Outdoor Amplified and Projected Sound Policy

Purpose

To manage and regulate the use of outdoor Amplified and Projected Sound on University Property at the School of Law campus to ensure a conducive academic environment.

Applies To

School of Law campus, including all students, Workforce Members, and visitors.

Exclusions

This policy does not apply to the use of Amplified and Projected Sound for events and activities sponsored by the Offices of the Dean; Student Affairs; Diversity, Belonging, and Community Engagement; Events and Programs; Admissions; or Alumni Relations (i.e., Orientation, Student Organization Fair, Fall/Spring Festivals, Open Houses, Reunion, Commencement, etc.).

Definitions

Amplified and Projected Sound

This refers to any sound that is electronically amplified or projected through the use of equipment such as amplifiers, speakers, DJs, megaphones, or other sound systems. It also includes the use of acoustic instruments like trumpets, trombones, violins, air horns, drums and other similar instruments or items that can produce significant sound levels.

Scheduling Office

A space management office responsible for managing and approving requests for the use of School of Law spaces. The Scheduling Office communicates compliance information, including space-related and activity-related rules, regulations, and requirements, covering local, state, and federal laws, as well as internal policies. This may involve coordination with other Law School offices, including but not limited to the Office of the Dean, Information Technology Services, Student Affairs, Facilities Operations (i.e., Landscape and Grounds, electrical services, custodial services, etc.), Parking and Transportation, University Safety (i.e., the Fire Marshal’s Office and the Fire Department, the UConn Police Department, etc.), as well as external entities such as the City of Hartford and Call Before You Dig (CBYD).

University Property

Any building, space or area under the control of the University of Connecticut at the School of Law campus.

Venue

Any location where an event takes place.

Workforce Members

Employees, volunteers, trainees, and other persons whose conduct, in the performance of work for the University, is under the direct control of the University, whether or not they are paid by the University.

Policy Statement

1. Outdoor Amplified and Projected Sound Conditions

Amplified and Projected Sound is permitted on campus within specified times and locations to minimize disruption to academic activities and public spaces. The following conditions govern the use of Amplified and Projected Sound.
Subject to the Additional Conditions, Special Permissions and Restrictions below, Amplified and Projected Sound is permitted as follows:

• Monday through Thursday: Amplified and Projected Sound may be permitted between 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.
• Friday through Sunday: Amplified and Projected Sound may be permitted between 12:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
• Quiet Hours during Finals: The Law School observes a period of quiet hours in recognition of the study period in advance of final exams and the exams themselves. This is in effect 24 hours per day each semester, beginning at 11:59 p.m. on the last day of classes through 11:59 p.m. on the last day of finals.

2. Additional Conditions

• Academic Classes, University Business, or Neighborhood Disruptions: Amplified and Projected Sound must not be disruptive to or interfere with academic courses, School of Law business, or the surrounding neighborhood.
• Sound Levels: Sound levels that are disruptive to the education environment, such that they may interfere with classes or other School of Law activity, or to the surrounding neighborhood are prohibited. For example, sound levels must not exceed 85 decibels (dB) at a distance of 50 feet from the source. Requests for sound levels exceeding this limit require additional permissions and must be submitted to the Scheduling Office. Failure to comply with requests to reduce volume that is in excess of the approved limit may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the University of Connecticut Student Code of Conduct, including the
  immediate cancellation of the remainder of an ongoing event or gathering.

3. Special Permissions

• Event organizers may seek additional permissions for Amplified and Projected Sound from the designated Scheduling Office
• Permissions may be granted based on the specific location and the nature of other activities occurring at the same time.

4. Restrictions

Permission may be denied by the Scheduling Office based on the impact of Amplified and Projected Sound on nearby activities, events, and neighborhood.

Procedures

Inquiries regarding additional permissions can be submitted to the Scheduling Office at lawevents@uconn.edu.

Enforcement

Violations of this policy may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, applicable
collective bargaining agreements, and the University of Connecticut Student Code.
The Dean or designee and the Assistant Dean of Students or designee shall review this policy annually and will recommend revisions and/or updates as may be appropriate.
Questions about this Policy may be directed to the Office of the Dean at lawdean@uconn.edu, the Law School Events & Programs Office at lawevents@uconn.edu, or the Student Affairs Office at law.studentservices@uconn.edu.

Policy History

Policy created: October 2, 2024 (Approved by the Office of the Dean)