I. Purpose
To establish a policy to protect the health and safety of the University community and public; to protect access to and security of University facilities and property by regulating camping on University property.
II. Scope
Any UNC Asheville student, faculty, staff, organization, department, community partner or external community business, organization or entity seeking facility or ground usage overnight, outside of the defined residential facilities.
III. Policy
In an effort to protect University property and to protect the health and safety of the University community and public, overnight camping on University property is not permitted without pre-approval. Only recognized student organizations, University offices/departments and recognized University programs may request approval for camping on University property. Approval may be withheld by the University should it be determined that the activity may disrupt the normal operations of the University; infringe upon the rights of other members of the University community; disrupt scheduled/normal activities within any campus building or area; and/or interfere with freedom of movement, either pedestrian or vehicular, on campus. Internal and external violations of this policy are subject to University sanctions and/or legal recourse depending upon the violating group’s affiliation or non-affiliation with the University.
Definition of Terms:
1. Camping is defined as:
a. Sleeping at any time, between the hours of 11 pm and 8 am, outdoors or in facilities on University Property, with or without bedding, tent, sleeping bag, blanket, hammock, or other similar equipment or device.
b. Any temporary or permanent structure that is set up in facilities or on University Property with the purpose of staying for an extended period of time. Temporary or permanent structures include, but are not limited to, tents, tarps, RV’s, sleeping bags, pillows, cooking supplies, chairs, hammocks, and mattresses.
c. Any temporary or permanent place for sleeping or cooking with the intent to remain in that location overnight.
Camping does not include:
Students or university guests residing in their assigned residence hall space.
2. University Property is defined as:
The University campus, its facilities and any other property owned, operated or controlled by the University.
IV. University Procedures
Recognized student organizations, University offices/departments and recognized University programs wishing to engage in camping on campus for any reason must follow the protocol for event planning as defined in the Outdoor Scheduling Procedures and Scheduling and Facility Use Policy. All University entities are subject to the rules and policies set forth in the corresponding Student Organization Requirements, Code of Student Responsibility, Campus Safety policies and all local, State and Federal laws. All requests for camping on campus must be approved by the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs or a designee. Approval may be withheld by the University should it be determined that the activity may disrupt the normal operations of the University; infringe upon the rights of other members of the University community; disrupt scheduled/normal activities within any campus building or area; and/or interfere with freedom of movement, either pedestrian or vehicular, on campus. Internal and external violations of this policy are subject to University sanctions and/or legal recourse depending upon the violating group’s affiliation or non-affiliation with the University.
For more information, contact:
- External Organizations: Camping is not permitted
- Student Organizations: Contact the Highsmith Student University
- Internal Organizations and Departments: Contact the Unit Director Responsible for the Facility and/or grounds in which the event will be held.
V. Enforcement
Internal and external violations of this policy are subject to University sanctions and/or legal recourse depending upon the violating group’s affiliation or non-affiliation with the University. University students and recognized student organizations are subject to the Code of Student Responsibility. University faculty, staff, departments or recognized University programs will be subject to documentation and reporting to appropriate department head, Dean or Vice Chancellor. All University faculty, staff, students, guests and general public are also held to local, State and Federal law.