UC San Diego isdedicated to the dissemination of information and ideas and the presence ofengaged scholarly, cultural, and political debate. The ability of the communityand the community at-large to engage in expressive activity is central to theidentity of a public university. Of all social institutions in a democracy, auniversity has a special responsibility to promote an open atmosphere and tohonor the First Amendment.

In support offree speech, UC San Diego recognizes that opposing or unpopular views areimportant. It is the responsibility of the university community to provideopportunities for dialogue based on mutual respect.

To this end,this Policy is designed to acknowledge the historic significance of freespeech, while also preserving the research, teaching, and public servicemission of the university.

POLICYSUMMARY

The ExpressiveActivity Time, Place, and Manner Policy, in conjunction with otherUniversity Policies and applicable laws, describes UC San Diego&s time, place,and manner requirements for expressive activity while on University Propertyand serve as UC San Diego&s implementing procedures for PACAOS Section 30.00.

SCOPE

Except asotherwise provided, the Expressive Activity Time, Place, and Manner Policyapplies to all persons on University Property,including all University Affiliates and University Non-affiliates. This Policy does not apply to University SupportedActivities conducted or organized by UniversityOfficials acting within the course and scope of their assigned duties andresponsibilities with the knowledge and approval of their Vice Chancellor or,in the case of the Health System, the Chief Executive Officer, UC San DiegoHealth.

DEFINITIONS

For purposes ofthis Policy, the definitions in the University of California Policy Applying toCampus Activities, Organizations and Students (PACAOS)14.00, the University of California Regulations Governing Conduct ofNon-Affiliates in the Buildings and on the Grounds of the University ofCalifornia, and those listed below apply:

1.     AmbientNoise means background noise in an environment, often a composite of soundsfrom many sources (e.g., traffic at a busy intersection, construction, crowdnoise).

2.     AmplifiedSound means sound that is made louder or stronger by using an instrument,device, or other equipment (e.g., bullhorns, amplifiers).

3.     AuthorizedStudent Government means the UC San Diego student governments authorized bythe Chancellor&s Office. Authorized Student Governments include AssociatedStudents, Graduate and Professional Student Association, and undergraduatecollege councils.

4.     InformationTabling Areas means the outdoor university locations identified on AppendixA.

5.     Literaturemeans printed material used to communicate information.

6.     Non-Commercialmeans an activity not intended to have profit as its primary purpose.

7.     Public ExpressiveActivity means leafletting, marches, picketing, protesting, speech-making,demonstrations, petition circulation, performances, distribution and sale ofnon-commercial Literature incidental to these activities, and similar speech-relatedactivities directed at a public audience.

8.     PublicSpace(s) means University Property that is open to the public for publiccommunication at the time of use or attempted use. Public Spaces do not include,for example, athletic fields/courts, health-care facilities, spaces leased orlicensed to third parties, parking lots and garages, the Epstein FamilyAmphitheater, vehicles, and maritime vessels. The specific areas/spaces that areopen to the public for public communication is subject to change at any time;for example, specific areas/spaces may be closed by the University foroperational reasons, including University events, construction, maintenance, and/orwhere the University deems it prudent to close an area for health or safetyreasons.

9.     ReservableAreas means the outdoor university locations identified in Appendix Bthat may, with a reservation, be used for certain events and/or tabling;requests for reservations must be made using the links provided in Appendix Band all reservations for, and uses of, such areas are subject to all location-specificrules that are communicated as part of the reservation process.

10.  Structure or Displaymeans any object (including fencing, tents, platforms, booths, tables, andelectronics) larger than two feet in any dimension that is placed on the groundfor 10 or more minutes and/or is left unattended in a public area. This doesnot include objects entirely supported or carried by a single person that donot extend more than one foot from that person (e.g., a signboard supportedover a person&s shoulders).

11.  Tabling meansstaffing a single table, no larger than 6 feet by 3 feet, solely for purposesof distributing and/or collecting information. Tabling (for purposes of thisPolicy) cannot/does not include selling and/or preparing food or beverages, and/orusing Amplified Sound.

12.  University Affiliatemeans any person who is a student, officer, official volunteer, employee,Regent, emeritus of the University, or a member of a household authorized toreside in University Property, including as such terms are used in Section 100001.A.1-100001.A.4 of the Regulations GoverningConduct of Non-Affiliates in the Buildings and on the Grounds of the Universityof California.

13.  University Non-affiliatehas the definition provided in Section 100001 of the Regulations GoverningConduct of Non-Affiliates in the Buildings and on the Grounds of the Universityof California.

14.  University Officialincludes any person employed by the University while acting in the course andscope of their assigned duties and responsibilities.

15.  UniversityPolicy means the written regulations of the University, including, but notlimited to, the UC San Diego Policy and Procedure Manual (PPM) and otherUniversity policies, including Regental and/or systemwide university policies(e.g., PACAOS).

16.  University Property meansany University-owned, -operated, -leased, -controlled, or -maintained property,including all University grounds and structures or such other property as maybe designated by the campus as property subject to University Policy, includingProperty as defined in PACAOS 14.20 and University Property as defined in theRegulations Governing Conduct of Non-Affiliates in the Buildings and on theGrounds of the University of California.

17.  University SupportedActivity means any activity on, or off-campuswhich is initiated, organized, or supervised by the University. University SupportedActivities include, but are not limited to, classes, research, lectures,administrative and student services, meetings, housing, programs, and events(including any such activities that may be conducted virtually (e.g., videoconferencing)).

POLICY STATEMENT

Public ExpressiveActivity on University Property is permitted and encouraged provided that it complieswith this Policy, all other University Policies, and applicable laws.

The time,place, and manner rules in this Policy are designed to protect the rights,safety, and property of the University community and the ability of theUniversity to perform its functions while assuring that all persons mayexercise the constitutionally protected right of free expression. TheUniversity will administer this Policy without regard to the viewpoint of theperson(s) engaging in Public Expressive Activity. The University will apply andenforce this policy in accordance with the Higher Education Employment Relations Act andcollective bargaining agreements when and where applicable.

Public ExpressiveActivity and other conduct that violates this Policy is prohibited. Failure tocomply with this Policy may result in discipline and/or civil and/or criminallegal liability.

A.   OTHER RELATED/RELEVANT POLICIES

This Policy, amongother things, requires compliance with other University Policies. For ease of reference,other University Policies that also touch on expressive activities include, butare not limited to:

       RegulationsGoverning Conduct of Non-Affiliates in the Buildings and on the Grounds of theUniversity of California
https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/3000127/NonAffiliateRegs)

       UCSan Diego&s Student Conduct Procedures
https://adminrecords.ucsd.edu/PPM/docs/160-10.pdf(PPM 160-10)

       UCSan Diego Residential Life Community Standards https://sage.ucsd.edu/procedures/index.html#UC-San-Diego-Residential-Life-C)

       UCSan Diego Policies relating to Use of University Properties https://adminrecords.ucsd.edu/ppm/docs/toc510.HTML(PPM 510-1 Section I-XIII)), including:

       Policyon Major Events on Campus
https://adminrecords.ucsd.edu/ppm/docs/510-1.5a.HTML(PPM 510-1 Section V.A)

       Useof University Properties for Commercial Purposes https://adminrecords.ucsd.edu/ppm/docs/510-1.10.HTML(PPM 510-1 Section X)

       UCSan Diego&s Policy relating to Environmental Sanitation- Housing, Camping,Fires, Fencing, Electricity, and Water Usage
https://adminrecords.ucsd.edu/ppm/docs/516-10.3.pdf(PPM 516-10.3)

       Universityof California Anti-Discrimination Policy
https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination)

       Universityof California Policies Applying to Campus Activities, Organizations, andStudents (PACAOS(https://www.ucop.edu/student-equity-affairs/policies/pacaos.html)), including:

       thePolicy on Speech and Advocacy
https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/2710523/PACAOS-30(PACAOS 30)

       thePolicy on Use of University-Properties
https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/2710524/PACAOS-40(PACAOS 40)

       thePolicy on Student Conduct and Discipline https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/2710530/PACAOS-100(PACAOS 100)

       thePolicy and Supplemental Guidelines on the Marketing of Credit Cards to Studentshttps://policy.ucop.edu/doc/2710541/PACAOS-Appendix-D(PACAOS Appendix D)

B.   GENERAL RULES

1.     PermittedConduct. Subject to the rules in this Policy, other UniversityPolicies, and applicable laws, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 11 p.m., PublicExpressive Activity is permitted in Public Spaces. All persons subject to thispolicy are required to follow the instructions of authorized UniversityOfficials regarding whether a particular space is a Public Space. Public ExpressiveActivities where more than 100 people are expected to attend are consideredMajor Events and are also subject to the rules and regulations stated in the Major Events Policy, PPM 510-1, Section V.A.

