SOLICITATION POLICIES

PURPOSE

The University of South Carolina has the duty and responsibility to maintain a safe and healthy environment conducive to its principal mission of education. At the same time, the University recognizes and respects the constitutional protection of free speech as well as the individual student's right to privacy. Accordingly, the University hereby adopts this solicitation policy for the purpose of establishing reasonable time, place and manner restrictions on campus solicitation.

DEFINITION OF SOLICITATION

Solicitation is defined as contact for the purpose of:

• soliciting funds or sales or demonstrations that result in sales

• distributing advertising or other materials

• compiling data for surveys, programs, or other programs

• recruitment of members or support for an organization or cause (NOTE: spontaneous gatherings of individuals for a singular purpose is considered solicitation.)

• providing educational information or sessions (exclusive of formal University of South Carolina academic classes).

Solicitation activities may not substantially disrupt or materially (or significantly) interfere with the educational, administrative, or operational activities of the University. Commercial speech which is false, fraudulent, or misrepresentative is not permitted. Events which are in violation of local, state, or federal law, Board of Trustees policy, or rules, regulations, and guidelines of the University are prohibited.

An event that places an undue burden on campus facilities; interferes with the use of campus facilities by other persons; disrupts normal operations; infringes on the protected rights of others; has as a principle goal to incite a riot or to disrupt other activities, may be denied the privilege to use University facilities (or grounds) for solicitation.

DESIGNATED AREAS

Solicitation activities are permitted in the following designated areas:

• Specific areas of the Russell House University Union including the front and back patios, Ballroom, meeting rooms, and main lobby may be used for campaigning purposes. To make reservations and find out about special stipulations (i.e. use of RH equipment etc.), contact Janet Dedmon (2nd floor Russell House) at 777-7127.

• Greene Street (between the gates ONLY and at specified times)

• Residence Halls: See Residence Hall Policies in Carolina Community and contact RHD

•Contact Jerry Brewer, Director of Student Life, at 777-5782 for additional information for designated locations

DIRECT MAIL SOLICITATION

The University of South Carolina postal office is responsible for providing services for USC faculty, staff, and students for official University business only. Mail determined to be of personal nature (such as checks, bank statements, utility bills, personal packages) will be returned to the sender. The only exception to the policy is mail service to on-campus resident students whose mail is delivered to their residence.

University Intra-campus Mail Service cannot be used by faculty, staff, students, or outside businesses or organizations for campaign notices, advertising, solicitation, or for any purpose that is not determined official University business. No USC mailing list will be available for use other than for official University of South Carolina business. (Student organizations may be contacted through the Office of Student Government & Student Organizations.)

Distribution of literature by University or non-University individuals or organizations is subject to this solicitation policy to prevent harassment of students and to maintain the campus environment. The person to person distribution of literature by University or non-University individuals or organizations is restricted to the areas available for solicitation and must be registered and reserved in advance through the Office of Student Life. The distribution of a publicity material(s) shall be consistent with the orderly conduct of the University’s affairs, the maintenance of University property, and the free flow of traffic and persons. Efforts must be made to avoid litter. Distribution by means of accosting individuals, hawking or shouting, is strictly prohibited.

The posting of literature by University or non-University individuals or organizations is restricted to appropriate reserved areas of bulletin boards in University buildings or on the Carolina Information Boards located at various outdoor points around campus. Some bulletin board space is designated for University activities only. The posting or attachment of fliers, posters, advertisements, or announcements of any type on the external/internal sides of buildings, trees, sidewalks, light posts, parked cars, or other similar structures is prohibited.

POSTING PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL (INCLUDING BANNERS)

Groups or individuals that post materials on non-designated structures will be fined and/or billed for clean-up and damages. Violations of this policy constitute violations of University policy and will be addressed through appropriate disciplinary channels.

Publicity material(s) shall be posted only on bulletin boards or other approved areas designated in this policy. Under no circumstances shall any publicity material be placed, written, or painted upon any surface (interior or exterior) including, but not limited to, trees or shrubs, poles, signs, doors, windows, walls, sidewalks or other campus structures.

Posting material on buildings, walls, doorways, light posts and other structures defaces the property of the University, causes permanent damage and costs thousands of dollars each year in clean-up and repair expenses. Individuals caught defacing property will face prosecution. Questions or comments should be directed to Jerry Brewer, Director of Student Life, at 777-5782 .

Only ONE poster is allowed per bulletin board per candidate IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CURRENT POSTING REGULATIONS. Candidates will not be allowed to place their poster over another candidate’s poster.

Each classroom is allowed to have 2 posters per candidate. Each poster must be on a separate wall IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CURRENT POSTING REGULATIONS.

NOTE:

• Registration for banners/posters is located at the Russell House Information Desk located on the second floor of the building.

• Only registered student organizations, academic units, University departments, or student candidates officially registered in campus-wide elections (such as Student Government office) may hang banners. All banners/posters must list the sponsor.

• Space is available on a first come - first served basis. Registration for banners/posters will be accepted until space is filled on any given day.

• Banners/posters may be hung up to a week before the event (Regarding elections banners may be hung the day campaigning begins, which is directly after the candidates meeting on January 31). The Department of Student Life assumes no responsibility for security of banners/posters at any time during display.

• Candidates are responsible for removal of banners, including all debris (tape, paper) from wall and surrounding area, immediately after the advertised event is over.

Carolina Information Boards -- Carolina Information Boards are located various points around campus All publicity material(s) must comply with University policy. All materials are removed from the information boards each Monday.

 Preston and Woodrow (over the pedestrian walkway) -- Banners may be hung over the pedestrian walkway between Preston and Woodrow.

• Banners must be registered and approved at the Russell House Information Desk.

• After registration and approval of the banner, a Physical Plant Work Request form must be submitted to the Maintenance Department.

• All expenses will be paid by the sponsoring organization.

• Banners may be displayed up to two weeks.