Outdoor Spaces

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All reservations for outdoor spaces at Boise State University, as defined by the Open Space Policy, can be made through Conference Services in the Student Union. Reservations should be made no less than 72 hours in advance. The Conference Services staff will make arrangements for equipment to be available the day(s) of the event.

The purpose of the Open Spaces Policy, BSU Policy #6615-d is to assure that Boise State University remains a forum for the broadest expression of views. These operating procedures were developed to support free expression while supporting and not interfering with the normal functions of the University.

Public areas of the campus may be used by individuals lawfully on the University property for any free expression activities, including passing petitions, distributions of written information, individual oral presentation, and/or picketing and carrying of placards. These activities shall neither impede pedestrian and vehicular traffic ingress to and egress from University structures, nor disrupt official University activities of University-authorized activities on University property.

Guidelines and Policies

1. All groups may reserve one space on the Central Quad, the Memorial Plaza, and/or the Multipurpose Plaza for 10 days each semester. An activity is defined as a display, exhibit, sales, information table, or event that has been advertised by any medium.
2. Outdoor spaces must be reserved in advance. Due to the limited number of spaces available, recognized student organizations and BSU departments have first priority on a first-come, first-served basis. Non-university groups are encouraged to reserve space 10 working days prior to the desired reservation time, on a space available basis. If a recognized student organization is planning a fundraising activity, a Fundraising Scheduling and Approval form must also be completed and signed by the Executive Director of the Student Union and Student Involvement. Forms are available at Student Activities or University Conference Services office in the Student Union.
3. The sponsoring organization or individual may be required to provide proof of insurance with a certificate of liability insurance in the amount of $500,000 (minimum).
4. Sound amplification or any unreasonable level of noise generated by mechanical or other cause is generally not permitted during class time. Delegated by the Vice President for Student Affairs, the Executive Director of the Student Union & Student Involvement may grant exceptions on a case-by-case basis. If such equipment is used without an exception, the Boise State University staff member overseeing the reservation will ask that use be discontinued and the event may be canceled.
5. Sponsoring organizations must display their name prominently during the event.
6. Sponsoring organizations should be able to present their confirmation to Boise State University staff the day of the event, if it is requested.
7. For certain events, security may be required for safety or crowd control. The University Conference Services office will advise the sponsoring organization if consultation with BSU Department of Campus Safety is needed.
8. Delegated by the Vice President for Student Affairs, the Executive Director of the Student Union & Student Involvement is authorized to require a sponsoring organization or individual to utilize reasonable methods to allow the public choice about viewing or receiving certain material that may not be suitable for a general audience. The methods required will be narrowly tailored to respresent the free expression rights balanced with the University's interest in maintaining a public area that is freely accessible to all members of the public.
9. Cleanup at the end of each day's activities is the responsibility of the sponsoring organization. The area must be clean of debris and trash and all non-University owned tables, chairs and equipment must be removed. The only exception is if the sponsoring organization has made arrangements for overnight security coordinated through the BSU Department of Campus Safety. A fee will be assessed for these services. If the sponsoring organization does not clean the area, fees will be assessed.

Reasons for Denial of Application & Process for Appeal

To the extent permitted by law, the University may deny an application for permit if the applicant, or the person on whose behalf the application for permit was made, has on prior occasions made material misrepresentations regarding the nature or scope of an event or activity previously permitted, or has violated the terms of prior permits issued to or on behalf of the applicant.

The University may also deny an application for permit on any of the following grounds:

1. The application for permit (including any required attachments and submissions) is not fully completed and executed.
2. The applicant has not tendered the required user fee, indemnification agreement, insurance certificate, or security deposit within the times prescribed.
3. The application for permit contains a material falsehood or misrepresentation.
4. The applicant is legally incompetent to contract or to sue and be sued.
5. The applicant or the person on whose behalf the application for permit was made has on prior occasions damaged University property and has not paid in full for such damage, or has other outstanding and unpaid debts to the University.
6. A fully executed prior application for permit for the same time and place has been received, and a permit has been or will be granted to a prior applicant authorizing uses or activities which do not reasonably permit multiple occupancy of the particular reservable space or part thereof.
7. The use or activity intended by the applicant would conflict with previously planned programs organized and conducted by the University and previously scheduled for the same time and place.
8. The proposed use or activity prohibited by, or inconsistent with, the classifications and uses of the University Open Spaces, or part thereof, designated pursuant to this chapter.
9. The use or activity intended by the applicant would present an unreasonable danger to the health or safety of the applicant, or other users of the space, of University employees or of the public.
10. The applicant has not complied, or cannot comply, with applicable licensure requirement, ordinances, or regulations of the University concerning the sale or offering for sale of any goods or services.
11. The use or activity intended by the applicant is prohibited by law, by this policy and by the policies of the University.

Process for Appeal Based on Denial of Application

If the University denies an application, it must clearly set forth in writing the ground for denial, and, where feasible, must propose measures to cure defects in the application. When the basis for denial is prior receipt of a competing application for the same time and place, the University must suggest alternative times or places.

An unsuccessful applicant has seven days to file a written appeal to the Executive Director of the Student Union & Student Involvement, who must act on the appeal within seven days. If the Executive Director of the Student Union & Student Involvement affirms a permit denial, the applicant may appeal to the Vice President for Student Affairs, who must act on the appeal within seven days. If the Vice President for Student Affairs affirms a permit denial, the applicant may seek judicial review in state court.

Adopted from BSU Policy #6615-d � April 2004