Scope: Who is Covered by this Policy?

Employees, Students and Visitors

Policy

Use of Public Areas of Buildings and Grounds

The buildings, grounds, and other property of Miami University campuses are dedicated to the educational mission of the University. Use of the buildings, grounds, and other property of the University is reserved for the direct and indirect support of the teaching, research, and service missions; of the University’s administrative functions; and of students’ campus-life activities. The University may prohibit or otherwise restrict access to or use of its buildings, grounds, and other property as may be necessary to provide for the orderly conduct of the University’s teaching, research, and service missions; of the University’s administrative functions; and of students’ campus-life activities. Visitors are free to walk through our campuses; however, authorization is required from the University or from a recognized student organization to make speeches or presentations, to erect displays, to engage in any commercial activity, or to conduct similar activities on University-owned or University-controlled property.

Law and Order

The University has an obligation to assure the safety of faculty, staff, students and guests, the protection of its property, and the continuity of its educational process. Pursuant to Section 3345.21 of the Ohio Revised Code, the Board of Trustees hereby declares that all persons, including University faculty, staff, students, and visitors are prohibited from engaging or participating in, or aiding and abetting any of the following actions on any campus of Miami University, even when engaged in expressive activity:

1. obstruction or disruption of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings, or any other University activities, including its public safety or service functions;
2. threatening to or engaging in conduct or creating a condition that presents a risk of physical harm to the offender or another or to the property of another;
3. theft or damage to property of the University or any other person;
4. unauthorized entry to or unauthorized use of University property or facilities;
5. violation of University rules and policies including those regulations concerning the use of University facilities, or concerning the time, place, and manner of public expression;
6. violation of rules governing residence in University-owned or University-controlled property;
7. disorderly conduct;
8. use, offer for sale, sale, distribution, possession, or manufacture of any controlled substance or drug, except as expressly permitted by law;
9. failure to comply with orders or directives of University officials or University police or any other law enforcement officers or emergency personnel acting in performance of their duties;
10. obstruction of the free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic; and
11. possession or use of firearms, explosives, dangerous weapons, or chemicals in violation of law or university policy.

For the purposes of this section, “aiding and abetting” shall be construed to mean the giving of aid or assistance to the principal in the planning or execution of any of the foregoing acts.

Individuals holding views different from those presented by persons participating in a peaceful demonstration, protest, or other expression of student attitudes are subject to the same restrictions.

Any member of the University community who believes the permissible limits of student expression have been exceeded may lodge a complaint with the University official in charge of the specific facility or function. If, after observation of the situation, the person in charge of a facility or function determines that said situation is no longer peaceful and orderly, he or she should:

1. Request, not direct, the students to desist from the activities causing the disruption and allow a reasonable amount of time for such action to occur. In the event of the failure of his or her efforts at persuasion, he or she should inform the University Police of the nature of the disruption and remain on the scene, except for extreme duress, until the arrival of the police officer.
2. Elect to immediately inform the University Police and the Office of the Vice President for Student Life when he or she believes personal safety or well-being will be endangered.

Penalties for Violation

Any student or employee who violates any of the foregoing prohibitions will be subject to University discipline. Disciplinary action may include discharge, or suspension from the University. Such person may also be subject to criminal prosecution. Visitors are subject to criminal prosecution. Any visitor who violates this policy may be immediately removed from University property by Miami University Police.

Related Form(s)

Not applicable.

Additional Resources and Procedures

Not applicable.

FAQ

Not applicable.

Policy Administration

Next Review Date

7/1/2026

Responsible Officers

Sr. Vice President of Finance and Business Services

Legal Reference

ORC 3345.21

Compliance Policy

No

Recent Revision History

 Amended July 2018; Amended July 2019

Reference ID(s)

• MUPIM 16.7
• OAC 3339-16-07

Reviewers 

• Sr. Vice President of Finance and Business Services
• General Counsel