Handbook of Operating Procedures 8-1050

Prohibition of Camping on University Property

Effective January 11, 2012
Executive Sponsor: Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Policy Owner: Associate Vice President - Campus Safety and Security

1. Policy Statement

Camping is not permitted on The University of Texas at Austin ("University") property, except as stated in Section VII.A.2 below.
 

2. Reason for Policy

The University is committed to maintaining a clean, aesthetically pleasing, healthy and safe work, educational, and living environment in order to efficiently carry out its educational and business missions. This policy allows the University to control University buildings and grounds consistent with the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Regents, Rule 80101, prohibiting the use of University property or buildings for purposes unrelated to the regular programs and activities of the University.
 

3. Scope & Audience

This policy applies to all employees, students, University affiliates, contractors and visitors.
 

4. Definitions (specific to this policy)

Camping is defined as any of the following:

1. The establishment of, or attempt to establish, temporary or permanent living quarters at any location on University property other than residence halls, apartments, or other University managed housing;

2. Sleeping outdoors with or without bedding, tent, hammock, or similar device, structure, protection or equipment between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.;

3. Sleeping in or under any parked vehicle;

4. Establishing or maintaining outdoors, or in or under any structure not designated for human occupancy, at any time during the day or night, a temporary or permanent place for cooking, storing of personal belongings, or sleeping by setting up any bedding, sleeping bag, mattress, tent, hammock or other sleeping equipment, or by setting up any cooking equipment that has not been approved by the Office of Environmental Health and Safety.

5. Website (for policy)

https://secure4.compliancebridge.com/utexas/public/getdoc.php?file=8-1050
 

6. Contacts

7. Responsibilities & Procedures

1. General Rules

1. Camping is not permitted on University grounds, in University buildings or under University structures except as permitted in Section 2 below.

2. Exceptions - Actions that constitute "camping" as defined in Section IV above may be permitted in the following special circumstances:

1. By artists or actors who participate in University authorized performances that require such actions as part of the artistic production and only so long as it relates to their performance.

2. As part of tailgating activities that are undertaken in accordance with the University's rules regarding tailgating at sports events, found here: http://www.utexas.edu/parking/parking /specialevents/tailgating/.

3. In extraordinary circumstances, such as times of natural disaster, when approved in writing in advance by the president of the University or his or her designee.

2. Responsibilities

1. The respective supervisor, department chair or dean is responsible for addressing non-compliance with this policy by his or her employees.

2. The Office of the Dean of Students, or a designee of the office, is responsible for addressing non- compliance with this policy by students.

3. The University of Texas at Austin Police Department is responsible for addressing non-compliance with this policy by persons other than employees or students, and may address violations of this policy by employees and students that constitute criminal trespass or any other violation of law.

4. The Office of the President is responsible for making any exceptions to this policy in cases of extraordinary circumstances in accordance with Section VII.A.2.c above.

3. Compliance

All employees, students, University affiliates, contractors and visitors shall comply with this policy and any lawful request by a University official to comply with this policy.

8. Forms & Tools

None
 

9. Frequently Asked Questions

None
 

10. Related Information

Board of Regents' Rule 80101 - Category of Facilities and Authorized Users

Tailgating Rules
 

11. History

Previously HOP 2.A.8
Reviewed 3/14/2017

Next Scheduled Review Date: March 2019