Planning a Free Speech Event
NDSU is ready to work with you as you plan your event. Information about possible restrictions, requirements, and requests is available in Policy 154, but here are the basics to consider:
- Events and speakers must be sponsored/invited by NDSU students, Recognized Student Organizations, faculty, or staff.
- Open spaces on campus may require completion of a Facilities Use Agreement (FUA) based on details about the manner and size of event.
- Any indoor events or outdoor events with amplified sound need a reservation.
- Spaces immediately next to classrooms or living facilities have time restrictions due to noise levels.
- Events and individuals may not obstruct people’s free movement on campus and cannot block or impede exit and entryways.
- Campus-controlled sidewalks and streets may be used for events without a permit (dependent on proximity to classrooms/living spaces as mentioned above).
- Use of city-controlled streets or amplified sound off-campus requires a permit.
- Some events may be reasonably limited according to time, place, or manner restrictions, including the restriction of organizing, leading, or maintaining an event for more than twenty-four (24) hours.
- Participants/speakers may not cause or threaten physical harm or endanger the safety of others.
NDSU Reservations
- To reserve space and equipment, start with Conference and Event Services in the Memorial Union (MU). Questions can be directed to ndsu.mu.eventservices@ndsu.edu or visit MU 246. The Memorial Union staff is best equipped to assist you in navigating reservation systems across campus.
- Any monetary charges for use, damages, security, etc. will be applied using standard, content-neutral methods.
- Many spaces require a Facility Use Agreement (FUA). Examples of when an FUA would be required would include:
- Any event where the Event Sponsor would be opening the Facility or Grounds to the general public (e.g., FM Symphony Orchestra Masterworks Concerts, Fargo PD K-9 Training, Fargo Slow-pitch Softball League, Annual Woodlands and High Plains Powwow, etc.).
- Any event that includes youth under the age of 18 years of age (e.g., FM Area Youth Symphony, FFA State Convention, 4-H Extension Youth Conference, Bison BEST Robotics Competition, etc.).
- Any event where there remains some risk of harm (physical/athletic/recreational activities) (e.g., Men's Club Soccer, Women's Club Rugby, Residence Life Move-In, Residence Hall Association Carnival, bouncy house or dunk tank use, etc.).
- Any event to include open flame, firework, pyrotechnic, or other flammable or hazardous item, to include grilling (e.g., Department sponsored 'welcome back' picnics, Miss ND USA, Miss ND Teen USA, etc.).
- Any event to include outside performers, dances, concerts or bands (e.g., Campus Attractions Welcome Week Street Dance, outdoor movies, etc.).
- Any race such as 5K run/walks, 10K, marathons, etc. (e.g., Officer Down 5K, John Deere 5K, Homecoming 5K, etc.).
- Any event hosted by a student club/organization, to include meetings (e.g., Hip Hop Team Charity Show, MIS Club monthly meetings, English Club Book Sale, etc.).
- Any event where there is interaction with animals or where animals are in close proximity (e.g., Moos, Ewes and More Event, Great Plains Regional College Rodeo, etc.).
- Any event requiring overnight/late night access (e.g., Relay for Life, Dance Marathon, etc.).
- Any event where the potential exists for possible property damage (e.g., Lawnmower/Snowblower Clinic, Society of Automotive Engineers Car Show, etc.).
- Any event involving the installation of any structure, such as a tent, stage, scaffold, bleacher, bounce house, or carnival-style ride (e.g., FFA State Convention, Multicultural Programs teepee installation).
- Any event involving a Designated Public Forum as defined in Section 4.2 of NDSU Policy 154.
Location of FUA Form