On Thursday, the UNC Board of Governors approved a policy on Campus Gatherings & Related Student Conduct Matters.
The policy included eight minimum requirements for campus gatherings and student misconduct.
The first outlined requirement, Reasonable Prior Notice & Reservation, states that people gathering inside or at specified outdoor areas in groups larger than “a size set by the campus" must provide at least a 24-hour-notice of their intent to administration and the appropriate campus safety official.
“These reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions tailored and crafted by the campus shall empower campus officials to prepare for and ensure the safety of students and other community members,” the policy reads.
Other requirements discuss tents and camping, student misconduct on other UNC System campuses and administrative communication with law enforcement.
“Furthermore, each constituent institution shall ensure that in preparing for mass gatherings, the chancellor has the benefit of direct consultations with law enforcement officials in effecting the proper plans for such events,” the Close Consultation with Law Enforcement Officials policy requirement reads.
The BOG Committee on University Governance discussed proposed practices to regulate campus gatherings in November 2024. After receiving feedback from the UNC System Chancellors and their leadership teams, the UNC System’s Faculty and Staff Assemblies and the UNC Association of Student Governments, the committee proposed the drafted policy in January.
“The responsibility to balance the competing interests of public safety with free expression falls to the hundreds of campus professionals working every day in North Carolina in the areas of law enforcement, student affairs, and campus administration,” the introductory paragraph of the policy reads.
The policy will go into effect by Aug. 1, 2025.
