University Guidelines for Time, Place, and Manner

Time, Place, and Manner Guidelines for Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech upholds the ability of all members of the campus community to exercise their constitutional rights to free expression and peaceful assembly. As an academic community, Virginia Tech values the rights guaranteed by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. The university serves as a physical and virtual forum for the free exchange of ideas through discussion and debate. However, all members of the university community (i.e., employees and students) are responsible for respecting conditions that preserve the freedom of all to learn and work on and in university Real Property. Protected activities do not violate university policy unless they interfere with university functions, violate the rights of others, or otherwise break the law.

The safety and well-being of members of the campus community members collectively and individually is a paramount responsibility of the university.

In upholding individual rights to free expression, Virginia Tech maintains the right to establish the time, place, and manner in which events occur in or on university Real Property as defined in university policy 5000. Definitions of terms within this guideline document are consistent with university policy 5000, Section 4, Definitions.  Implementation of time, place, and manner guidelines for planned freedom of speech events are established based on viewpoint neutrality with respect to the specific event and pursuant to narrow, objective, and definite standards that do not involve the exercise of judgment or formation of an opinion concerning the content.

Time, place, and manner guidelines are established to ensure that events do not interfere with university functions, impact public safety, or obstruct or damage university Real Property.

Non-compliance with the time, place, manner guidelines may constitute a violation of university policy and/or applicable statutes and regulations. Any person on or in university Real Property who violates university policy or guidelines may be asked by a university official authorized to act as an agent of the university to leave university property. Failure to comply with such requests may constitute trespassing under Virginia state law and may lead to disciplinary action and/or arrest. The university is not obligated to tolerate events that interfere with any lawful mission, process, or function of the institution. University disciplinary action(s) shall conform with the Student Code of Conduct, the Faculty Handbook, and/or other applicable policies and procedures.

Below are time, place, and manner guidelines for all demonstrations and free expression events on or within university Real Property:

• Individuals must not interfere with or obstruct the free flow of pedestrian or motorized or non-motorized vehicular traffic.

• Events must not include unauthorized entry to, possession of, or use of any university services, equipment, resources, or university Real Property (virtual or physical), including the university’s name, trademark, branding, logos, or likeness.

• Events must not attract a crowd larger than the location of the expressive activity can safely contain.

• Individuals must not interfere with university business, operations, or activities, including but not limited to classes in session or other scheduled academic, educational, athletics, cultural arts, career programs, co-curricular or extracurricular activities.

• Individuals must not obstruct, disrupt, or attempt to force the cancellation of any event or activity sponsored by the university or by anyone authorized to use university Real Property.

• Events must not create excessive noise. Use of amplified sound must comply with university policy 5000, Section 2.7.3, Amplification. (Frequently Asked Questions about Policy 5000)

• Individuals must not obstruct entrances or exits to buildings, remaining at least 25 feet from any entrances/exits.

• Individuals must comply with applicable laws and regulations regarding the wearing of masks. When asked by a university official authorized to act as an agent of the university, individuals must present a legally sufficient form of personal identification.

• Individuals must not enter or attempt to enter research laboratories.

• Occupy or occupation protests on or in university Real Property are not permitted.

• Individuals must not promote threats of violence or bodily or property harms, defamation, obscenity, or false advertising.

• Affixing items to any university Real Property or component thereof (railings, buildings, greenways, trees, etc.) is prohibited. 

• Markings, whether permanent or temporary, on university Real Property (walkways, roadways, etc.) with chalk, paint, or any other material is prohibited.

• The use of fire (including lighting any material on fire, open flame devices, and bonfires) is strictly prohibited without an open burn permit with the exception of hand-held candles which may be used with special permission.

• Overnight events from 12:00 a.m. (midnight) through 6:00 a.m. are prohibited.

• Events in or on university Real Property must not be continuous or repetitive in nature. Any event taking place in a public or common space is limited to three consecutive days to allow other organizations to have at least two consecutive days in the same week and no event is permitted to extend overnight. An event registration may be denied by a university scheduling office if the duration of the event is deemed excessive in nature or exceeds a reasonable duration. 

• Camping on university Real Property is prohibited.

• Placing or building structures on or within university Real Property is prohibited. Structures established without permission will be removed and the sponsoring organization, department, and/or individual will be responsible for all related costs.

• Individuals must comply with the directions of any university official authorized to act as an agent of the university.

• All other university policies remain applicable to events including, but not limited to, parking and transportation policies.  

• All illegal activities are prohibited at events. The university reserves the right to cancel or stop an event at any time due to illegal activity.