The University of Memphis

Solicitation and Canvassing in Residence Halls and Dining Services



POLICIES

Issued: August 16, 2004
Responsible Executive Officer: Vice President for Student Affairs
Responsible Office: Student Affairs / Residence Life
Policy Statement

 

Approval for commercial enterprises or solicitation in the residence halls must be approved by the Associate Dean of Students for Residence Life and Dining Services or designee in writing.

Students, registered student organizations, residence hall governments, and outside interests are eligible to canvass in the residence halls, provided that such canvassers abide by the regulations stated in the Student Handbook and are approved in advance by the Department of Residence Life and Dining Services.


Purpose

 This policy is intended to allow the resident population to determine access within the community for purposes of solicitation and canvass, while protecting rights or privacy, safety and security.

Contents
Definitions
Procedures
    FAQs
    Links
    Definitions

    CanvassingCanvassing is defined as any organized effort to influence student opinion, gain support, or promote a particular cause or interest, specifically excluding any solicitation or fund raising.

    SolicitationSolicitation for the purposes of selling a product or service or enrolling the individual in a contest, program or other commercial venture for purely commercial purposes.

    Procedures

     
    1. Canvassing may occur in individual residence hall buildings, provided that the residents of that building, by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote at the beginning of the academic year, agree to allow such canvassing.
    2. Canvassing in dining areas is prohibited.
    3. Canvassing efforts shall be restricted to the hours of 11 AM to 10 PM.
    4. Each individual wishing to canvass in the residence hall must register with the Area Coordinator responsible for the building(s) subject to canvassing no less than forty-eight (48) hours prior to the beginning of the canvassing and must clearly understand the provisions of canvassing regulations before canvassing may begin.
    5. Canvassers must abide by all University rules and regulations. Violators will be subject to referral to the Office of Judicial and Ethical Programs and/or may be escorted off campus by Police Services and may also be subject to criminal prosecution.
    6. The canvassing policy for a specific residence hall will be clearly posted at or near the main desk of each building. In the event that a posted sign is not clearly visible, the canvasser is obligated to request clarification from the Area Coordinator responsible for that specific building.
    7. No religious group is permitted door-to-door canvassing in the residence halls for the purpose of proselytizing or other religious effort in any public area of the residence hall. Students may individually invite a representative of a religious group into their rooms for discussion.

    FAQs

    Whom do I contact with further questions?

    Residence Life and Dining Services

    011 Richardson Towers

    Memphis, TN 38152

    Phone: (901) 678-2295

    Fax: (901) 678-5219


    Links

    Residence Life and Dining Serivces Websitehttp://www.people.memphis.edu/~reslife/index.html

    Solicitation Policyhttp://policies.memphis.edu/2a0902b.html

    Revision Dates

     UM1600 - Issued: August 16, 2004

    Subject Areas:

    AcademicFinanceGeneralHuman ResourcesInformation TechnologyStudent Affairs
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