DePauw University
Policy on Event Planning and Noise

Public Safety Event Security Procedures

Noise Ordinance Waiver Memorandum

Having a wide variety of educational, social, and cultural events on campus is an important part of DePauw community.

The University and its recognized organizations have an obligation and a responsibility to themselves and the surrounding community to provide an atmosphere and environment that is conducive to the normal functioning of both. The right to express oneself is limited by its effect on the rights of others. All campus groups, as well as outside agencies who use our facilities, must accept the responsibility of good citizenship.

It is important to establish good mutual relations with residents of your neighborhood the year round. Canvas the neighbors immediately surrounding your living unit prior to any noise-making event. Enable the neighbors to call the living unit representatives directly with any noise concerns. Extend a personal message of apology and a written note to any neighbor complaining about noise following an event.

It is University policy, suggested by students, to strongly discourage weekday events that will create noise issues.

The following guidelines are issued to encourage responsible social functions and curb excess noise. These recommendations are solely for University policy. City and state laws also may apply.

Section I Guidelines Regarding Events
All sponsoring groups shall follow the following guidelines:

1. It is expected that out-of-doors events that will create noise situations end at 9 p.m. on weekdays and 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Set limits on the time span for all functions and adhere to them.
2. Events likely to create noise-causing situations are not permitted during class hours, except by permission through the Office of the Dean of Students. At other times, such events cannot begin earlier than 11 a.m.
3. At no time should speakers or sound systems be in windows or outside living units, unless permission is granted through the Office of the Dean of Students.
4. Living unit president(s) are expected to act promptly and responsibly on all complaints and concerns voiced by an outside agency (campus security, neighbors, Student Life, etc.). The president(s) of all living units participating in noise-creating functions share in the responsibility for any event. In all cases of disputed responsibility, the host living unit shall assume primary responsibility. It is suggested that to help alleviate problems of responsibility the host group allow only a designated person or persons access to the volume controls. Predetermine acceptable levels of sound by checking with your immediate neighbors prior to any event. Then stay within those levels. Devise internal sanctions to discourage others from deviating.
5. Individuals or organizations sponsoring all campus events (such as concerts, music, or other open to all events) on campus may be required to pay for event security. Event security expectations are found on the DePauw Public Safety website at http://www.depauw.edu/student/safety.

Section II

Information Regarding City of Greencastle Requirements

The Greencastle Common Council meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. Any request for street closings, exception to Noise Ordinance, etc., to be approved by the Greencastle Common Council must be submitted on the appropriate form (available in the Campus Life Office in UB 210) to the Clerk-Treasurer, City Hall, 1 North Locust Street, Greencastle, IN 46135, at least 14 days prior to the meeting.

Permission must be granted by DePauw Public Safety prior to the request being submitted to the Clerk-Treasurer.

Please be sure to have a representative available for the meeting at which the request will be discussed to answer any questions the Council may have.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Greencastle Clerk-Treasurer at (765) 653-9211 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. or DePauw Public Safety at (765) 658-4261. Additional information is available on the Public Safety Web site at http://www.depauw.edu/student/safety.