STUDENT EVENT MANAGEMENT POLICIES
I. Review of Student Organization Events
Student organization use of space at the University of South Florida is subject to review by the Student Events Approval Coordinator to ensure that all University rules and policies are followed by the event sponsor(s).
The Student Events Approval Coordinator will collaborate with representatives from the Marshall Student Center, University Police, Environmental Health and Safety, Student Affairs Administration, Campus Recreation, Parking Services, Institutional Research and Planning, Student Government, and other areas pertinent to the event being reviewed.
The Student Events Approval Coordinator reserves the right to request alterations and/or elimination of any element of a student sponsored campus event if it is determined that significant health/safety risks or liabilities are present. Additionally, the Student Events Approval Coordinator has the right to deny access to USF space or relocate a program if the event being planned is deemed inappropriate for a public area. Student organizations are solely responsible for all costs associated with the use of space at the University of South Florida.
Appeals of decisions made by the Student Events Approval Coordinator can be made to the Marshall Student Center Assistant Director.
Exception:
a) Residence Hall groups having events in the residence hall facilities must receive prior approval from the appropriate Residence Life Area Coordinator. The sponsoring residence hall group must notify the University Police eight (8) days prior to the day of the event to insure that adequate security is maintained at the time of the event.
b) Any non-residence hall group wishing to have an event in the residence hall facilities that includes non-residents, must first receive approval for the event from the appropriate Residence Life Area Coordinator before submitting an Event Approval Request to the Student Events Approval Coordinator.
II. Policies
1. Guest Policy
All University Policies are applicable to visitors and guests unless they are clearly inapplicable (e.g., academic dishonesty). Each individual is liable for his/her actions at all times regardless of his/her mental or physical state. Additionally, each person or organized group sponsoring an event at USF is responsible for the behavior of its members and guests.
Non-University guests who wish to attend an event sponsored by a student group or person, (except for ticketed events, lectures, sporting events, or movies), may be required to be accompanied by a USF representative, (student, faculty, or staff member) with a valid USF identification card. Non-University guests must show a valid driver’s license or other form of picture ID upon request. Adequate procedures for enforcing this policy should be in place for the duration of the event. Marshall Student Center staff will be responsible for enforcing the guest policy for the duration of the event. When the guest policy is in effect, a USF student with a valid ID may admit one (1) guest only to the event.
2. Advertising
Off-campus advertising is not permitted without the permission of the Student Events Approval Coordinator. Exceptions to this rule are approved lectures, and ticketed events.
3. Supervision and Security of Events
(a) All faculty, staff, students, University-related and non-University related groups are expected to provide a safe environment for their events, and may be required to utilize the University Police services or Marshall Student Center Security Staff at events.
(b) The University Police Department will be responsible for making a final determination of adequate security needs at all events. The securityrelated cost will be incurred by the sponsor(s).
(c) If deemed necessary by the Student Events Approval Coordinator, the student sponsoring group(s) may be required to have an advisor and/or faculty/staff representative present at the event to insure adherence to all University policies.
4. Amplification of Sound and Music in Outside Areas
The use of amplified sound on the USF campus by USF entities and non-student USF entities is intended to enhance the ability to communicate thoughts and ideas to those who choose to attend such programs. It must be recognized, however, that groups or individuals have a duty and obligation to control the amplification of sound so that their programs do not unduly hinder other members of the university community from engaging in their tasks or activities or from enjoying their right to privacy within their living or working spaces. Sound levels which exceed limits set forth by the Hillsborough County Environmental Protection Commission for receiving land when measured at or within the USF property line of the receiving land use are declared to be noise pollution as defined by Section 3 (28) of Chapter 84-446, Laws of Florida. Sound limits are between 55dba and 60dba. All organizations or individuals must abide by and conform to the following conditions for amplification:
(a) Amplified sound may be utilized in the following areas after following proper reservation procedures:
Andros, Argos, Village areas
Crescent Hill
Greek Park
Intramural Fields
Martin Luther King Plaza
Riverfront Park
Soccer Stadium
Student-sponsored events using amplified sound must be reserved by the Marshall Student Center Reservations Office and reviewed by the Student Events Approval Coordinator. All other events shall be reviewed by the reserving entity for compliance with this policy.
Requests for amplification in the Residence Halls must be first approved by the appropriate Residence Life Area Coordinator. If not sponsored by a Housing area, then the event must be approved by the Student Events Approval Coordinator.
Before activities that are adjacent to buildings or nearby areas are considered, possible conflicts should be explored and cleared with other event-sponsoring agencies. If it is determined that the event will interrupt or decrease the effectiveness of the other events, the event should be scheduled in another location.
The volume must not be at a level greater than is necessary to reach the audience in the immediate area; it must not be of such a volume as to reasonably interfere with those who are pursuing academic, professional, personal or other recreational activities.
5. Food
The University has catering agreements with Marriott Corporation. Permission to bring food on campus for events must be approved by Marriott and by the Student Events Approval Coordinator. Additionally, if homemade food is being served at any event, the sponsor must check with the University’s Environmental Health & Safety Office for food preparation and serving guidelines.
6. Alcohol
Refer to the USF Alcoholic Beverages Policies and Guidelines in this Handbook.
| 
