I. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to provide a uniform basis upon which the Volunteer State Community College (VSCC) can regulate the use of campus property and facilities while complying with the College’s mission of supporting an educational atmosphere. The policy incorporates the guidelines established in the Tennessee Board of Regents "Access to and Use of Campus Property and Facilities.” This policy shall be implemented and construed to ensure no undue disruption of the mission, promote an educational atmosphere on campus, prevent commercial exploitation of students, and prevent use of campus property and facilities contrary to federal, state or local law, regulation, or the rules and policies of the TBR, and its institutions.
In establishing this policy, the College recognizes the importance to the educational process and environment for persons affiliated with VSCC, including officially recognized student organizations and other groups to have reasonable access to, and use of, the educational facilities at VSCC. Simultaneously, the College also makes clear that its facilities are not open public forums but are instead intended solely for use consistent with the advancement and orderly administration of its educational mission for the benefit of its students, staff, and affiliated entities. As such, VSCC does not ordinarily make its buildings or other facilities available to outside individuals or outside groups. Exceptions may be made only if the proposed use is consistent with this policy and College policy and mission.
The College has created Campus Use Guidelines that are posted on the Plant Operations website to provide further detail of the process of requesting the use of VSCC property and facilities.
II. Access to Campuses and Use of Property/Facilities
A. Access to Facilities and Prioritized Users
- Access to and use of College campuses, facilities, and property is restricted to official College functions and normal educational activities for affiliated individuals/entities, invited or sponsored College guests, or for when part or all of a campus, its buildings or facilities are open to the general public for a designated time and purpose. Individuals or groups not affiliated with the College may apply for use of designated spaces as outlined within the policy.
- Use of facilities is limited to one-time events or short term or intermittent programs where access is permitted.
- Priority for the use of College facilities is in the following order: 1) credit and non-credit classes and programs, 2) college-sponsored activities, 3) all other requests for usage.
- Use of Facilities by College Employees, Students and Groups and Non-College Individuals and Entities
The process to request use of College facilities and properties is detailed in the Campus Use Guidelines as posted on the Plant Operations website.
B. Bulletin Boards/Posting
- The Vice President for Student Services shall designate the locations on campus which are available for use and placement of decorations, posters, or signs.
- All posted materials must be approved through the Office of the Vice President for Student Services. If materials are denied posting by the Office of Vice President for Student Services, the individual seeking permission may appeal to the Vice President for Student Services.
- Decisions by the Vice President for Student Services regarding literature distribution may be appealed to the President.
C. General Restrictions
- College equipment and supplies shall not be taken off the campus except as required to support classes and official programs conducted by College budgeted departments. College facilities, equipment and supplies shall not be used in support of an off-campus non-College budgeted event. However, with the permission of the President, the College may loan equipment, such as tables and chairs, to government and charitable organizations that serve the local community. In those instances, the organization must sign a written agreement in advance that if the property is lost, stolen, or damaged in any manner, the organization will make full and immediate restitution to the College.
- No gambling is permitted on the College campus, except if permits are obtained from the State of Tennessee and copies provided to College officials.
- Wearing of cleats will not be permitted inside College buildings.
- Gasoline engine vehicles will not be used or stored in College buildings without the specific permission of the College's Vice President for Business and Finance.
TBR Source: 3:02:02:00: TBR Meetings, December 8, 1978; March 10, 1979; March 18, 1983; September 30, 1983; September 18, 1987; March 16, 1990; September 21, 1990. Revised and renamed 1:03:02:50 Access To and Use of Campus Property and Facilities, September 22, 2011. Effective on May 30, 2012; G-030: November 12, 1985, Presidents' Meeting; August 15, 1989, Presidents' Meeting; November 8, 1995, Presidents' Meeting; May 14, 1996 Presidents' Meeting; November 12, 1996, Presidents' Meeting; August 5, 1997 Presidents' Meeting, November 5, 1997 Presidents' Meeting; February 17, 1998 Presidents' Meeting & March 27, 1998 Board Meeting; November 4, 1998 Presidents' Meeting, November 7, 2001 Presidents Meeting. August 16, 2005 Presidents’ Meeting, August 16, 2006 Presidents’ Meeting; May 15, 2007 Presidents’ Meeting, February 12, 2008 Presidents’ Meeting; Presidents Meeting, November 5, 2008; Presidents Meeting, February 17, 2009; Presidents’ Meeting, August 11, 2009; Presidents’ Meeting, August 17, 2010; Presidents’ Meeting, August 16, 2016; Ministerial Changes February 14, 2025
VSCC Source: March 9, 1989, President; March 26, 1999, President; January 28, 2009, President's Cabinet; April 4, 2011, President’s Cabinet; August 26, 2015, President’s Cabinet; December 21, 2022, President’s Cabinet; November 15, 2023, President’s Cabinet; May 14, 2025, President’s Cabinet
