FAQs

The use of University facilities and property must not impede student education, academic activities, research, patient care, scheduled events, University functions, residences, or the faculty/staff work environment. Such use must also be safe for participants and not generate security issues; and preserve the integrity and aesthetics of the University’s property.

The provisions are included in the 2018 revisions to the University’s existing Policy PRM-017, “Use of University Facilities and Limits on Direct Solicitation and Advertising.”

Under these provisions, unaffiliated persons or groups wishing to utilize outdoor University property to engage in public speaking, which is defined as speech or expressive activity directed to a general audience or non-specific persons, or distribution of literature may do so in designated areas and must make a reservation for that space with the Reservation Officer no more than four weeks in advance and at least seven days in advance of the desired speaking date.

See more here:

https://uvapolicy.virginia.edu/policy/PRM-017

The policy revisions are focused on the activities of unaffiliated individuals or groups (see the definition of “affiliated persons,” below) and are designed to provide a framework for unaffiliated persons to peacefully assemble and engage in constitutionally permissible speech at the University. Unaffiliated persons include, among others, alumni of the University and independent contractors.

There are no substantive revisions to the policy regarding current University students, faculty, staff and University-recognized student groups and organizations.

This policy does not apply to use of University facilities and property for official events sponsored by the University; use of University facilities and property by its employees acting within the course and scope of their employment; or use of University facilities and property by vendors and other unaffiliated persons that have a contractual relationship with the University, in the course of the performance of the contract.

Public speaking and distribution of literature under this policy is not considered speech made by, on behalf of, or endorsed by the University of Virginia.

Affiliated persons include 1) students who are registered or enrolled for credit-bearing coursework and who are seeking a degree and 2) University employees, consisting of all full-time and part-time faculty, University staff, Medical Center employees, classified staff, wage employees (including temps), professional research staff, and post-doctoral fellows.

The policy defines student groups or organizations as those that have an active Contracted Independent Organization Agreement, Fraternal Organization Agreement, or Special Status Organization Agreement with the University.  These student groups or organizations are hereinafter referred to as University-recognized student groups/organizations in these FAQs.

Affiliated persons and student groups/organizations may utilize outdoor University property for public speaking or distribution of literature, so long as they do not impede normal operations or obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

University Facilities include any defined space of the University, including a room, building, or controlled outdoor area.

Student groups or organizations have priority over the use of University facilities designated for student activities. Other University facilities, including available academic spaces, also may be reserved for extracurricular activity by student groups or organizations consistent with the reservation and use policies in effect for such spaces.

Access shall be granted without regard to the content or viewpoint of speakers or their sponsors. Individual schools and departments may adopt guidelines governing the use of their facilities provided that they are consistent with Policy PRM-017, “Use of University Facilities and Limits on Direct Solicitation and Advertising.”

Tables are permitted on the Lower Lawn (the green space surrounding the Homer statue, bordered by sidewalks) only by reservation by University-recognized student groups/organizations or University schools and departments and may not be used for a period of time that exceeds three consecutive calendar days. Given the residential and historical nature of the Lawn and Gardens, outdoor events around the Lawn or at or around the Lower Lawn or Gardens must be approved, in advance, by Event Planning Services in the Office of the Dean of Students, and use of such spaces must conform with the Office of the Dean of Students, Event Planning Services policies and rules. The upper Lawn may be reserved only for events sponsored by the University. No structure is permitted on the upper Lawn except those deemed necessary to accommodate residents and visitors or support official University functions.

You may report an incident of disruption of constitutionally protected speech (including, but not limited to distribution of literature or public speaking under the University’s Use of University Facilities or Property, and Limits on Direct Solicitation and Advertising Policy) in the following ways:

• For non-emergency incidents that do not require police, fire, or medical staff to respond:
  • You may make a report through the online system, Just Report It.
  • You also may make a report by telephone to the Associate Vice President for Safety and Security by calling 434-243-2173.
• Call 9-1-1 in an emergency.

https://uvapolicy.virginia.edu/policy/PRM-017

The University of Virginia is a community in which the ideals of freedom of inquiry, thought and expression are respected and sustained. The University is committed to supporting the exercise of constitutionally protected expression in University-controlled facilities and property while maintaining a safe atmosphere free from disruption.

