Title:     #VII-11.  Procedure for Reserving Outdoor Assembly Areas for Freedom of

                  Expression Purposes

 

 

 

 

Introduction

 

West Virginia University at Parkersburg is dedicated to preserving the rights of freedom of expression while maintaining an appropriate atmosphere in support of the learning experience.  This procedure applies to all non-commercial speech and use of outdoor assembly areas of West Virginia University at Parkersburg in accordance with West Virginia University Board of Governors Policy #11. 

 

This procedure covers all reservations for outdoor assembly areas of WVU Parkersburg for freedom of expression purposes.  (See Answer Book #VII-11C for information on the use and rental of facilities.)

 

Outdoor Assembly Areas 

 

The following lists the outdoor assembly areas at WVU Parkersburg, designated in accordance with West Virginia University Board of Governors Policy #11.  The WVU Parkersburg administration reserves the right to assign different locations when it is deemed appropriate.

 

Area A – Parkersburg Campus:  East end of grassy area near the upper entrance to the institution

Area B – Parkersburg Campus:  South side of building (future site of amphitheater)

Area C – Jackson County Center: East of Pack Plaza

 

Maps identifying the location of these outdoor assembly areas are provided on page 3.

 

The outdoor assembly areas are open to the public for use between 7:30 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.   Advance reservation (at least 24 hours in advance of contemplated use) is strongly encouraged for groups greater than 20 participants to ensure that a location is available at a specific date and time. 

 

Contact Information 

 

Those wishing to reserve an outdoor assembly area (each, an “Applicant”) must contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at 304-424-8203.   The Executive Director can assist Applicant(s) in ascertaining the appropriate location for the type of event planned.

 

Applicant Information 

 

Applicant must provide the following information to the Executive Director of Institutional Advancement at least 24 hours in advance of the contemplated use: Name of individual or organization placing reservation, contact name (for organization), address, telephone number, electronic mail address, area requested, date/time requested, and expected number of attendees.  Recognized student organizations must also provide the name of the organization and the name, campus address, telephone number and electronic mail address for its faculty or staff adviser.

 

Application Process

 

Applications shall be processed in the order in which they are received. Upon approval of an application, the Applicant will be given a written reservation confirmation, which must be available at the event. 

 

No denial shall be premised on the viewpoint of the speech or proposed activity of the Applicant.  If the application is denied, the Executive Director of Institutional Advancement shall inform the Applicant in writing of the reason(s) therefor.  Denials may be based without limitation on one or more of the following:

 

• The requested location is unavailable due to a prior reservation.
• The application is incomplete.
• The requested location is temporarily unsuitable for the proposed event due to health, safety and/or fire code restrictions.
• The Applicant has, on prior occasions, made material misrepresentations regarding the nature or scope of an event for which an application was previously granted.
• The Applicant is a recognized student organization that is prohibited from using facilities due to disciplinary action by Student Services.
• The reservation would substantially interfere with maintaining an orderly program and operating the institution in a manner conducive to learning.

 

The institution reserves the right to deny, cancel or postpone a reservation, or immediately terminate any ongoing activity that represents a violation of the time, place and manner provisions included in West Virginia University Board of Governors Policy #11.