2.     ProhibitedConduct. Conduct, activities, and actions, including Public ExpressiveActivities, are prohibited whenever they:

a.       Unreasonablydisrupt or interfere with (i) a University Supported Activity; (ii) a permittedPublic Expressive Activity of another person (e.g., shouting down a speaker, occupyinganother speaker&s stage, seizing a speaker&s microphone); (iii) University operations,business, academics, or extra- or co-curricular activities; (iv) the operationsof businesses, lessees, or vendors authorized by the University; and/or (v) theorderly conduct of the activities of the University (including, but not limitedto, obstructing access to programs, activities, and/or campus areas that areordinarily available to students).

b.       Harass,threaten, or physically injure other people or put a reasonable person in fearfor their physical safety.

c.       Violatea person&s reasonable expectation of privacy.

d.       Interferewith and/or limit the free movement of another person in a manner that areasonable person would find intimidating and/or offensive (e.g., surroundingpeople, blocking paths of travel, surrounding vehicles).

e.       Restrain,detain, and/or confine another person by making that person stay or gosomewhere against that person&s will.

f.       Block, obstruct, and/or limit access toentrances, exits, stairways, ramps, and/or elevators, or otherwise interfere with the flow of traffic in or out of campusbuildings.

g.       Obstructpedestrian and/or vehicular traffic on lawns, walkways,bike paths, roadways, crosswalks, fire lanes, parking lots, parking structures,and/or other thoroughfares.

h.       Constitutean unlawful assembly (see California Penal Code Section 407).

i.        Damage or pose an unreasonable risk of damage to the environment (e.g.,trees, vegetation, wildlife), University property, and/or property of others.

j.        Violate other University Policies or local, state, or federal laws.

3.     SignHandles. Sign handles may be made of foam or wood. The use of metal stakes,clubs, and/or pipes is prohibited. The size of wood handles or supports islimited to one-fourth of an inch (1/4) in thickness by three-fourths of aninch (3/4) in width and may extend no more than 18 inches beyond a singleexterior edge of a sign, poster, placard, flag, and/or banner.

4.     No IndoorParades or Demonstrations with Noisemakers. Parading, demonstrating, and/orpicketing inside any University building while using noisemakers, such aswhistles, pots and pans, or bullhorns, is prohibited.

5.     NoEndorsement. Individuals and organizations may not represent that PublicExpressive Activity is endorsed, sponsored, and/or sanctioned by the Universitywithout the written consent of the Chancellor or their designee.

6.    No Disguises. No person may wear a mask, personaldisguise, and/or otherwise conceal their identity with the intent ofintimidating any person or group or for the purpose of evading or hinderingdiscovery, recognition, or identification in the commission of violations ofUniversity Policy, University regulations, and/or local, state, or federallaws. Wearing masks or face coverings is permissible for all persons who arecomplying with University policies and applicable laws.

7.     NoUnlawful Assemblies. No person may remain present in any University area afterthey have been lawfully warned to disperse, except peace officers, persons assistingpeace officers, and University Officials acting in the course and scope oftheir assigned duties.

8.     NoAccess to Non-Public Spaces Without Permission. Unless otherwise authorizedby law, entering or remaining in an outdoor area or an indoor space closed tothe public without permission from an authorized University Official is prohibited.To the extent established by the Higher Education Employment Relations Actor by an applicable collective bargaining agreement, nothing in this paragraphlimits the rights of employees and employee organizations to access Universityfacilities in a peaceful and lawful manner, subject to the reasonableregulations of the facilities.

