Campus Demonstrations, Events, and Gatherings

The university supports the right for our community members to engage in peaceful, orderly demonstrations, events, and gatherings, and will facilitate these events in an impartial, content-neutral manner within university policy and time, place, and manner restrictions.  

Demonstrations, events, or gatherings may not disrupt the university’s educational mission or operations, inside or outside Mason buildings and properties; endanger the safety of other individuals; or violate university policy, procedures, or rules, or Commonwealth of Virginia laws. Applicable Commonwealth Laws and rules are listed below. 

If you are planning a demonstration, event, or gathering, below are important rules you need to be aware of and follow:  

  • All organizations and individuals that contract with the university to reserve space on campus must comply with all applicable space use policies and agreements.  
  • Lawful public gatherings may be held outdoors on campus without a space reservation so long as the gathering does not interfere with a scheduled event or another organization’s activity that has reserved space, and participants comply with all applicable policies.
  • To allow emergency vehicle access, no stationary objects (tables, speakers, chairs, stages, etc.) may be placed on Wilkins Plaza without a space reservation.  Stationary objects may be prohibited in other areas where they impede the operation of the university or create a safety hazard. 
  • Gatherings may not create conditions that constitute a safety hazard to participants, the public, university property, or the environment; use of hazardous materials, pyrotechnics, or projectiles is prohibited.  
  • Event organizers may not erect temporary structures (e.g., structures that can be occupied by an individual) or structures that create a safety hazard to participants. 
  • All outdoor gatherings: 
    • May not obstruct building entrances or exits or otherwise prohibit vehicular or pedestrian traffic on campus. 
    • May not block roadways, fire lanes, ADA access routes, or obstruct emergency vehicle access. 
    • May not use amplified sound that disrupts adjacent scheduled outdoor events or indoor academic or administrative functions. 
  • All indoor gatherings (to include classrooms and open spaces): 
    • Must be scheduled through the university’s central scheduling system.  No indoor events are permitted without a reservation.
    • May not use amplified sound, chants, or shouting that disrupts university operations. 
    • May not impede pedestrian traffic, academic, administrative, or commercial operations. 
    • 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 Mason) may only enter Mason’s buildings if they have a business or educational reason closely related to Mason’s mission and programs.  

When the above behaviors are identified, the university will intervene to discontinue or prohibit the conduct. 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 by law enforcement and trespassed from university property. 

Specific policies are linked below.  

Students are encouraged to reach out to University Life for guidance prior to an event (campuscc@gmu.edu). 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. 

Related University Policies  

University Policy 48: Building Access and Entry

University Policy 1103: Space Utilization and Scheduling

University Policy 1109: Poster Policy

University Policy 1110: Vending Sales and Solicitations

University Policy 1112: Outside banner (and/or other Materials) Policy

University Policy 1126: Participation in Political Activities

University Policy 1127: University Affiliated Social Media Sites

University Policy 1128: Use of Amplified Sound in Outdoor Spaces

University Policy 1132: Trespass Notices

University Policy 1140: Utilization of Facilities by General Public

University Policy 1201: Non-Discrimination Policy

University Policy 1301: Responsible Use of Computing

University Policy 1408: Concealment of Identity

 

Related Commonwealth Laws 

VAC 4 § 23.1-401. Restrictions on student speech

VAC 4 § 23.1- 401.1. Constitutionally protected speech; policies, materials, and reports  

VAC 8, 35-31-10 through 50 Entry Upon and Use of University Property