Policies

In the fall of 2017, the UW System Board of Regents adopted a policy titled “Commitment to Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression” (RPD 4-21) which reinforced the Board’s commitment to academic freedom, freedom of expression, and expectations for those who violate the policy.

This policy sets forth certain rights, protections, and responsibilities of our campus community in regard to academic freedom and freedom of expression. A few notable rights, protections, and requirements, among others:  

• Members of the campus community have the right to engage in speech and expression on campus and to assemble and engage in spontaneous expressive activity as long as such speech, expression, or activity does not disrupt the functions of the university and does not violate any established guidelines or policies.  

• Members of the campus community are free to criticize and contest the views expressed on campus as long as their actions do not materially and substantially disrupt the rights of others to engage in or listen to expressive activity, such as heckling an invited speaker to the point that the speaker’s message cannot be conveyed. This type of behavior may result in disciplinary action or sanctions. 

• The First Amendment does not protect speech or expression that violates the law, falsely defames a specific individual, constitutes a genuine threat or discriminatory harassment, unjustifiably invades substantial privacy or confidentiality interests, or that is otherwise directly incompatible with the functioning of the university. 

Campus policy, as prescribed by the UW Board of Regents, establishes guidelines for reporting and responding to reports of discrimination and/or harassment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, disability, pregnancy, marital or parental status, or any other category protected by law, including physical condition or developmental disability as defined in Wisconsin Statutes §51.01(5). 

Residence halls are considered non-public forums as they relate to the First Amendment. This means that Residential Living has both the right and responsibility to regulate the “public” side of room doors in the halls. Material placed on the public side of room doors must be in compliance with Residential Living policies, UWS Chapter 17, UWS Chapter 18, UWSP Discrimination and Harassment Policy, and UWSP alcohol policies. Additionally, no items may be adhered to or displayed in windows. 

All classroom spaces, meeting and conference rooms, and large events spaces must be reserved in advance. Likewise, most exterior events spaces (e.g. Pergola area in front of the Dreyfus University Center, Sprect Forum (the Sundial), front lawn of Old Main) must be reserved. Visit Campus Reservations or contact the appropriate space/room manager about reserving a space. Finally, the University has a number of policies specific to use of an on campus space (e.g., alcohol use, deposit policy).   

UWS Chapter 17 describes the process used by the University to address alleged student behavioral misconduct, what behavior is subject disciplinary action, and lists potential disciplinary sanctions. See pages 3 and 4 of CH 17 for the specific behaviors of concern. The student conduct process at UW-Stevens Point is coordinated by the Office of the Dean of Students.  

UWS Chapter 18 establishes our campus law enforcement agency and outlines policies about conduct on University owned or controlled lands. UWS Chapter 18 applies to everyone – students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors alike. Questions about the items shared in UWSP Chapter 18 should be directed to UW-Stevens Point Police and Security Services. 

Several items in UWSP Chapter 18 will be of particular interest to individuals planning an event, specifically: 18.07 Use of campus facilities; 18.11(4) Picketing, rallies, parades, demonstrations, and other assemblies; and 18.11(5) Sound-amplifying equipment. 

UWS Chapter 21 is the policy of the Board of Regents outlining that the facilities of the university are to be used primarily for purposes of fulfilling the university’s missions of teaching, research and public service. University facilities are not available for unrestricted use for other purposes. 

Additional Policies 

• Regent Policy: Document 4-21 Commitment to Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression 

• UW System: Guidance on Political Campaign Activities