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Policy 5000

University Real Property (Building, Grounds, Infrastructure) Usage and Events

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” - First Amendment, United States Constitution

Virginia Tech upholds the ability of all members of the campus community to exercise their constitutional rights to free expression and peaceful assembly as guaranteed by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. As an academic institution, the university serves as a forum for the free exchange of ideas through discussion and debate. All members of the university community (i.e., employees and students) are responsible for respecting conditions that preserve the freedom of all to learn and work on and in university real property. Protected activities do not violate university policy unless they interfere with university functions, violate the rights of others, or otherwise break the law. The safety and wellbeing of campus community members, collectively and individually, is a paramount responsibility of the university.

These policies and guidelines are established based on viewpoint neutrality with respect to the specific event and pursuant to narrow, objective, and definite standards that do not involve the exercise of judgment or formation of an opinion concerning the content.

Frequently Asked Questions

Freedom of speech is the right to articulate opinions and ideas without interference, retaliation or punishment from the government. The First Amendment protects speech even when the ideas put forth are thought to be illogical, offensive, immoral or hateful.

Freedom of speech does not mean that individuals may say whatever they wish, wherever they wish. The university may restrict speech that falsely defames a specific individual, constitutes a genuine threat or harassment, is intended and likely to provoke imminent unlawful action, or otherwise violates the law. In addition, the university may reasonably regulate the time, place and manner of speech to ensure it does not disrupt the ordinary activities of the university.

Policy 5000 was developed to support the effective utilization of all Virginia Tech Real Property, including facilities, infrastructure, grounds, and public spaces owned or leased by the university.

The Virginia Tech Board of Visitors (BOV) is charged with the care, preservation, and improvement of all university property. The BOV delegates some of this responsibility to the president, who further delegates it to the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

University real property is intended for use by students, faculty, staff, and invited guests participating in university-approved events or activities. Public use is restricted to activities that do not conflict with university program needs and schedules and must be sponsored by a university entity (student organization, department, etc.)

The Supreme Court has upheld the government’s authority to regulate the time, place, and manner in which freedom of speech is exercised. The university has established Time, Place, and Manner guidelines to ensure that events do not interfere with university functions, impact public safety, or obstruct or damage university real property.

If your answer to any of the following questions is “Yes”, you likely need to register your activity as an “event”:

  • Did you or will you advertise your activity to others?
  • Does your activity restrict the free and open use of university common space?
  • Does your activity include the use of a tent of any kind?
  • Was the activity planned in advance?
  • Do you expect any university support or resources related to the activity?
  • Does the activity require physical set up of any equipment or other structures?
  • An “event” does not include gatherings in non-reservable spaces for activities typical of the area which do not impact individuals not participating, and do not involve other university resources.
  • Events must be registered and comply with all university policies, state laws and federal laws. Non-registered events may be subject to disciplinary action.
  • Events must consider the safety and security of the campus community.
  • Amplification of sound is limited to specific times and locations.
  • Sales and fund-raising activities must comply with Policy 5215.
  • Vehicles must remain on roadways and parking areas where legally permitted.
  • The university reserves the right to deny activities or events if requirements are not met within specified timeframes.

Event planners must coordinate with appropriate university offices to develop security, emergency planning, and liability arrangements. The Virginia Tech Police Department (VTPD) determines the security needs for events.

Yes, temporary facilities, tents, and stages must be constructed and managed in accordance with Policy 5406. An application must be submitted for approval. Camping on university real property is prohibited. Any enclosed tent with walls must be approved at the time of event registration and tents intended to provide shelter for the purposes of camping or prolonged occupation will be prohibited.

To support the university’s efforts to provide safety and security to all users of the university’s real property, events may not take place over night. All events must end by 12 a.m. Events may not begin before 6 a.m. Events must not be continuous or repetitive in nature. All events are limited to three consecutive days.

Regardless of whether you have a registered event or are part of a spontaneous activity, university policies regarding the use of the university’s real property still apply including, but not limited to, safety and security, noise amplification, and the general provisions outlined in Policy 5000.

Registering your event avails you of additional benefits such as space reservation and advertising within policy allowances. Failing to register your activity may result in the suspension of your activity.

Individuals may be asked to leave the property by a university official. Failure to comply may constitute trespassing under Virginia state law and could lead to disciplinary action and/or arrest.