Rule 3341-6-03 | Use of amplified sound on university premises.
(A) Policy statement and purpose
The use of sound amplification devices on university premises can disrupt university teaching, learning, and other activities and interfere with public safety and public-address systems. This policy is to specify the rules governing the use of amplified sound devices on university premises.
(B) Policy scope
This policy applies to all persons present on university premises except as otherwise stated in this policy.
It does not apply to a personal stereo, radio or music player used by university students, faculty, or staff in a university residence hall room, office or other private enclosed space, provided that the music or sound is kept at a reasonable volume and does not disturb other persons outside of the enclosed space.
(C) Policy definitions
"Sound amplification device" means any electronically powered, operated or assisted device that amplifies sound. A sound amplification device includes, but is not limited to, any system of public address, bullhorn, music or voice amplifier, portable speaker, megaphone, or any combination thereof.
A "sound amplification device" is not a university owned or controlled public address system.
(D) Policy
(1) To ensure public safety and the orderly operation of the university, amplified sound devices may be used on the university premises only in compliance with this policy.
(2) The use of the amplification device requires written approval be obtained in advance from the approving office or a designated representative. The approving offices are as follows:
(a) Bowen-Thompson student union: director of Bowen-Thompson student union or designee.
(b) Union oval or the Bowen-Thompson quadrangle: director of Bowen-Thompson student union or designee.
(c) Residence halls and adjoining spaces: director of residence life or designee.
(d) Athletic facilities and adjoining spaces (Doyt L. Perry stadium, Cochrane field, Steller field, Meserve field, Stroh center, Slater family ice arena, Anderson arena/Memorial hall): director of athletics or designee.
(e) Student recreation center/Perry field house/intramural fields and adjoining premises: director of student recreation center or designee.
(f) Firelands: dean or designee.
(g) All other university premises and adjoining spaces: vice president for finance and administration or designee.
(3) Applications shall be made in writing to the approving office. A new application shall be made for each use.
(4) Applications must be submitted not less than five university working days before the date of use being requested.
(5) Applications will be considered on a first applied/first approved basis except that university sponsored events shall always have priority without regard for when approval was sought.
(6) Circumstances arising during an approved use of a sound amplification device may warrant BGSU public safety, other law enforcement agencies, or other university offices to require the relocation of or limitations on the use of sound amplification devices in order to minimize disruption and distraction and the university reserves the right to do so.
(7) The written authorization shall specify the date, time, location, duration, manner and any other relevant information for the approved use of sound amplification device. Authorization may be revoked if the use deviates from the terms of the authorization.
(8) The application and permit approval provisions of this policy shall not apply to sound amplification devices used by university faculty engaged in teaching, university employees engaged in performing university duties, or for sound amplifications systems used at university sanctioned events.
(9) Sound amplification devices must be entirely portable and no structure for their use may be affixed to university property.
(10) The use of sound amplification devices inside university buildings or athletic venues shall not be permitted except as expressly allowed by this policy.
(11) Sound being amplified in an outdoor location must remain within its designated footprint and not impede upon any activities occurring (indoor or outdoor) nearby. If a nearby location is being occupied by another group or event, the sound must not be audible in that adjacent space.
(12) Outdoor dances and concerts may be held in approved locations only with prior approval of the approving office.
(13) Sound amplification devices may not be used to promote commercial messages by entities that are not approved university sponsors.
(14) This policy does not apply to law enforcement officers or other safety officials engaged in performing official duties that require the use of amplified sound devices.
(15) The university may authorize the use of sound amplification devices only when the date, time, location, duration, manner and any other factors relevant to the use of sound amplification devices:
(a) will not unreasonably interfere with university academic activities or other operations or functions; and
(b) will not unreasonably interfere with, distract or hamper public safety.
(16) Responsible officer
The approving offices and the Bowling Green state university department of public safety or other law enforcement agencies have principal responsibility for the implementation and enforcement of this policy.
(17) Implementation of policy
Any currently enrolled student, recognized student organization, student group, or university employee in violation of this policy is subject to immediate action, including but not limited to student conduct proceedings and employee disciplinary action as applicable. Any visitor in violation of this policy may be subject to removal from the campus, criminal prosecution, and a determination of persona non grata status under rule 3341-6-36 of the Administrative Code, "'Persona Non Grata' Status for Campus Visitors."
Equity impact statement: the policy has been assessed for adverse differential impact on members of one or more protected groups.
Last updated October 11, 2022 at 8:33 AM
Supplemental Information
Amplifies: 3345
Prior Effective Dates: 3/17/2015