Policies and Regulations
At the University of Oregon, free expression and the open exchange of ideas are core to our academic mission. These policies are designed to help you exercise your rights while maintaining a respectful, inclusive environment for everyone on campus. Explore the guidelines that protect these freedoms and ensure that campus activities align with university standards.
Sample of Relevant University Policies
- Academic Freedom, Freedom of Inquiry, and Free Speech
- Community Standards Affirmation
- Facilities Scheduling
- Proscribed Conduct
- Prohibited Discrimination and Retaliation
- Scheduling and Event Services Procedures and Practices
- Student Conduct Code
- UO Policy Library
Guidelines
The university strives to foster an environment where individuals can exercise free speech in an inclusive, respectful community. Established guidelines protect the right to free speech, while ensuring that opposing views may also be expressed. The university applies its rules and expectations in a manner neutral to the viewpoints expressed.
Use of Space
If you’re planning a larger event or demonstration, make sure to reserve a space through the university’s process. This helps avoid conflicts with other scheduled events and ensures that the space is right for your event.
Sound
Sound levels beyond ambient noise that interfere with or disrupt instruction, research, service, administration, and any other University sponsored activities are prohibited.
Specific decibel level limits have been established. Check the UO Scheduling and Event Services Sound Policy for details so you can self-monitor.
Specific decibel level limits have been established. Check the UO Scheduling and Event Services Sound Policy for details so you can self-monitor.
Chalking
Chalking is allowed only with removable chalk on exterior horizontal surfaces that are exposed to the rain and not within 30 feet of any campus building. Chalking that does not relate to student activities sponsored by Student Organizations is subject to immediate removal.
Ensure Access
For everyone’s safety, demonstrations and large gatherings must ensure that doorways, hallways, stairways, fire exits, and public pathways like sidewalks are accessible. Allow 10 feet of clearance around campus buildings during a demonstration.
Room Occupancy
Know how many people are allowed in the space reserved.
Demonstrations or gatherings inside rooms or buildings must not exceed the safe occupancy limits set by state fire codes.
Demonstrations or gatherings inside rooms or buildings must not exceed the safe occupancy limits set by state fire codes.
Camping
Overnight camping is prohibited on campus grounds. These activities often violate university and city codes and disrupt the university’s operations.
Structures
The construction of unauthorized structures, including tents, is prohibited on campus grounds. These activities often violate university, city, and state regulations and disrupt the university’s operations.
Disrupting Events
You cannot prevent a scheduled event, speaker, or class from proceeding. If protests disrupt these activities, the university may intervene and ask demonstrators to move or stop. This does not mean you can’t provide counter-speech, following the university’s procedures.
Defacing Property
Defacing or damaging university property, including graffiti, is strictly prohibited.
Harassment
The university endeavors to create an environment that is free of all forms of discrimination and harassment. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access responds to allegations of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.
Fire/Open Flame
Find fire-free alternatives that create just as much warmth and camaraderie without risking anyone’s safety or violating state fire codes.
Campus Visitors
Visitors to the UO are welcome, but are expected to abide by all university rules and the ordinances, laws, and regulations of the city, county, and state.