In consultation with the University Counsel’s Office, legal experts within the School of Law and the Dean’s Working Group, the University amended its policy regulating access to University property by persons unaffiliated with the University.

The time, place and manner provisions related to unaffiliated persons have been added to the University’s existing policy PRM-017, “Use of University Facilities and Limits on Direct Solicitation and Advertising.”

The revised policy is effective May 4, 2018.

The policy revisions are focused on the activities of outside individuals or groups and are designed to provide a framework for unaffiliated persons to peacefully assemble and engage in constitutionally permissible speech at the University. Unaffiliated persons include, among others, alumni of the University and independent contractors.

There are no substantive revisions to the policy regarding University students, faculty, staff and University-recognized student groups and organizations.

Unaffiliated persons or groups wishing to utilize outdoor University property to engage in public speaking, to make public announcements or to distribute literature may do so in designated areas and must make a reservation for that space with the Reservation Officer no more than four weeks in advance and at least seven days in advance of the desired speaking date.

Reservations are allocated on a space-available basis, with priority given to student groups/organizations and affiliated persons. Reservations are for two-hour blocks, with a maximum of one two-hour block per speaker, per week. Use of spaces designated for public speaking or distribution of literature must conform with University regulations and policies and must not block pedestrian or vehicular traffic or impede normal University operations.

Events that are held in indoor University facilities and are open to the public or to select unaffiliated persons create a right to peaceful demonstration and protest on outdoor University property in specific relation to such events in a manner that one, does not impede normal operations or obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic; two, is consistent with University policies; and three, complies with any event-specific security requirements.

The policy revisions were modeled after time, place and manner provisions adopted by the University of Maryland and upheld by the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

The University has identified nine locations across Grounds for unaffiliated individual or groups to gather under the revised policy.

The locations are:

• Nameless Field, which may be reserved by a group of up to 50 persons.
• The triangular, grassy area on the west side of Brooks Hall, which may be reserved by a group of up to 25 persons.
• The grassy field in front of Brown Residential College, facing Minor Hall, which may be reserved by a group of up to 50 persons.
• Madison Bowl, which may be reserved by a group of up to 50 persons.
• The grassy field between Shannon Residence Hall and Observatory Hill Dining Hall, facing Alderman Road, which may be reserved by a group of up to 50 persons.
• Newcomb Plaza, the plaza located between the University Bookstore and Newcomb Hall, which may be reserved by a group of up to 25 persons.
• McIntire Amphitheater, which may be reserved by a group of up to 50 persons.
• The grassy square in front of University Hall, bordered by McCue Hall, which may be reserved by a group of up to 25 persons.
• The Park complex located in the North Grounds area, which may be reserved by a group of up to 50 persons.

1. Persons wishing to engage in public speaking or to distribute literature are required to reserve space by registering in advance with the Reservation Officer. Reservations are allocated on a space-available basis, with priority given to student groups/organizations and affiliated persons.
2. Reservations are for two-hour blocks between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. A specific individual or group may reserve up to one two-hour speaking block per week. Reservations are valid only for the date authorized on the Unaffiliated Person(s) Reservation Form.
3. A group making a reservation must designate one contact person for the group, and the contact person is permitted to reserve up to one two-hour block per week. The contact person is responsible for identifying people in the group. Additional reservations made for the same group under a different name are not permitted.
4. Only one of the designated locations shall be available for reservation at a given time on a first-reserved basis. As soon as one location is reserved for a two-hour block, all the other locations will become unavailable to unaffiliated persons during that two-hour block.
5. There shall be a 30-minute period between each reservation to allow for a peaceful and orderly transition.
6. A copy of the Unaffiliated Person(s) Registration Form must be available for inspection upon request by University officials.

Yes. In accordance with Title 8 Education, Agency 85, Chapter 20 of the Virginia Administrative Code and University Policy SEC-030: Regulation of Weapons, Fireworks, and Explosives, persons who engage in public speaking or distributing literature in the designated locations are prohibited from carrying weapons, including guns, knives or instruments for cutting, stabbing or bludgeoning.

