March 19, 2008

Facilities use policy addresses building hours, camping

Carol Shelby, senior director of environmental health and public safety, says that some confusion this semester illustrated the need to increase awareness of the policy's contents.

"Most recently, there was a misunderstanding about whether students could stay overnight in Stewart Center when lining up to purchase tickets for the upcoming Dierks Bentley concert," Shelby says. "We discovered that many people were unaware that each building has set hours under the facilities use policy. Once the building closes, University administrators will ask people to leave if they do not have an official business reason to be there."

Official University business includes classes, research, work, or scheduled meetings. The policy allows for exceptions through the approval of the executive vice president and treasurer or an authorized representative.

A building's use typically determines how long it will be open, and at times a department head will request extended hours, says Martha May, senior director for buildings and grounds. Faculty, staff and students can contact a building deputy for building hours.

Shelby says Purdue Student Security Patrol is checking exterior building doors to ensure that the doors are locked on schedule at Stewart Center and across campus.

Camping also falls under the facilities use policy and is not allowed without prior approval. In February, members of the Paint Crew staked out their places in line for general admission seating almost a week before the Michigan State men's basketball game.

"We had rules about line formation in place all year long, and the students were breaking those rules by camping," says Heather Hoesly, director of promotions. "When we discussed the issue, it was determined there was also a policy on campus that prohibited camping. The policy helped support our decision not to allow it."

Shelby says the facilities use policy will be enforced uniformly, and that it applies not only to buildings but also to any structure or land that is owned, used or occupied by Purdue.

"The policy is in place to protect our facilities and land, and to provide for the safety and security of the Purdue community," Shelby says. "In order to accomplish those goals, it is our duty to apply the policy consistently, whether it be for tickets sales, general admission seating, protests or any other situation."

The facilities use policy is available at www.purdue.edu/policies/pages/facilities_lands/i_4_1.html.

Facilities use policy bans concealed weapons on campus

The shootings at Northern Illinois University and Virginia Tech have prompted a reminder about Purdue's ban on concealed weapons on campus.

"I think that the general population of staff is well aware that the University does not allow people to carry concealed weapons, but it's something that bears repeating following these tragedies," says Carol Shelby, senior director of environment, health and safety.

The ban falls under Purdue's facilities use policy. Only law enforcement officers  or persons authorized by the executive vice president and treasurer are allowed to carry firearms on campus.

Shelby says that any changes to the policy, which is an executive memorandum, would require approval by the president.

The facilities use policy is available at www.purdue.edu/policies/pages/facilities_lands/i_4_1.html.