Events, Quad Use Policy

Scope

Faculty, staff, and students

Policy Statement

Syracuse University’s Kenneth A. Shaw quadrangle, affectionately known as “the Quad,” is an open green space designed to be accessible, safe, and attractive and to be used by members of the University community and their guests. The quadrangle is defined as the grassy area bounded by sidewalks which include Hendricks Chapel and steps, Link Hall, Carnegie Library, Hinds Hall, and Huntington Beard Crouse Hall. The Quad is part of a centuries-old tradition in higher education: the provision of a peaceful, open-air area for both thoughtful contemplation and social interaction. SU’s Quad has been part of the campus since Syracuse University’s founding in 1870. Once known as the oval and used for football games, it is now the University’s “crossroads” and is the site of many fond memories for generations of alumni, as well as enjoyment for current students.

To reserve the Quad

  • Use of the Quad for Syracuse University related activities or events must be reserved by an academic or administrative department, or by a recognized student organization in good standing with the University. Individual University members who utilize the Quad to exercise free speech absent participants, should refer to the Syracuse University Student Handbook for review of the Campus Disruption Policy and the Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities, specifically Assembly and Protest.
  • The sponsoring group and participants are bound by applicable University policies, local and state ordinances, and the Code of Student Conduct.
  • A minimum of seven business days prior to the proposed event, the office of Student Centers and Programming Services (SCPS) must receive an outdoor space request form outlining details about the proposed event. SCPS reserves the right to refuse any request.
  • The proposed event (including set-up and breakdown) must NOT conflict with scheduled classes or academic programs, or previously scheduled events. For events that are permitted during these times, no amplified sound devices are permitted.
  • A proposed event must NOT present a safety risk or hazard to the participants, to others using the Quad or adjacent space, or to underground utilities. The degree of risk and staffing requirements for all proposed events shall be determined by Syracuse University’s Department of Public Safety and/or the Risk Management/Safety Department and/or Physical Plant. Each department will determine necessary staffing for a respective Quad event.
  • Recognized student organizations and/or administrative, academic departments may be approved for a maximum of three (3) event requests per semester. An approved event will be defined as any activity that operates between the hours of 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. or any fractional period therein. Events approved to continue beyond 9 p.m. will be considered a continuous event and must be completed within a 48 hour period of the requested event start time.
  • Commercial or non-University vendors hired by the event sponsor, shall, at their or the event sponsor’s expense, provide to the University Risk Management Department and subject to Risk Management’s approval, satisfactory evidence of insurance at least 10 business days prior to the event.
  • All costs related to the event (including, but not limited to, security, physical plant, etc.), are the responsibility of the sponsor. Sponsors scheduling events on the Quad are responsible for returning to the University’s satisfaction the Quad space to the condition in which it was found. This includes the removal of fliers, equipment, and debris related to the event.
  • Petitions to request exceptions to the above guidelines must be submitted to the SCPS office at least 21 business days prior to the proposed event.
  • Syracuse University reserves the right to cancel any event or activity if, at any time before or during an event, it is determined that a sponsoring group or participants have breached or misrepresented conditions set forth in these guidelines. The sponsoring group or participants may then be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

Policy Administration

Links to Procedures and Related Information

Date: December 11, 1998
Amended: 10/8/13