Policy on Student Sponsorships of Speakers and Performers on Campus

Approved by College Council January 25, 1976. The Policy was revised and implemented as Interim on September 11, 2017 and Approved by University Council on May 16, 2019.

Saint Joseph’s University endorses a lifelong commitment to thinking critically, making ethical decisions, pursuing social justice, and finding God in all things. As an institution of higher education, rooted in the Jesuit tradition, Saint Joseph’s University is committed to the exploration and discussion of issues which are of interest to members of the University community. Accordingly, one way in which the University’s mission (https://www.sju.edu/mission-statement) can be supported is by creating opportunities for officially recognized University student organizations (https://www.sju.edu/offices/student-life/sla/sco) and only such organizations to invite persons of their choice to speak or perform on campus, subject to this policy.

Prior to confirming sponsorship of an outside speaker or performer on campus, an officially recognized University student organization 1) must (except under extraordinary circumstances) provide at least three (3) weeks’ notice (Student Sponsorship of Speakers and Performers on Campus Form) to the Office of Student Engagement and 2) must coordinate with the appropriate University representatives (i.e., Student Life, Special Events, Public Safety and Security, Facilities, Student Leadership and Activities), in consultation with any other stakeholders deemed necessary by the University. The officially recognized University student organization must follow any policies and procedures established by the University for the orderly scheduling of facilities and adequate preparation for the event. The officially recognized University student organization must also comply with the Policy on Political Activities on Campus.

The topic(s) addressed by any sponsored speaker or performer must be germane to the aims of the sponsoring officially recognized University student organization. The University encourages the presence of speakers and performers on campus representing a broad range of viewpoints, which sometimes may include those whose views may not agree with the stated aims of the University. Student organization sponsorship of guest speakers or performers does not imply University approval or endorsement of the views expressed by the speakers, performers, or student organizations.

The University through the Vice President for Student Life reserves the right to reject a speaker or performer from conducting an event on campus if there is strong evidence that the event either 1) poses a threat to the safety of any member(s) of the University community; 2) will disrupt the regular operations and activities of the University; or 3) would violate the law. If the University denies a student organization from hosting a speaker or performer on campus, the University must provide the student organization an official, written documentation that explicitly states the reason(s) for rejection.

If the University rejects a student organization-sponsored speaker or performer from conducting an event on campus, the sponsoring organization may appeal the decision with the Office of the Provost within ten (10) business days of notification of the rejection. The appeal must include a written petition justifying why the speaker or performer should be allowed on campus. The petition should be no longer than two (2) pages long. Appeals will be considered by a Provost appointed panel of three (3) University community members, at least one of whom is a student and one of whom is a faculty or staff member. Panel members shall disqualify themselves from serving on an appeal panel if they believe in good faith that they cannot be objective in the matter. It is within the panel’s sole discretion to determine whether they can resolve the appeal without any additional meetings or fact-finding. The appeals process must conclude within ten (10) business days of the student organization's submission of the official appeal. The panel’s decision on the appeal will be final and supersedes any previous decision on the same event. Moreover, the panel’s decision cannot be re-appealed. If a student organization unsuccessfully appeals the original decision, the University must provide an official written rationale for the appeal decision. This outcome of the appeal is final and the conclusion of the process.

The University also reserves the right to make the final decision on the venue, and on whether Saint Joseph’s University security measures must be provided at the student organization sponsor’s expense. The sponsoring party is responsible for any and all costs associated with the speaker or performer/event, including costs for insurance and/or security that the University deems necessary.

Any officially recognized University student organization sponsoring an event is responsible for the conduct of the speakers and performers at the event. The opportunity to provide time for questions and comments is highly encouraged.

The University through the Vice President for Student Life reserves the right to make decisions related to the logistics of the event, including but not limited to, if and when tickets are required for admission, whether the event is limited to the University community and when donations may be solicited from attendees. Any proceeds from ticket sales or donations in excess of costs and overhead may be retained by the sponsoring official University student organization for use within the stated aims of that officially recognized University student organization and the parameters of the University’s budget policies.

Upon report of any possible violation of this policy, individuals and/or groups may be subject to the relevant University Community Standards processes in the Student Handbook.