Dear Colleagues,
In today’s dynamic campus environment, it’s more important than ever to define and understand how university property can be accessed and used. Earlier this semester, we shared information with deans, directors and department heads regarding a growing national trend in which individuals record interactions with government employees in public spaces to test constitutional rights or to create content for online platforms.
Clear distinctions between public and private spaces improve the visitor experience and support legal compliance, safety, policy enforcement, and operational efficiency. Public spaces generally allow open access and greater free speech protections, while restricted or nonpublic areas permit reasonable restrictions on access and use. Proper designation helps prevent unauthorized access, reduces liability, and ensures spaces serve their intended purpose.
To help you and your facility team navigate this, we have collected the following resources:
- Policy Template: A ready-to-use section for your facility policy that addresses space use and access requirements. This helps standardize your approach across units.
- University-Approved Signage Templates: Pre-designed signs available in the Box folder to clearly mark public and restricted areas. These templates maintain consistency and compliance.
- Signage Best Practices Guide: The Box folder also includes practical guidance on where and how to post signs.
We’ve also updated the Free Speech FAQ to help answer commons questions about these issues.
Please take a moment to review the information and share it with your team as appropriate.
Best,
Aimee Heeter
Senior Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration