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5.37 Activities and Use of College Property

PURPOSE:

This policy outlines the guidelines and standards for the use of Riverland Community College’s facilities, resources, and property, ensuring the safety and well-being of all members of the college community and safeguarding the college’s assets.

APPLICABILITY:

This policy outlines the guidelines and standards for the use of Riverland Community College's facilities, resources, and property, ensuring the safety and well-being of all members of the college community and safeguarding the college’s assets.

Riverland Community College promotes an inclusive, safe, and respectful environment for all its members. Adherence to this policy ensures that our campus remains a hub for learning, growth, and community engagement. Please see the Activities and Use of College Property Procedure for the specific processes and procedures defined below.

Freedom to Learn

Students at Riverland Community College have specific rights related to academic freedom and their status as students. Freedom to teach and freedom to learn are inseparable facets of academic freedom. The freedom to learn depends on appropriate opportunities and conditions in all learning environments, on the campus, and in the larger community. Students are expected to exercise their freedom with responsibility.

Freedom of Expression

Individual students and student organizations shall be free to examine and to discuss all questions of interest to them and to express opinions publicly and privately. They shall be free to support causes by orderly means that do not disrupt the regular and essential operations of the college. Students shall be free to take reasoned exception to the information or views offered in any course of study and to reserve judgment about matters of opinion but are responsible for learning the content of any course of study for which they are enrolled.

Freedom of Association

Students shall be free to organize and join organizations to promote their common and lawful interests, subject to college policies, procedures, or regulations. Registration or recognition may be withheld or withdrawn from organizations that violate college policies, procedures, or regulations.

Student-Sponsored Forums

Students shall have the right to assemble, to select speakers, and to discuss issues of their choice. Riverland Community College shall establish reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions to assure that the assembly does not substantially disrupt the work of the college or interfere with the opportunity of other students to obtain an education or otherwise infringe upon the rights of others. Such restrictions must not be used as a means of censorship. The president or designee may prohibit any forum when there is a likelihood of harm to individuals or damage to property if the event is held. To the extent possible, the president shall consult with the student association.

General Guidelines

  1. All activities, events, or use of college property must align with the college’s mission, values, and educational goals.
  2. Activities and use of property that pose a risk to safety, security, or the reputation of the college are strictly prohibited.
  3. The college reserves the right to deny or revoke permission to use its facilities or resources at its discretion. This includes, but is not limited to, the following prohibitions:
    1. No person on college property or at official college functions may block entrances to or otherwise interfere with the free flow of traffic into and out of campus buildings.
    2. Obstructing or disrupting campus activities.
    3. Engaging in the production of amplified or non-amplified sound that disrupts campus activities.
    4. Camping or lodging, except in authorized facilities or locations.
    5. Engaging in physically abusive, threatening, or intimidating conduct toward any person.
    6. Exhibiting disorderly or lewd conduct.
    7. Participating in a disturbance of the peace or unlawful assembly.
    8. Using, possessing, selling, or manufacturing narcotic or illegal drugs including cannabinoids or alcohol. Refer to Minnesota State Policy 5.18: Alcoholic Beverages or Controlled Substances on Campus.
    9. Failing to comply with the directions of a college official acting in the performance of their duties.
    10. Engaging in the theft or misuse of college property or equipment.
    11. Speech, advocacy, or expression not protected by the First Amendment, including speech that inflicts or threatens harm, causes a breach of the peace, incites a crime, or causes panic. See Minnesota State Board Policy 3.1.
      1. Individuals, employees, and student organizations may assemble and engage in discussion or non-amplified speech on college grounds open to the public, provided that individual privacy and official functions of the college are not disrupted.
      2. Registered Organizations may reserve college properties for meetings, programs, and events for purposes of speech and advocacy in accordance with provisions in this policy.
  4. Identifying Yourself on Campus: Visitors are expected to comply with directions of college officials or law enforcement officers acting in the performance of their duties. Visitors are expected to identify themselves to these officials when requested to do so.
  5. Solicitation: No one is allowed to sell items on campus unless special permission is received from the Vice President of Finance and Operations or the Dean of Student Affairs. Student groups may distribute materials related to their group at their own events. “Solicitation” includes selling, requesting gifts or contributions, and posting or distributing materials that advertise an off-campus event, product, or service. Solicitations may include Registered Student Organizations collecting membership fees or admissions for college-sponsored activities.
  6. Commercial Support for Student Groups: A business may support a registered student event or group if the primary goal is to help the group’s mission. Businesses may not advertise products. Student groups may acknowledge support but may not promote products. Prior approval is required from the Director of Athletics and Student Life or the Vice President of Finance and Operations.
  7. Voter Registration on Campus: Groups may register voters on college property, but only in public areas.
  8. Using the College’s Name and Logo: No group may use the college’s name, initials, symbols, or address unless it is for an official college purpose. Registered student groups may use the college’s name and symbols for materials related to campus activities if the language is professional and appropriate. Students should work with their advisor before public use. For merchandise or other uses, work with the Executive Director of Communications, Media Relations, and Marketing. See the Branding Policy.
  9. Posting Signs and Messages: Posting signs, posters, or writing messages with paint, chalk, or ink on campus buildings, windows, floors, streets, sidewalks, poles, fences, trees, or plants is not allowed. See the Activities and Use of College Property Procedure.
  10. Student-Sponsored Forums, Demonstrations, and Protests: Students may assemble, select speakers, and discuss issues of their choice. The College may establish reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions to prevent substantial disruption of operations or interference with others’ rights. This policy may not be used as a means of censorship. The President or designee may prohibit a forum when, in their judgment, it may result in harm to persons or property. Prior to prohibition, the President will make their best effort to consult with the Student Senate. See the Activities and Use of College Property Procedure.
  11. Fundraising:
    1. Individuals may solicit funds and sell items on campus if:
      1. The area is publicly accessible.
      2. They comply with Minnesota State policies and laws.
      3. They do not block pedestrian traffic or disrupt campus operations.
    2. Registered Student Organizations may fundraise for their activities, with these conditions:
      1. Fundraising may occur in public campus areas and during their events.
      2. They may collect membership dues during meetings.
      3. All fundraising must be approved by the Dean of Student Affairs or designee, who will oversee the funds.
    3. When raising money for charities, student organizations should:
      1. Ensure the charity aligns with their mission.
      2. Not use student activity fees or state resources for fundraising.
      3. Follow campus policies for using facilities.
      4. Promote activities without using campus email or electronic boards; public bulletin boards may be used.
      5. Consider having a charity representative present to handle donations and provide tax documentation.
      6. Clearly state that the college is not sponsoring the fundraising activity.

Reserving Space and Facilities

  1. All activities requiring space or facilities must be booked in advance through the college's reservation process and in coordination with the Finance and Facilities department.
  2. Priority will be given to academic and college-sponsored events, followed by Registered Organizations.
  3. External organizations or groups wishing to use college facilities must provide adequate insurance coverage and sign a rental agreement that outlines terms and conditions.

Refer to Riverland policies Leasing of College Property #6.7.2 and Facilities Usage and Rental Policy #6.15.

Advertising and Promotions

  1. Any advertising or promotional material for events or activities must be approved in advance:
    1. Individuals may not post literature, signs, or personal announcements on college bulletin boards, buildings, or elsewhere on campus unless they have permission to post on designated public bulletin boards or receive prior consent of the Dean of Student Affairs.
    2. Commercial literature or signs may not be posted or displayed on campus.
    3. All posted materials, including signs and banners, must clearly indicate the sponsoring organization and include the posting and removal dates. Items without a removal date will be removed immediately.
    4. Posters, signs, or banners advertising an on-campus event for which a donation is requested must state that donations are optional and may not indicate a specific amount.
    5. Announcements for on-campus events must ensure the community has complete information. Materials written in a language other than English must include an accurate English translation on the same item.
    6. Materials advertising official college functions may be placed on campus. The use of wall space or other painted surfaces is prohibited.
  2. Materials may be posted only in designated areas and must be removed promptly after the event.
  3. No postings should be taped to walls, pillars, windows, etc., without permission from the Physical Plant Director; special low-stick tape may be required.

Safety and Conduct

  1. All activities must adhere to local, state, and federal laws.
  2. Users of college property are expected to treat it with respect and are responsible for any damages incurred during their use.
  3. The college has a zero-tolerance policy for any form of harassment, discrimination, or violence.
  4. See Riverland Code of Conduct & Ethics — Policy #1C.
  5. See Riverland Student Code of Conduct Policy & Procedure — Policies #3.6; #3.6.1.
  6. See Riverland Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination in Employment and Education — Policy #1B.1.

Restrictions

  1. Alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs are prohibited on campus. See Riverland Drug Free Campus Policy.
  2. Political or religious activities must remain neutral and not infringe upon the rights or beliefs of others.
  3. Selling goods or services on campus requires prior approval. See Riverland Advertising and Promotions Procedure.

SCOPE:

This policy applies to all students, faculty, staff, and visitors, as well as any organizations or entities affiliated with or renting space from Riverland Community College. An organization can be either registered or unregistered.

A Registered Organization is an organization whose active membership is limited to Riverland Community College students and/or personnel. To become a Registered Organization, it must be approved in accordance with Articles X and XI of the Student Senate Constitution.

An Unregistered organization is an organization whose membership is not limited to Riverland Community College students and/or personnel.

DEFINITIONS:

STUDENT: One who is currently enrolled at Riverland Community College or, during the recess period between academic terms or the summer period, one who has completed the immediately preceding term and is eligible for re-enrollment.

COLLEGE PERSONNEL: Individuals employed by any academic or nonacademic department or division of the college without regard to type of monetary compensation.

REGISTERED ORGANIZATION (REGISTERED STUDENT ORGANIZATION): Any organization whose membership is recognized by Riverland Community College.

UNREGISTERED: Any organization whose membership is not limited to Riverland Community College students and/or personnel.

OFFICIAL COLLEGE FUNCTIONS: Scheduled academic classes and activities; normal daily operations of the college; and programs or activities sponsored by the college or Registered Student Organizations that fulfill the college mission “to transform lives through excellence in service, education, and career training.”

GROUNDS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: Paved pedestrian walkways on college property except those:

  1. Within areas reserved for classes, public performances, or organized activities.
  2. On and adjacent to vehicular driveways, streets, and parking lots.

 

Grounds are open to the public between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., these areas are closed to all activities except passage to a college building or crossing the campus.

COLLEGE PROPERTIES: Any college owned, operated, or maintained property, including all college grounds and structures.

Does this policy have a procedure?

Yes. See the Activities and Use of College Property Procedure for more specific guidelines that align with the headings above.

Related policies, procedures, or forms

Submit the completed form and policy to the Cabinet Member responsible for the division affected by the proposal. This section to be completed by the President’s Office.

Date Implemented: October 2011

Responsible Division / Author: Student Affairs, Communications & Marketing / Dean of Students, Director of Communications

Date Revised: April 2024 (combined, condensed)

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