200.00 Use Regulations and Limitations

Table of Contents

210.00 Acceptable use

230.00 Restrictions on use

240.00 Rules for Athletic and Special Events

250.00 Outdoor Sign Regulations

210.00 Acceptable use

All use of University facilities must comply with applicable law, this policy and any other university policy pertaining to each use. Certain facilities, such as the SUB and Sports Facilities have adopted complementary facilities use policies. Permission to use University facilities may be withdrawn if the use does not comply with applicable laws and University policies.

220.00 Prohibited use

University facilities and areas may not be used in ways which:

1. obstruct or disrupt teaching, research, administration, disciplinary procedures or other University activities or operations, or any other authorized activities on University premises.
2. interfere with the rights of others to enter, use or leave any University facility, service or activity.
3. expose persons or property to safety hazards or risk of injury.
4. are illegal or unlawful. 

230.00 Restrictions on use

1. Amplification equipment or use of public address systems will not be permitted on University property or in University facilities if it interferes with the learning environment or the individual rights of those living or working on or near University property. Generally, the use of amplification equipment for outdoor events is not allowed during the regular instructional and business hours between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Use of amplification equipment during the noon hour or other than regular school hours requires written approval from the office of the Vice Provost for Student Affairs or designee.
2. Open burning and detonation of fireworks are not permitted within the City of Bozeman and are prohibited on campus, except for certain special events that are conducted in compliance with city ordinances and properly permitted by the city.
3. No person may sleep in, camp on or inhabit any University facility, parking lot or other university property that is not designated as a residence hall or graduate and family housing. The President or his designee may grant permission for special events sponsored by the University, which include an overnight stay, such as the children's programs conducted by the Museum of the Rockies.
4. Smoking is prohibited except in designated smoking areas established in accordance with the MSU Smoking Policy.
5. The use, possession or distribution of alcoholic beverages is prohibited on University property or in its facilities, except as expressly permitted by law and the University's Alcohol/Drug Policy. The unauthorized use, possession, manufacture, distribution or sale of narcotics or dangerous drugs is prohibited on University property or in its facilities.
6. Dogs, other than service dogs for the disabled, are not permitted in buildings on campus. All dogs must be on a leash and may not be left unattended. All dog owners will be subject to the relevant ordinances of the City of Bozeman.
7. The use of skateboards, rollerblades, snowboards, sleds and skis or any other equipment which may damage university property is prohibited on campus.
8. The possession or use of firearms, explosives, weapons, including knives, swords, pepper spray, nun chucks and other martial arts weapons, bb guns, and dangerous chemicals is prohibited except as expressly authorized by law and University policies.
9. Bicycles may be used in accordance with University Bicycle Regulations.

240.00 Rules for Athletic and Special Events

The University is committed to promoting safe conditions for persons attending events in the Bobcat Stadium, the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, and other campus facilities. Accordingly, the rules enumerated below apply to athletic and special events.

1. Air horns, glass bottles, bota bags, ice chests, and thermoses (in excess of two quart capacity) are prohibited in all Sports Facilities including the Bobcat Stadium and the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse. Individuals possessing such items will not be admitted to, or will be removed from, the Bobcat Stadium, the Fieldhouse, or other sports or concert facilities.
2. Other restrictions may apply under the rules adopted for use of Sports Facilities or if required by contractual obligations of the University with the performers, promoters or other contractors.
3. Patrons may be asked to open containers, picnic baskets, bags, coats, jackets, etc. to confirm compliance with these requirements.
4. Violators may have their beverages or drugs confiscated and may be subject to University disciplinary action and/or legal proceedings. Patrons who are intoxicated, cause a disturbance or disruption, or who otherwise violate these rules will be removed from the event without refund of ticket price.
5. Persons in tailgate areas must comply with the published tailgate policies.

250.00 Outdoor Sign Regulations

Outdoor signs have an impact on University operations and grounds maintenance. The regulations are intended to minimize these impacts and provide a sign-based messaging program that is coordinated, effective, and cohesive. The rules regulate time, place and manner (e.g. sizing) and are not intended to interfere with the University’s

1. A-frame, manufactured, weighted-base and flip-board signs 48-inches by 30-inches are permitted. Yard signs 24-inches by 18-inches are permitted.
2. Other sign display options may be permitted with written approval by University Facilities Management.
3. All signs shall not be mounted to University property unless expressly allowed in certain locations in the University’s Freedom of Expression Policy.
4. Signs may be permitted on campus for up to one-week except for A-frame signs, which are not allowed overnight. Signs with date specific messaging shall be removed the next business day following the listed date. Athletic signs promoting a sporting date/event are subject to this time and place regulation.
5. Placement of A-frame, manufactured and weighted-base signs are as follows:
6. Summer season (April – October): Signs must be placed on a hard surface or in a mulched landscaping area at least 18 inches from the turf/landscape edge.
7. Winter season (November – March): Signs must be placed a minimum of 36 inches from a walkable hard surface edge. Be aware snow clearing operations may impact display/visibility.
8. Placement of yard signs shall be placed in only turf or landscaping areas with a minimum of 36 inches from a walkable hard surface.
9. Removal of signs is the responsibility of the sign or message owner.
10. Signs that do not meet the requirements for the time, place or manner or presents a safety hazard may be removed at expense of the sign or message owner and without notice.
11. Directional signage, wayfinding or safety signage placed for operational reasons shall adhere to these regulations but may be granted flexibility regarding the placement and duration restrictions to increase effectiveness.
12. Outdoor signs pertaining to the SUB, Bobcat Stadium and Brick Breeden Field House are exempt from this section but must comply with SUB and Sports Facilities Use Manuals.
13. Temporary construction-related signage pertaining to new facilities, campus maintenance or other capital projects is exempt from this policy.
14. Vendor-related materials pertaining to Catapalooza and MSU Debut may be exempt but must be removed from campus immediately following the conclusion of the event. Failure to do so may result in removal at the expense of the event organizer. If a sign presents a safety hazard, it will be removed immediately.
15. ASMSU election-related signage and MSU Debut events must comply with the requirements pertaining to size and placement but are allowed to be posted for up to 2-weeks prior to each event (e.g. primary, general or special elections). Signage must be removed at the conclusion of each event.