BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM

SUBJECT: Use of University Facilities
POLICY DOCUMENT: 75-15 Revised
RESOLUTION: 911 1360
DATE: 12-6-74 12-17-76
Resolution 911:

(Policy Revision)

That, upon recommendation of the President of the System, the following policy on use of University facilities by non-university groups, governmental and public educational groups and political parties or candidates, and for programs which may include religious topics, be approved as amended:

1. Use of University Facilities by Non-University Groups. Facilities of the University are primarily for University purposes of instruction, research and public service: they are not available for unrestricted use by non-University groups. If, in the judgment of a University department or organizations, the meetings or activities of a non-University group will contribute to and serve the University's purposes, University facilities, when available, and subject o necessary routine procedures administered by the chancellor or his designee, may be used by that group, but only upon invitation of or under the sponsorship of a University department or organization.
2. Use of University Facilities by Governmental and Public Educational Groups. University Facilities may be used by governmental and public educational agencies when they are available, subject to necessary routine procedures administered by the chancellor or his designee.
3. Use of University Facilities by Political Parties or Candidates for Public Office: Leaders of political parties and candidates for public offices may hold public meetings on each campus, if facilities are available, and subject to necessary routine procedures administered by the chancellor or his designee. During any election campaign a University auditorium may be made available for one public meeting on behalf of each recognized candidate for public office. In a general election year, each political party may use a University auditorium for one public meeting on behalf of its candidates for national office, and for one public meeting on behalf of its candidates for statewide office. State conventions of recognized political parties may also use University facilities. Members of the audience should be given a reasonable opportunity, in appropriate situations, to ask questions at the end of the presentation.
4. Use of University Facilities for Political Solicitations. The use of state facilities for the purpose of making or receiving political contributions is strictly prohibited by state law.
5. Any contract drawn between the University and a non-university group under the above policies shall:
6. 1. Provide for recovery of costs for such usage to insure that the State will not be required to spend any public funds to accommodate those renting the premises during the period authorized.
   2. Note that authorized use of facilities does not in any way constitute University or State endorsement of the using organization, its views or objectives, nor program content.
   3. Be limited to uses that do not interfere with primary University uses for which the facilities were intended.

6. Use of University Facilities for Programs Which May Include Religious Topics: Chancellors or their designees may authorize registered student groups, official campus committees and outside groups under terms of this policy to sponsor programs which include religious topics in university facilities, and use of such facilities may be granted for the purpose of conducting religious worship services, which must be primarily for University students, faculty and staff; provided, such services shall not be conducted on a regular or continuous basis. This policy does not apply at University Hospitals.