University Rule
08.02.99.J1
Approved: March 4, 2026
Next Scheduled Review: March 4, 2031
Rule Summary
System Policy 08.02, Expressive Activity on Campus, requires adoption of a member rule. This rule identifies common outdoor areas that are not considered public forums, designates other public forums on Texas A&M University-Victoria (A&M-Victoria) campus, including reservable designated public forums, provides reservation requirements and procedures, and provides a grievance process for addressing complaints for violations of an individual’s expressive activity rights.
Definitions
Definitions from System Regulation 08.02.01, Expressive Activity on Campus, are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
Rule
1. EXPRESSIVE ACTIVITY
The rights and responsibilities related to expressive activities on campus are set forth in System Regulation 08.02.01. Nothing in this rule will be construed to amend or alter the rights and responsibilities outlined in that regulation. Students, staff, faculty, and community members are encouraged to review the regulation to understand their rights and responsibilities while on campus.
2. DESIGNATION OF PUBLIC FORUMS
2.1 As outlined in System Regulation 02.01, all common outdoor areas are deemed traditional public forums unless otherwise designated by this rule.
2.2 The following common outdoor spaces are not to be considered public forums:
2.2.1 Kays Grove (Memorial Garden)
3. RESERVABLE DESIGNATED PUBLIC FORUMS
3.1 The following public forums may be reserved with advance notice and subject to availability:
3.1.1 University North, Galvan Hall
3.1.2 Walker Auditorium
3.1.3 Commons MPR
3.1.4 Northwest
3.1.5 South 104
4. ADVANCE RESERVATION REQUIREMENTS
In an effort to ensure safety and to promote an environment conducive to study, advanced reservation for expressive activity is required for events or activities that are near intersections, and/or near academic buildings anytime classes, study activities, and/or research are taking place.
5. RESERVATION PROCEDURES
5.1 All external reservations must complete a Facilities and Grounds Reservation Form. The form must be completed and returned to the Facilities Services Department at 2301 N. Ben Wilson, Victoria, Texas 77901. Requests may take seven days from receipt of request for the University to review your request. Reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
5.2 Internal Reservations must submit a reservation request online via the University Calendar. Registered student organizations may reserve space through the Office of Student Involvement.
5.3 Both external and internal reservations are required to submit a Multi-Purpose Room Setup Form, if reserving a Multi-Purpose Room.
5.4 The university reserves the right to locate or relocate any assembly to ensure that the activity does not interfere with the normal operation of the university or interfere with the rights of others.
5.5 The requesting group or individual seeking to reserve space pursuant to this rule must submit a completed Expressive Activity Description Form to the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs at least seven business days in advance of the proposed expressive activity. Absent extenuating circumstances, the Vice President for Student Affairs or designee will approve or deny the proposed expressive activity within five business days of receiving the Expressive Activity Description Form.
5.6 The decision to confirm a request for space will be based on proper and timely completion of the Reservation Request form, compliance with applicable requirements, and availability of space.
5.7 The decision to confirm will be based on the foregoing criteria, and in no circumstance will any decision be based on the content or viewpoint of the expressive activity or upon the expected reaction of others. If a request is denied, the rationale for the decision will be provided in writing. The denial of a reservation request can be appealed to the Vice President for Student Affairs.
At the time of the request, the following information will be required:
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- Name information of the person or organization sponsoring the event. Contact information for one individual who will be present during the course of the event.
- Location, date, and time requested for the event.
- General purpose of the event.
- List of planned activities (i.e. speech or rally, march with signs, distribution of literature, sit-in).
- Special equipment requested.
- Anticipated attendance.
5.8 For recognized student organizations, a member of the sponsoring organization must be present at the event and during the entire course of the event to retain the reservation.
5.9 The Vice President for Student Affairs or designee may require an expressive activity to relocate if: (1) the anticipated number or actual number of persons attending the event exceeds the reasonable capacity of the space intended for use and therefore, materially interferes with the educational mission of the University; or (2) the activity potentially conflicts with previously scheduled activities and events.
6. THIRD PARTY EVENTS
Third Party Events must follow the same procedures outlined in Section 5, as applicable, of this rule.
7. GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
7.1 Any person who believes that their campus expressive activity rights, as recognized by this rule and System Regulation 08.02.01, have been unduly interfered with by a student, student organization, or employee has the right to file a grievance.
7.2 Students may file a grievance with the Division of Student Affairs by completing this Complaints Form. Faculty may file a grievance by referring to 5.10 General Grievance Procedures - A&M-Victoria. Staff may file a grievance with Human Resources. Third-parties may file a grievance by completing this Complaints Form.
7.3 Those who choose to observe and/or listen to expressive activities bear the responsibility of recognizing and honoring the right of free speech. Any acts that are disruptive to the normal operations of the university, including classes and university business, or that invade the rights of others will not be tolerated. A student, student organization, or employee who is found to have unduly interfered with another person’s expressive activity rights, as recognized by this rule, is subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the university’s applicable rules and procedures. Any participant in a disruptive activity may also face criminal charges. The offices listed in section 8.2 of this rule are responsible for the complaint according to its normal procedures. Grievances may be referred to another office for review and further action, when appropriate.
8. IMPLEMENTATION
8.1 A copy of this rule and System Regulation 08.02.01 must be provided to students during New Student Conferences and other new student orientation programs.
8.2 This rule and System Regulation 08.02.01 must be posted on the university’s website.
8.3 A link to this rule must be included in student and employee handbooks, if maintained by the university.
8.4 Any person that participates in unlawful expressive activity, or that unduly interferes with the expressive activities of others on campus, including an Official University event or activity, may be subject to disciplinary action, as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct, in policies relating to faculty or staff discipline, or in policies or laws relating to visitors on campus.
Related Statutes, Policies, or Requirements
Texas Education Code § 51.9315, Protected Expression on Campus
Texas Government Code § 448.001
Executive Order GA-44 (March 27, 2024)
Contact Office
Student Affairs
(361) 485-4590