Campus Demonstrations, Events, and Gatherings

• A lawful public gathering that complies with all university policies may be held outdoors on campus without a space reservation UNLESS it meets one of the requirements for an approved space reservation stated in Policy 1103.
•  Outdoor events that fall into any of the below categories REQUIRE a space reservation:
  • Use amplified sound as outlined i Policy 1128
  • Place any item or structure (e.g., tables, billboards, tents, easels, stages, equipment, chairs) on university property as part of the event, any item or structure placed on university property must be removed at the conclusion of the reservation, unless an exception is provided by University Events;
  • Has the potential to impede university operations, pedestrian or vehicular traffic, or block ingress or egress to Facilities;
  • Will, utilize university resources (e.g., power, water, standing structures, environmental resources);
  • Will involve the outdoor use of heating devices, generators, or the use of portable toilets;
  • May last more than four hours.

If your event falls into one of the categories listed in Policy 1103 that requires a space reservation, you MUST have a space reservation to hold your outdoor event.  Outdoor events that require a space reservation may not be held in unreservable space or in reservable space during times when the space is not available for reservation.  Please refer to Policy 1103 for when an outdoor event must have a space reservation. Additionally, all outdoor gatherings:

• May not use amplified sound, chants, or shouting that disrupts university operations or other scheduled events.
• May not impede academic, administrative, or commercial operations.
• May not obstruct building entrances or exits or otherwise impede vehicular or pedestrian traffic on campus.
• May not block roadways, fire lanes, ADA access routes, or obstruct emergency vehicle access.
• May not occur in outdoor space reserved for another event or disrupt other scheduled events.
• Camping tents and outdoor camping (including sleeping outside overnight) are prohibited.

• Must comply with all laws and university policies
• May not use amplified sound, chants, or shouting that disrupts university operations.
• May not impede academic, administrative, or commercial operations.
• May not obstruct building entrances or exits or otherwise impede vehicular or pedestrian traffic on campus.
• May not occupy reserved spaces, classrooms, offices, or other areas in a manner that disrupts or prohibits university academic, administrative, or business functions.
• Members of the general public (i.e., not students or employees of George Mason) may only enter George Mason’s buildings if they have a business or educational reason closely related to the university's mission and programs.

• For all events that require a space reservation, as part of making a space reservation, an individual must be identified who will be present at the event and is responsible for ensuring compliance with all laws and university policies during the event.
• Stationary objects may be prohibited in other areas where they impede the operation of the university or create a safety hazard. Events may not create a safety hazard to participants, the public, university property, or the environment or create unsanitary conditions.   The use of hazardous materials, pyrotechnics, or projectiles is prohibited.
• Event organizers may not erect unapproved temporary structures (e.g., tents or other structures that can be occupied by an individual).  Any approved tent or temporary structure must be removed by the end of the reservation and may not remain up overnight (except as provided in 1103).
• Any item or structure placed on University property must be removed at the conclusion of the event, unless an exception is provided by University Events.

Please refer to George Mason’s Guidance for Assessing When Behavior is Disruptive to University Operations for additional information on when an event or other activity has become disruptive to University operations, and therefore, may be determined to be in violation of University policy.  The university will intervene to discontinue or prohibit the conduct that violates university policy (see below) or disrupts university operations.

Students and employees in violation of any of the above restrictions will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with applicable university policies, the Student Code of Conduct, and Human Resources employment policies. Students, employees, and members of the public in violation of any of the above and/or Commonwealth of Virginia laws may be detained or arrested by law enforcement and/or trespassed from university property.

Students are encouraged to reach out to University Life for guidance prior to an event ([email protected]). More details are available at the Office of Student Conduct and Student Involvement.

Members of the public should contact University Police 703-993-2810 and University Events Management for assistance.

University Policy 1103: Space Utilization and Scheduling

University Policy 1109: Poster Posting

University Policy 1128: Use of Amplified Sound on University Property

University Policy 1132: Trespass Notices

University Policy 1140: Utilization of Facilities by General Public

University Policy 1201: Non-Discrimination Policy

University Policy 1408: Concealment of Identity