use
deviates from the terms of the authorization.
(8)
The application
and permit approval provisions of this policy shall not apply to sound
amplification devices used by university faculty engaged in teaching,
university employees engaged in performing university duties, or for sound
amplifications systems used at university sanctioned events.
(9)
Sound
amplification devices must be entirely portable and no structure for their use
may be affixed to university property.
(10)
The use of sound
amplification devices inside university buildings or athletic venues shall not
be permitted except as expressly allowed by this policy.
(11)
Sound being
amplified in an outdoor location must remain within its designated footprint
and not impede upon any activities occurring (indoor or outdoor) nearby. If a
nearby location is being occupied by another group or event, the sound must not
be audible in that adjacent space.
(12)
Outdoor dances
and concerts may be held in approved locations only with prior approval of the
approving office.
(13)
Sound amplification devices may not be used to promote
commercial messages by entities that are not approved university
sponsors.
(14)
This policy does not apply to law enforcement officers
or other safety officials engaged in performing official duties that require
the use of amplified sound devices.
(15)
The university
may authorize the use of sound amplification devices only when the date, time,
location, duration, manner and any other factors relevant to the use of sound
amplification devices:
(a)
will not unreasonably interfere with university
academic activities or other operations or functions; and
(b)
will not
unreasonably interfere with, distract or hamper public safety.
(16)
Responsible officer
The approving offices and the Bowling
Green state university department of public safety or other law enforcement
agencies have principal responsibility for the implementation and enforcement
of this policy.
(17)
Implementation of policy
Any currently enrolled student,
recognized student organization, student group, or university employee in
violation of this policy is subject to immediate action, including but not
limited to student conduct proceedings and employee disciplinary action as
applicable. Any visitor in violation of this policy may be subject to removal
from the campus, criminal prosecution, and a determination of persona non grata
status under rule
3341-6-36 of the Administrative
Code, "'Persona Non Grata' Status for Campus Visitors."
Equity impact statement: the policy has
been assessed for adverse differential impact on members of one or more
protected groups.
Replaces: 3341-06-03