9.    Reserving Certain Areas. Reservable Areas (seeAppendix B) are campus spaces expressly designated by the campus as availableto be reserved for Public Expressive Activity. Reservable Areas are subject tochange without notice. Reservations for Reservable Areas may be limited inarea, duration, and/or frequency, so as to allow different people and groupsmeaningful opportunities to access such spaces. Disrupting or interfering withan event or activity that has reserved space in compliance with this Policy isprohibited. Events and/or activities occurring in a Reservable Area, includingby those with a reservation, must still comply with all the rules stated inthis Policy, as well as any specific rules communicated by the departmentresponsible for the specific Reservable Area.

10.  Competing Activities. If two or more persons or groups attemptto use the same space at the same time, University Officials will respond asfollows:

a. Reservation Priority. If a person or grouphas a reservation, that reservation will be respected, and the other person(s)or group(s) will be directed to move to another space (if one is reasonablyavailable) to continue their activity.

b.  Relocation of Competing Non-ReservedUses. If no person or group has a reservation, University Officials, usingtheir professional judgment and the Decision Factors specified below, will directcompeting persons or groups to move to spaces where their activities will notinterfere with each other and with other campus activities. As used herein, interferenceincludes sound levels that disrupt other activities and physical obstructionpreventing reasonable use of space.

c. DecisionFactors. When deciding whom to ask to move and where to ask them to moveto, University Officials may not consider the viewpoints of the differentpersons or groups but may consider:

      Safety concerns, including the potential for physicalconfrontations

      Compliance withuniversity policies, including regarding noise regulations and structures

      Firstarrival/established presence (if reasonably ascertainable)

      Group size relative toavailable space options

      Suitability ofalternative locations for the competing activities

Groups that are not in compliance withUniversity policy may be directed to move or to cease and desist for thatreason alone.

d. Failing to followthe directions of a University Official to relocate is a violation of thisPolicy and/or Section 100004 of Title V, Division 10, Chapter 1 of theCalifornia Code of Regulations and may result in disciplinary action or arrestand prosecution.

11.  Consequences. Failure to comply with this Policy or the directives ofUniversity Officials administering this Policy may constitute atrespass, disorderly conduct, an unlawful assembly, and/or other unlawfulconduct and may subject such persons to arrest and prosecution, and/or may resultin disciplinary action and sanctions per University Policy, applicablecollective bargaining agreements, and applicable federal, state, and local law.

C.   NO RESIDENTIAL FOCUSED PICKETING

Individuals and organizations areprohibited from picketing or organizing picketing that is focused on and takesplace in front of any University Property that is a residence or dwelling of anindividual, including as prohibited by Chapter 5 Article 2 Division 20, Sections52.2001-2003 of the San Diego Municipal Code.

D.   STRUCTURES, DISPLAYS, AND EQUIPMENT

1.     Structures,Displays, and Equipment

a.    Other thaninformation tables permitted by Section D.2 and sound equipment authorizedby Section E.1(a), free-standing equipment or Structures or Displays onUniversity Property require prior permission from UC San Diego&s department ofEnvironment Health and Safety or the responsible facility and/or area manager. Erecting,maintaining, using, or occupying free-standingequipment or Structures or Displays on University Property withoutpermission is prohibited.

b.     All free-standingequipment or Structures or Displays on University Property must be madeavailable for inspection upon request by a University Official, must not pose adanger to people and/or property, must not interfere with or disrupt UniversitySupported Activities or other University business, and must not obstruct thefree flow of traffic.

c.     If approvedby an authorized University Official, free-standingequipment or Structures or Displays on University Property may only beinstalled after 7:00 a.m. and must be fully removed by 11:59 p.m. each day.Approved free-standing equipment or Structures or Displays on UniversityProperty may be erected on University Property for no more than five consecutivedays and no more than ten total days in an academic quarter.

d.     Any free-standingequipment, Structures or Displays that fail to meet the requirements of thisPolicy or any other University Policy may be removed by the University at theexpense of the person or group that installed it.

2.     ExemptInformation Tables

a.   Tabling in anInformation Tabling Area is normally permitted, without a reservation, at the timesand places set forth in Appendix A. Such Tabling may include no more than 2chairs and no more than 20 people staffing the table at any one time.

b.   Informationtables and accompanying materials/literature may not be left unattended.Information tables must be completely removed at the conclusion of theapplicable time period identified in Appendix A.

c.   Tabling without areservation is not permitted in Reservable Areas when such areas have beenreserved by others.

