Campus Event Response Team (CERT)

Vital to the free and spirited exchange of ideas is that the exchange should be conducted in an appropriate forum. The outdoor areas of campus which are generally accessible to the public are available to be used for expressive activity on a first come, first served basis. The University does not limit demonstration activity taking place along its public roads and sidewalks, including leafleting and the dissemination of information, as long as the activity does not unreasonably restrict pedestrian traffic or cause damage to landscaping. In addition, there are several areas on campus with high visibility and historic significance that are particularly compatible with expressive activity (e.g., Bird Library Patio); those areas may be reserved in advance.

On the Health Sciences Center (OUHSC) Campus, the HSC Student Union is available to student groups and University departments as well as outside groups. Student organizations and outside groups can reserve space in the Founders Student Center on the OU-Tulsa Campus through the OU-Tulsa Student Affairs Office.  Interior spaces in academic buildings and business offices are not compatible with this type of expressive activity and are not available for reservation.  

The University encourages student groups to host events and speaking engagements on campus. Reservation of interior areas or certain outdoor areas is subject to registration through the HSC Student Union (OUHSC Campus), or the Procedures for Use of University Facilities (OUHSC Campus). A list of University facilities that may be leased for events is available by contacting the Office of Enterprise Risk Management (OUHSC Campus).  OU-Tulsa campus departments can reserve space by contacting Kendra Guthrie in Academic Operations.  Outside groups wishing to book space in Tulsa should contact Shelly Fowler in the OU-Tulsa President’s Office.

Events such as 5K runs, Walks, and Bi-Athlons require extensive coordination between OU administration and public safety officials. On the OUHSC campus, a request should be submitted to the Enterprise Risk Management Office.

While the primary purpose of University facilities and grounds is to further its academic mission for students, employees, and their invited guests, the University welcomes members of the public to campus. Visitors to campus should feel free to engage in expressive activity, including leafleting, in the publicly accessible outdoor areas of campus as long such activity does not interfere with the conduct of University business, such as by impeding ingress and egress or causing harm to the facilities or landscaping. Visitors should observe the regulations set forth in the Procedures for Use of University Facilities for the OUHSC Campus, or the Facility Use Policies and Procedures as applicable.

Please note that special rules apply on special event days and home football game days (Norman Campus) because of the high concentration of people moving about campus on those days.