From: The Underground: Student Organization Resources Center
Date: August 28, 2024
Subject: Special Announcement: VCU Campus Maps for Reservation and Utilization of Spaces


SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT from the VCU Division of Student Affairs
Dear Student Leaders, 

As part of ongoing efforts to ensure that our campus spaces are utilized effectively and in accordance with university policies, the Division of Student Affairs has developed maps for the Virginia Commonwealth University campus communities. These maps will help you to clearly identify campus spaces "Available for Reservation/Events" and those "Not Available for Reservation/Events." These categorizations follow the guidelines set forth in the Interim Campus Expression and Space Utilization Policy.
Spaces Available for Reservation and Utilization

These spaces are designated for various campus activities and can be reserved and/or utilized by students, faculty, and staff following the outlined procedures:

Park Plaza Amphitheater
(Monroe Park Campus)

This amphitheater is available for reservation. To reserve this space, please submit the Park Plaza and Patterson Gardens Space Reservation Form. It is essential that all student organizations follow the procedures outlined on the reservation form.

Patterson Gardens (MCV Campus)

Patterson Gardens can also be reserved using the same process as Park Plaza Amphitheater. For reservations, submit the Park Plaza and Patterson Gardens Space Reservation Form.
 

Spaces Available for Chalking Without Reservation

Harris Hall (Non-brick outside of Harris Hall) and Larrick Gym (Non-brick running adjacent to entrance) are designated areas where chalking is permitted without a reservation. Please note that chalking is restricted to specific concrete sidewalks and must comply with the guidelines provided in the policy to ensure a conducive environment for all.

Note: Facilities and grounds personnel will remove authorized chalking regularly, regardless of content, in the course of their usual and ordinary campus maintenance activities. 

Cleaning and washing may typically be performed daily.

 
Spaces NOT Available for Reservation and Utilization

Certain areas of campus are for special university use; these spaces are either restricted or have specific usage conditions. One important clarification of the new policy is the designation of the Compass:

The Compass

The Compass is central to some of the most vital areas of our campus, including Cabell Library, Shafer Dining Hall, and classroom buildings, and it is designed primarily for student, faculty and staff pedestrian traffic and access to academic resources. It is important that students, faculty, and staff can easily traverse the Compass on their way to important academic activities, including studying at the library, attending exams, and eating at the dining hall. This area is not open for gathering or organized expressive activity by members of the public, and any gathering or expressive activity by students must not disrupt the free passing of students, faculty and staff on their way to academic activities at this important crossroads. The Compass, including the walkways leading up to the center, is  not available for general reservations or chalking. But the university has designated three locations on the edge of the Compass center where student organizations may reserve space for tabling. Please note that these reservations are strictly for tabling purposes. 

Students are free to use the Compass and other outdoor areas for activities as long as they comply with the requirements of the Interim Campus Expression and Space Utilization policy, specifically the General Prohibitions in section I.

 
 

Policy Compliance 

We encourage all members of the VCU community to familiarize themselves with the Campus Expression and Space Utilization Policy to understand the requirements and restrictions associated with using campus spaces. This policy is essential in promoting a safe environment and preserving the aesthetic integrity of our campus while supporting free expression.

Thank you for your attention to these important guidelines as we work together to maintain a vibrant and respectful campus environment. For general student organization related questions, please contact the Student Organizations team at  - studentorgs@vcu.edu. For questions specific to the Campus Expression and Space Utilization policy, please email vcudean@vcu.edu.