Unaffiliated persons wishing to speak publicly or to distribute literature must comply with these rules and with University policy, including the amplified sound policy and the prohibition on the sale or promotion of commercial goods or services. Unaffiliated speakers are prohibited from blocking pedestrian or vehicular traffic and impeding normal University operations.

Failure to adhere to the above described University procedures will result in revocation of an approved reservation, other appropriate administrative action, and/or prosecution for trespass or other offenses under state law.

Yes. The designated locations that unaffiliated persons may reserve shall be reviewed periodically. These designated locations must be reviewed after the construction of the Memorial to Enslaved Laborers and also on July 1 of each year.

You may report an incident of disruption of constitutionally protected speech (including, but not limited to distribution of literature or public speaking under the University’s Use of University Facilities or Property, and Limits on Direct Solicitation and Advertising Policy) in the following ways:

• For non-emergency incidents that do not require police, fire, or medical staff to respond:
  • You may make a report through the online system, TipSubmit.
  • You also may make a report by telephone to the Associate Vice President for Safety and Security by calling 434-243-2173.
• Call 9-1-1 in an emergency.

https://uvapolicy.virginia.edu/policy/PRM-017

Any sound that is broadcast through electronically amplified equipment.

Use of amplified sound on outdoor University property is subject to reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions. Use of amplified sound on outdoor property requires advance approval by Event Planning Services (Student Affairs), Intramural-Recreational Sports for IM-Rec areas, Housing and Residence Life for residential community areas, or the Dean of the School of Medicine for outdoor University property near the School of Medicine.

Amplified sound is not permitted for more than three hours per day per outdoor area. A sound check lasting no more than 45 minutes may be approved in addition to the three-hour reservation. Amplified sound on outdoor University property will generally be approved only for the following time-frames during the academic session:

• Friday: 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Amplified sound will not be permitted where it disrupts student education, residential living, research, or the faculty/staff work environment.

No.

Only on Friday from 6 p.m.-10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Amplified sound will not be permitted where it disrupts student education, research, or the faculty/staff work environment.

http://records.ureg.virginia.edu/content.php?catoid=42&navoid=2667#amp_sound

A written notice issued by the University of Virginia Police that excludes an individual from all University or Medical Center property, or a specific building or area.

UVA Police may issue a Trespass Warning to a person who has engaged in: criminal activity on University or Medical Center property; a violation of a University regulation; a violation of a University, Health System, or Medical Center policy after having been notified of the specific policy or policies at issue; or conduct that threatens the health, safety, or property of a member of the University or its Medical Center community, a patient or visitor at the Medical Center or other persons on University or Medical Center property.

Violations of the Trespass Warning constitute a Class 1 Misdemeanor and constitute grounds for arrest pursuant to Virginia Code § 18.2-119.

Trespass Warnings will automatically expire within four years after the date the Trespass Warning was served, unless otherwise noted in the Trespass Warning.

No, Trespass Warnings shall not prohibit any individual from accessing care at the Medical Center’s Emergency Department, Labor and Delivery, or any other medical facility owned and operated by the Medical Center for an examination and stabilizing treatment if needed for an emergency medical condition in accordance with Medical Center Policy No. 0214, Medical Screening and Stabilizing Treatment for Emergency Medical Conditions

http://uvapolicy.virginia.edu/policy/PRM-018

https://uvapolicy.virginia.edu/policy/PRM-018

The possession, storage, or use of any weapon by any University student, faculty, employee, trainee, or volunteer, except an on-duty or contracted law-enforcement officer, on University property is prohibited.

The possession, storage, or use of any weapon by the general public or visitors, except an on-duty or contracted law-enforcement officer, on University property in academic, administrative, athletic, entertainment, or student residence buildings, child care or dining facilities, or the University Medical Center, or while attending sporting, entertainment, or educational activities is prohibited.

Except as approved by authorized University personnel or otherwise authorized by applicable University policies and procedures, the possession, storage, or use of any firework or other explosive or any lethal combustible chemical or combination of chemicals on University property or while attending sporting, entertainment, or educational activities is prohibited.

Yes, see the full policy and state regulation here:

http://uvapolicy.virginia.edu/policy/SEC-030

https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title8/agency85/chapter20/

University policy: https://uvapolicy.virginia.edu/policy/SEC-030

State regulation: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title8/agency85/chapter20/

Unless otherwise permitted under this policy, a person shall not kindle or maintain or authorize to be kindled or maintained any open burning unless it is approved by the Office of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) or the University of Virginia Medical Center Fire Protection Inspector’s Office as appropriate and conducted in accordance with the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code, Statewide burning laws, and applicable local City and County codes and regulations.

For the purpose of this policy, Open Flame and Open Flame Devices shall include but are not limited to candles, tiki torches and oil lanterns. [Note: Users of cutting torches and welding equipment must satisfy requirements outlined under separate fire code regulations. For information on these regulations, contact the Office of Environmental Health & Safety.]

Unless otherwise permitted under this policy a person shall not use an Open Flame or Open Flame Device unless it is approved by the Office of Environmental Health & Safety or the UVA Medical Center Fire Protection Inspector’s Office as appropriate; conducted in accordance with applicable University or Medical Center procedures; and conducted in accordance with the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code. A person shall not use an Open Flame or Open Flame Device in any place where flammable, combustible, or explosive material is utilized or stored.

The following are exempted from the requirements of this policy: Outdoor cooking operations where propane and charcoal are used in a safe manner; indoor and outdoor use of Sterno, for the purpose of warming foods; and laboratory flame producing equipment.

Failure to comply with the requirements of this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination or expulsion in accordance with relevant University policies and may result in prosecution in accordance with state and federal law.

http://uvapolicy.virginia.edu/policy/SEC-032

https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title8/agency85/chapter30/

Official University ceremonies and events sponsored by either (1) the Office of Major Events or (2) another University office with the endorsement of the University President and held in the Academical Village always create special challenges for the University because of the great number of activities occurring during that period across University Grounds and the large number of people attending them. Because of this, the University has established the following policy that is specific to these official University ceremonies and events.

During these official University ceremonies and events, this policy supersedes all other policies regarding use of University Grounds and facilities to the extent such policies may be inconsistent with this one.

The Academical Village is the property bounded by the Rotunda to the north, Hospital Drive to the east, McCormick Road to the west, and including the South Lawn/Homer Flat to the south (thereby including the Rotunda, Lawn and Range rooms, hotels, gardens and pavilions) as noted on the map of the Academical Village.

• Attendance at these official ceremonies and events is by invitation only unless otherwise noted. Those in attendance without having been invited or otherwise having been authorized to attend may be asked to leave if their presence creates disruption, impedes movement of invited guests from place to place, or otherwise creates unsafe conditions for participants or invited visitors.
• Because of the large crowds and multiple venues that are typical of these occasions, activities that otherwise may be consistent with University policy may be impermissible during that period.
• During official ceremonies and events, items currently approved and authorized to be carried are placards that are not attached to sticks and balloons as long as those placards and balloons are not so large or unwieldy as to interfere with the official ceremony or event and do not otherwise pose a safety risk.
• Items held or carried must not obscure the view of participants or invited visitors or interfere with these official ceremonies and events.
• Activities of participants or invited visitors must not interfere with the official ceremony or events.
• No non-University commercial solicitation will be allowed on University Grounds during these occasions.

Protests, demonstrations, and other expressive activities may take place during official University ceremonies and events within the following area of University Grounds: in the area bounded by Alderman Library, Monroe Hall, Peabody Hall, Special Collections Library, and McCormick Road (subject to space needed for emergency medical services). If the official ceremony or event is moved to the John Paul Jones Arena, this policy remains applicable and the designated area is the grassy area outside the north entrance of University Hall.

Even within this designated area, protests, demonstrations and other expressive activities, including distribution of leaflets or other written materials, may not:

• Block or impede pedestrian or vehicular traffic along streets and sidewalks;
• Involve placement of tents or other temporary structures;
• Interfere with or impede official ceremonies, events and activities;
• Use sound amplification devices; or
• Violate applicable law or University rules, regulations, or procedures.

https://uvapolicy.virginia.edu/policy/SEC-039