Campus and Use of Tents on Campus

Camping and Use of Tents on Campus

Purpose

To set forth the State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Health Sciences University’s policy on camping and the use of tents/canopies on campus.

Scope

SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University (SUNY Downstate) is committed to maintaining a clean, aesthetically pleasing, healthy, hygienic and safe work, educational, and living environment in order to effectively carry out its educational mission. SUNY Downstate is authorized to control its buildings and grounds consistent with the SUNY policies for use of facilities, which prohibit the use of university property or buildings for purposes unrelated to the regular programs and activities of SUNY Downstate.

Definitions

Camping:

In indoor or outdoor locations, the establishment of, evidence of an attempt to establish, or maintenance of temporary or permanent living quarters at any location on SUNY Downstate property other than living quarters in residence halls and living quarters in apartments, or other SUNY Downstate -managed housing—this includes the establishment of any indoor and/or outdoor encampment erected in connection with any lawful assembly of individuals pursuant to SUNY Downstate policies;
Sleeping overnight in or under any parked vehicle in a SUNY Downstate parking facility; or
Establishing or maintaining indoors or outdoors, or in or under, any structure not designated for human occupancy, at any time during the day or night, a temporary or permanent place for cooking, storing of personal belongings, or sleeping by setting up any bedding, sleeping bag, mattress, tent, hammock or other sleeping equipment, or by setting up any cooking equipment that has not been approved by the Office of Environmental Health and Safety.

Campus or Campuses is any SUNY Downstate owned, leased, licensed or operated space, facility, property, grounds or buildings.

Canopy is a structure, enclosure or shelter constructed of fabric or pliable materials supported by any manner, except by air or the contents it protects, and is open without side walls or drops on 75 percent or more of the perimeter.

Permit is a written document prepared by the President of SUNY Downstate or their duly authorized designee issued to Campus Personnel to allow the set up and use of a tent or canopy for a specified amount of time. Permits may be revoked if permit conditions are not followed.

Tent any and all structures, enclosure or shelter constructed of any material, including but not limited to fabric or pliable materials supported by any manner.

Third Party or Parties is any person, organization, group or entity not affiliated with the SUNY Downstate including, but not limited to, the general public, contractors, vendors, guests and visitors to SUNY Downstate, those using SUNY Downstate facilities or property under a SUNY Downstate revocable permit, and volunteers not enrolled as such on SUNY Downstate systems.

University is the University at SUNY Downstate.

Policy

Camping is prohibited on the SUNY Downstate campus.
Exceptions: Actions that constitute “camping” as defined above may be allowed with prior, written permission in the following limited circumstances:
1. 1. With the advance written approval of the appropriate SUNY Downstate official designated by the Office of the President.
  2. As approved as part of a revocable permit for SUNY Downstate use pursuant to SUNY Policy No. 5603 (Use of Facilities by Non-Commercial Organizations).
  3. In extraordinary circumstances, such as times of natural disaster, when approved in writing in advance by the President of SUNY Downstate or their designee.
Enforcement and Compliance

1. SUNY Downstate Office of Student Life, Division of Student Affairs, and/or the NYS University Police Department is responsible for addressing non-compliance with this policy by all persons and may address violations of this policy that constitute criminal trespass or any other violation of law.
2. Students may be referred for discipline for alleged violation of this Policy.

D. This Policy shall be effective immediately upon approval.