Regulations on the Use of University Facilities and Grounds: Difference between revisions

Revised Date: <br />

Reviewed Date: '''11/11/21''' <br />

* Materials shall not not be pasted, indoors or outdoors, nailed, taped, stapled, or otherwise affixed to UNMC buildings (interior or exterior), light posts, poles, trees, windows, doors, trash receptacles, benches, tables, seating, or any non-designated areas not intended for posters.  

'''Dimensions:''' Staked signs—max size 18"x24"; A-frames—max size 36"x36".  

 

'''Quality:''' Must be professionally printed and in good condition.  

 

'''Placement''': Signs may be placed on lawns or sidewalks, at least 18 inches from the edge. Signs are prohibited in landscaped areas, entrances, or public right-of-way along streets.  

 

'''Timing:''' Directional signs may be displayed on the day of the event. Other signs may be posted for a maximum of two weeks. No long-term temporary signage is permitted without exception approval.  

 

'''Approval:''' All signs must receive prior approval by the Department of Strategic Communications and may require an approval sticker or indicator from UNMC-designated offices.  

 

'''Removal''': Signs must be removed within 48 hours following the conclusion of the event.  

 

'''Prohibited''': Hand-made signs, metal "real estate"-style signs, and any permanent signage without prior authorization.  

 

'''Weather Considerations''': Signs must be secured without damaging property and be capable of withstanding weather conditions.  

 

 

 

 

'''Quantity and Size''': One box per group is preferred. No more than ten boxes may be displayed at any time. Preferred size is 24"x24"x18".  

 

'''Placement:''' Boxes must be in approved locations and may be displayed for up to 21 days.  

 

'''Labeling:''' Boxes must indicate the sponsoring organization, contact information, what is being collected, and the intended beneficiary.  

 

'''Permitted Items:''' Non-perishable food, school supplies, toys, hygiene products, books, and clothing. The box and any request forms must be clearly labeled with the contents.  

 

'''Prohibited Items:''' Perishable food, cash, medications, electronics, cosmetics, pet supplies, and any item deemed a safety or health risk by Environmental Health & Safety.  

 

'''Maintenance:''' The sponsoring organization must regularly check and empty boxes.  

 

'''Eligibility:''' Only recognized UNMC organizations and employees may sponsor donation boxes. Third-party access is not permitted.  

 

'''Timing and Duration of Events'''

 

after 10 p.m. are not permitted.

 

Pursuant to University of Nebraska Board of Regents Policy 6.4.10, “freedom of speech” and “freedom of expression” refer to one’s Constitutional right to articulate and express ideas and opinions, through any means, i.e. speaking, writing, or artistic expression, without fear of government retaliation, censorship, or other sanction. The University of Nebraska is a public institution of higher education, which holds dear this right, a right that is indispensable to its ability to transmit knowledge and fundamental to the University community’s pursuit to discover, explore, interpret, and question knowledge and opinions. The University greatly values the creation and maintenance of an inclusive climate in which all members of its community are welcomed and are encouraged to participate in the free expression of ideas. <br />

Inasmuch as the search for new truths often comes forth only after bringing together differing opinions, the University aims to foster and uphold the capacity of the University community to engage in discourse and deliberation in an effective, responsible and respectful manner. This is critical to the University’s mission. As a corollary to the University’s commitment to protect and promote free expression, members of the University community are expected and required to act in conformity with the underlying principles of free expression. Although members of the University community are free to comment on, criticize and contest views that others express, they must do so at a time and place, and in a manner that does not prevent, impede, or obstruct the freedom of others to also exercise their rights to express themselves. With this policy, the University is not only promoting a lively and fearless freedom of debate and deliberation, but also protecting that freedom when others attempt to restrict it. It is a careful, deliberative and nuanced balance of interests that the University must strike in order to protect this important right.<br />

The First Amendment provides no guarantee of civility. However, as a community of educators and learners, the University places a high value on civil discourse and respect for one another. The University has an obligation to protect the dignity and security of all members of its community from those who would seek to use speech primarily to deprive others of their freedom to learn, their freedom to contribute and their freedom to participate fully in the University’s mission. Therefore, the University encourages all within its community--its Board, administration, faculty and staff, students, alumni, and all who act as its ambassadors--to serve as models reflecting behavior consistent with the tenets of civil discourse. Civility defines Nebraska and our University of Nebraska community.<br />

As important as are the rights to debate and discuss competing ideas, the First Amendment does not protect all expression. The University will not facilitate expression in violation of the law or that poses an unreasonable threat to the safety of the University community or to the University’s ability to fulfill its mission of teaching, research, and public service. Certain kinds of expression (among others), such as: speech that incites violence, fighting words, speech that defames or defrauds, speech that constitutes a genuine threat, or unlawfully discriminates, or speech that unlawfully invades privacy, is not protected speech. Acts or conduct, which threaten the safety of persons or property are not protected by the Constitution or the University.<br />

Individuals, once provided the requisite due process, found in violation of the provisions contained herein shall be subject to review and potential discipline in accordance with the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska, corresponding to such individuals’ relationship to the University community (e.g. student, faculty and staff). <br />

'''Designated Public Forum''' is identified as the Green Space on the Scott Student Plaza, just east of the ice rink, on the Omaha campus.<br />

'''Limited Public Forums''' include reservable indoor and outdoor space not identified as a Designated Public Forum (e.g. the auditorium in Williams Science Hall, the Truhlsen Events Center, and available classrooms and auditoriums).<br />

'''Non-Public Forums''' means all areas not defined as Designated Public Forums or Limited Public Forums (e.g. all clinical areas, research laboratories, offices).<br />

'''University Group''' means any of the following: (1) recognized student organizations, (2) recognized faculty/staff organizations, and (3) other groups officially recognized by the University administration as part of the University community.<br />

'''Individual/Group (Third Party)''' means any individual or group, other than those defined as a University Group, that wishes to use University facilities for the purposes outlined in this policy.<br />

*The primary point of contact for reserving space at UNMC is Room Scheduling, which can be reached by phone at 402-559-7254 and by email at [mailto:roomscheduling@unmc.edu Room Scheduling].  

*Application for Facility Use