Camping and Use of Tents on Campus

Policy Information

Policy Title	Camping and Use of Tents on Campus
Responsible Office	Risk Management and Administrative Compliance
Policy Type	Facilities and Property
Policy Number	418
Last Revision Date	8/16/2024

Purpose

To set forth the Binghamton University campus policy on camping and the use of tents/canopies on campus.

Scope

Binghamton University 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.  Binghamton University 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 the University.

Definitions

Camping is defined as any of the following:

• The establishment of, or evidence of an attempt to establish, or maintenance of temporary or permanent living quarters at any location on University property other than living quarters in residence halls, apartments, or other University 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/campus policies.  For purpose of this definition, “living quarters” includes living rooms, bedrooms, or other spaces that are capable of being occupied as the equivalent of a residence or accommodation;
• Sleeping overnight in or under any parked vehicle; 
• Sleeping outdoors between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.;
• Establishing or maintaining 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, or other sleeping equipment, or by setting up any cooking equipment that has not been authorized according to the Office of Environmental Health & Safety.

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.

Tent is 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 University including, but not limited to, the general public, contractors, vendors, guests and visitors to the University, those using University facilities or property under a University revocable permit, and volunteers not enrolled as such on University systems.

University or campus is Binghamton University, State University of New York.

University grounds is defined as any university or affiliated-entity owned, operated and/or leased property.

Policy

1. Camping is not permitted on University or affiliated-owned or leased grounds, in or under University structures, or in University buildings except under the approved circumstances noted below.  This policy applies to all Binghamton University students, faculty, staff, affiliates, contractors and visitors.
   
   
2. Exceptions

Actions that constitute “camping” as defined above may be allowed with prior, written permission in the following limited circumstances:

• • • By artists or actors who participate in University authorized performances of pre-established duration that require by such actions as part of the artistic production and only so long as it relates to their performance;
    • As approved as part of a revocable permit for Campus use pursuant to SUNY Policy No. 5603 (Use of  Facilities by Non-Commercial Organizations)
    • As part of a temporary authorization granted for the purpose of acquiring athletic or other event tickets or passes, fundraising and awareness activities or other similar University-sponsored activities;
    • In extraordinary circumstances, such as times of natural disaster, when permission has been granted by the President of the University or their designee.

C.  Responsibilities, Enforcement and Compliance

• • • The Office of the Dean of Students, or a designee of the office, is responsible for addressing non-compliance with this policy by students.
    • The Office of Human Resources is responsible for addressing non-compliance with this policy by employees.
    • The New York State University Police at Binghamton is responsible for addressing non-compliance with this policy by persons other than employees or students, and may address violations of this policy by employees and students that constitute violation of law.
    • Requests for an exception to this policy must be made in writing to the Binghamton University Office of Risk Management and Administrative Compliance who is responsible for application review and the granting of exceptions.
    • Students, faculty and staff may be referred for discipline for alleged violation of this Policy.

D.  This Policy shall be effective immediately upon approval.

SUNY Policies

• 3653 – Rules for the Maintenance of Public Order
• 5607 – Commercial Use Policy
• 5603 – Use of Facilities by Non-Commercial Organizations

Date	Description	Responsible Party
7/30/2024	Included Office of HR responsible for non-compliance by employees.  Update approved by Senior Officers Group 7/29/2024.	Risk Management and Administrative Compliance
8/15/2024	Addition of Purpose, Scope, Definitions and Additional Exception.  Update approved by Senior Officers Group 8/13/24.	Risk Management and Administrative Compliance