E.    AMPLIFIED SOUND

1.     Outdoor Spaces

a.     AmplifiedSound is permitted in outdoor spaces when and where Public Expressive Activityis permitted provided that its use complies with the General Rules provided inthis Policy and with the decibel restrictions provided in this Policy. Nopermission is required to use handheld Amplified Sound (e.g., a bullhorn). Non-handheldAmplified Sound (e.g., speakers or amplifiers) requires prior permission fromthe Vice Chancellor - Student Affairs and Campus Life and all sound equipment mustbe made available for inspection and testing at any time upon request by UniversityOfficials to ensure compliance with University policies, including the decibel requirements.

b.     Themaximum decibel level for Amplified Sound may not exceed 90 dBA when measured50 feet or more from the sound source or at the exterior walls or entrances ofany residential building or health care facility. The average decibel levelmeasured over any 15 second period may not exceed 75 dBAwhen measured 50 feet or more from the sound sourceor at the exterior walls or entrances of any residential building or healthcare facility.

c.     AmbientNoise will be considered when administering sound limitations. If Ambient Noisereaches, and/or exceeds 90 dBA, Amplified Sound may be increased so it may beintelligibly heard at the edge of a crowd or 50 feet from the speaker,whichever is lesser, but under no circumstances may it exceed 105 dBA.Notwithstanding the foregoing, under no circumstances may the average decibellevel measured over any 15 second period exceed 95 dBA when measured at the exteriorwalls or entrances of any residential building or health care facility.

d.     Groups orindividuals exceeding maximum allowable decibel levels will generally be givenone warning and requested to reduce the volume to allowable levels. Exceeding allowablelevels is a violation of this Policy.

e.     Notwithstandingany other provision of this Policy, no Amplified Sound is permitted duringFinals Weeks.

2.     IndoorSpaces

With a reservation, Amplified Sound may be used indoors but only insidea reserved room and only in compliance with the rules of the facility where thereserved room is located. If the facility does not specify rules for AmplifiedSound, then Amplified Sound must be limited so that it cannot be heard morethan 50 feet from the room where the reserved event is taking place.

F.    POSTING OF LITERATURE, SIGNS, and BANNERS

1.    Non-Commercial Literature may be posted on designated bulletin boards,kiosks, and other designated locations if it does not damage University Propertyand/or otherwise violate this Policy. Priorapproval is not required for posting in these locationsunless specifically noted. See Appendix C for a list of applicableposting requirements relating to certain bulletin boards, kiosks, and otherlocations.

2.     Adhesivematerials (e.g., glue, decals, stickers), markers, paint, ink, chalk (except asauthorized in Section G, below), posters, signs, banners, and/or other writtenor graphic material may not damage, be placed on or against, attached to, and/orwritten on any structure or natural feature of the campus, including, but notlimited to, the ground, trees, doors, signs, lightpoles, waste receptacles, building exteriors, building surfaces, windows,fences, and/or walkways. Damaging University Property may result in disciplineand/or civil or criminal liability.

3.     Projectionof images onto University buildings or bridges is prohibited.

4.     Postingsare limited to two per individual location. Postings exceeding this requirementmay be removed by the University, including the department responsible for thelocation. Posting on top of other allowable postings and/or removing other postings is prohibited without authorization ofthe department responsible for the location. 

5.     Painters&tape or other non-destructive and removable hanging material may be used topost flyers at approved posting locations. The use of paste, glue, nails,masking tape, and/or duct tape is prohibited. Staples and tacks may be used onbulletin boards.

6.     Postingsfor events and activities must indicate the name of the sponsoring organization,group, or individual, the nature of the event or activity, and the date, time,and location of the event or activity.

7.     Within 48 hours after the event or activity, postings for eventsor activities must be removed by the sponsoring organization, group, orindividual. Postings unrelated to an event or activity must include the date onwhich they were posted. In order to foster opportunities to post, theUniversity may remove any posting that is more than 10 days old. Approvedposting locations may impose additional, reasonable rules regarding time limitsfor postings.

