EIU Office of Internal Auditing

#157 - Disruption of Academic or Operational Functions

Approved: March 28, 2007

Nomenclature changes: August 12, 2024

Monitor: Vice President for Student Affairs

Students have the right to freedom of speech, peaceable assembly, petition and association which is accorded to all persons by the Constitution. Students and student organizations may examine and discuss all questions of interest to them and express opinion publicly as well as privately. They may support causes by lawful means which do not disrupt the operations of the University or the operations of organizations authorized to use University facilities.

When an activity first occurs which interferes with the academic or operational functions of the University, every attempt shall be made to resolve the matter through voluntary compliance, cooperation, and the exercise of restraint by all parties concerned. If the disruptive activity continues, the Vice President for Student Affairs shall take the following steps.

1. Those persons engaged in the disruptive behavior shall be asked to identify themselves.
2. If activities (protest/demonstrations) are occurring which are threatening to the safety of participants and arrests appear to be warranted, arrests will be made only after the Chief of University Police has consulted with the Vice President for Student Affairs or designee, (a) providing there is an opportunity to do so, and (b) there is no immediate safety threat to participants.
3. If those individuals refuse to identify themselves or refuse to stop the disruption, the University Police shall be called. The University Police shall advise them of their legal obligations, urge them to stop the disruptive activity, and give notice according to the criminal laws of the State of Illinois.
4. Individuals engaged in disruptive behavior who refuse to identify themselves or who refuse to stop the disruption shall also subject themselves to immediate suspension from the University. They shall be informed of the opportunity for an appeal hearing to be established at the earliest feasible date by filing a written notice with the Vice President for Student Affairs within ten calendar days.
5. If a demonstration has occurred and lives were threatened and/or property was damaged, and if it appears that another planned demonstration will become a serious confrontation with lives and/or property threatened, legal counsel will investigate the possibility of having a temporary restraining order issued. Prior to any action, the consequences of doing so shall be discussed with the President, Vice President for Student Affairs, and Provost.
6. Sound control is necessary to ensure that they University’s primary mission of teaching, research, and service is maintained. Amplification of any sound that interferes with classroom instruction or normal University operations will not be allowed or approved. This restriction will apply to amplified sound used outside or inside in all locations.
7. Amplification of sound for any event/activities by any group including, but not limited to, student organizations, university departments/schools, or external use of University space must be approved in writing in advance of the event by the Dean of Students or their designee. If amplification of sound is approved, the following conditions will apply:

A. The following areas have been established for the possible use of amplified sound:

1. the athletic facilities and areas adjacent to athletic facilities;

2. the areas outside and at least 50 feet away from the residence halls;

3. 50 feet away from buildings in the Library Quad (except under the Doudna overhang);

B. Amplified sound is prohibited when it disrupts University educational activities and/or University business. If amplified sound disrupts University educational activities and/or University business, campus officials (including advisors, employees, event organizers and the University Police Department) may require the sound level to be lowered at any time, regardless of whether the application has been approved and/or requirements are being met.

C. Outdoor amplification of sound may not start before 8:00 a.m. on any day and must conclude by 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, midnight on Friday and/or Saturday evenings.

D. Sound amplification approval is not required for classes held in their regularly scheduled classroom, indoor performance venues (such as the University Union or Doudna Fine Arts Center), or regularly scheduled athletic events. However, these events will still be subject to the other requirements/guidelines of this policy and any other applicable University policy and procedures.

E. The organization sponsoring the event is responsible for ensuring that all University policies and procedures are followed.

F. No sound amplification will be allowed in outdoor areas after midnight.

G. Exceptions to sound amplification may be granted to the place and/or time restrictions of this policy in certain cases. Typical exceptions to this sound amplification policy have included Pantherpalooza, Welcome Weekend activities, Homecoming, and Spring Fling. However, any organizations sponsoring these events must follow the approval process outlined above.