8.    Postings on or within kiosks and bulletin boards maintained byAuthorized Student Governments must be approved by the respective AuthorizedStudent Government prior to posting.

9.     TheUniversity may designate posting locations for special-purpose notices (e.g.,ride boards, housing information). Use of these locations is subject to any specificspecial-purpose rules created by the University.

10.  By allowing the posting,distribution, and exhibition of Literature on University Property byindividuals and/or organizations, the University does not express or imply anyendorsement of the content of such Literature. The University is notresponsible and/or liable for the views and/or actions of persons engaging inthese activities.

G.    CHALKING

1.     Chalking ispermitted only on non-covered concrete or asphalt sidewalks and only when usingwater-soluble stick chalk. Chalking is prohibited on all other surfacesincluding, but not limited to, roadways, buildings, windows, steps, seatingwalls, benches, tables, signs, poles, columns, waste receptacles, trees, andother surfaces, structures, and/or fixtures.

2.     Chalking thatdamages University Property is prohibited. Damaging University Property mayresult in discipline and/or civil and/or criminal liability.

3.     The Universityis not responsible for ensuring that chalking is maintained for any specificduration. Chalking may be cleaned by the University prior to a scheduled event,as part of regular maintenance, and/or as necessary if or when rain does notfully wash it away.

RESPONSIBILITIES

A.     Individuals,organizations, and groups are solely responsible for their Public Expressive Activity,on- or off-campus, and are acting voluntarily at their own risk, with no rightto seek indemnification from the University for the consequences of theiractions.

B.     Questionsabout the application and/or interpretation of this Policy should bemade to the Director - Center for Student Accountability, Growth, and Educationor their designee.

APPEALS

A.     Any studentor student organization denied prior approval where prior approval under thisPolicy is required may appeal the decision in writing to the Vice Chancellor -Student Affairs and Campus Life within 5 business days of the date of thenotification. Any other person denied prior approval where prior approval underthis Policy is required may appeal the decision in writing to the ViceChancellor - Operations Management and Capital Programs within 5 business daysof the date of the notification.

B.     The appeal must sufficiently explain thegrounds for the request in accordance with Section C below and include allthe supporting reasons, information, arguments, and documents.

C.    Appeals may bebased on only one or more of the following reasons:

1.     Failure tofollow University Policy; or

2.     Arbitrary andcapricious justification for the decision to deny use.

D.     The Vice Chancellor or theirdesignee will review the appealing party&s request, including their statements,information, and reasons for the request, any response or documentationsubmitted by the University Official who denied the initial request, and anyother relevant information that the Vice Chancellor deems necessary to evaluatethe appeal.

E.     Appealing parties will be notified in writing of the decision by theVice Chancellor or their designee within 7 businessdays of the date the appeal request was submitted for review. A brief statement explaining the basis of the decisionwill be included with this notice. The result of the appeal request isfinal.

FORMS

None

RELATEDINFORMATION

CaliforniaState Constitution

CaliforniaHigher Education Employer-Employee Relations Act (HEERA)

Free Expression at UC San Diego

LibraryUse and Conduct Policies

RegulationsGoverning Conduct of Non-Affiliates in the Building and on the Grounds of theUniversity of California

ReservingSpace at UC San Diego       

ResidentialLife Community Standards

SanDiego Municipal Code, Chapter 5, Article 2, Sections 51.2001-2003

University ofCalifornia Policies Applying to Campus Activities, Organizations, and Students(PACAOS)

Definitions(Section 14.00)

Policy on Speech andAdvocacy (Section 30.00)

Policy on Use ofUniversity Properties (Section 40.00)

Policy on StudentConduct and Discipline  (PACAOS 100)

University ofCalifornia Policy and Supplemental Guidelines on the On-campus Marketing ofCredit Cards to Students (Appendix D)

University ofCalifornia Anti-Discrimination Policy

UniversityCenters Facilities Usage Policies and Procedures (includesLibrary Walk, Price Center Plaza and Town Square)

FREQUENTLYASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ&S)

See Free Expression at UC SanDiego

REVISION HISTORY

06/03/2025:Policy updated.

10/16/2024:Policy updated.

09/19/2024: Policyupdated.

10/04/2010:Policy updated.

04/01/1981:Initial implementation of policy