8.07 Commercial Sales and Solicitation On Campus

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to specify the parameters within which commercial sales and solicitation are permitted on University property.

Policy Statement

Sales persons or agents for any product, service, proposition, or cause are prohibited from soliciting employees, students or others on University property or by campus mail systems except as detailed in this policy. This prohibition applies to employees and students as well as to organizations and individuals not affiliated with the University. 

A.  Definition

Solicitation is defined as any activity which has as its primary purpose the advertisement of or the inducement to purchase or endorse a product, service, proposition, or cause.

B.  Space scheduling and assignment

Event facilities on University property may permit commercial sales and solicitation related to events or activities in accordance with their specific guidelines or event contracts, provided they do not otherwise violate University policies and procedures or other applicable laws or regulations.  It is recommended, therefore, that before planning an event, planners verify specific policies with the facility:

  1. Scheduling and assignment of Maucker Union meeting spaces, Lang Hall Auditorium, Gilchrist Hall meeting spaces and outdoor campus spaces will be by the Director, Maucker Union Administration or designee.
  2. Scheduling and assignment of the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center non-instructional spaces will be by the Executive Director of the GBPAC or designee.
  3. Scheduling and assignment of the UNI-Dome, McLeod Center, West Gym athletic facilities, outdoor track, and other athletics facilities will be by the Director of Athletics  or designee.
  4. Scheduling and assignments of spaces in the Wellness/ Recreation Center, tennis courts, west fields, Bender field, and other recreational facilities will be by the Director of Wellness/Recreation Services or designee.
  5. Scheduling and assignment of the Commons meeting spaces (Slife Ballroom, Georgian Lounge, Porch) will be by the Executive Director, University Housing & Dining or designee.
  6. Scheduling and assignment of Center for Multicultural Education spaces will be by the Director of the Center for Multicultural Education or designee.
  7. For spaces not specified above, any sales and solicitation activity requires approval by the administrator responsible for the facility.

C.  Solicitation by University units

Solicitation by University units consistent with their mission is permitted.  This includes the following instances:

  1. When the sale of merchandise is affiliated with an official university-sponsored event.
  2. When the solicitation/sale is an integral and sanctioned part of the University’s educational, research, or public service mission.
  3. When the solicitation is necessary to facilitate internal support activities (e.g. open enrollment for the university health plan).

Fundraising activities by University registered student organizations, including appeals which raise funds for non-profit organizations, are permitted.  All such activities require advance reservation of a space and must comply with the guidelines of the facility where the activity is located.  (See also Solicitation of Employees by Charitable Organizations below)

D.  Solicitation of Employees by Charitable Organizations

Permission may be granted by the Senior Vice President for Finance and Operations for solicitation of employees by charitable organizations if all of the following circumstances are present:

  1. The charitable organization submits documentation of its tax-exempt status as provided in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
  2. The solicitation is conducted through the University’s mail system(s), or once a year through a coordinated campaign of all eligible organizations meeting the conditions, and giving written notice to the University of the desire to participate at least 120 days prior to the campaign period.
  3. The charitable organization pays any administrative and out-of-pocket costs associated with using the University mail system(s) or other University facilities/services.
  4. The solicitation occurs only once in any calendar year and does not interfere with normal university operations. No solicitation using the University’s facilities may occur except as described above. However, any eligible charitable organization may arrange under the conditions identified above to conduct information sessions at which no solicitation occurs, and at such times and places and in such manner as the University deems reasonable.

An eligible charitable organization acting pursuant to these rules may use the payroll deduction system described in the Code of Iowa only if qualified under the terms of those provisions and only if the University’s payroll system has available capacity.

E. General public announcements

General public announcements and poster displays are not considered "solicitations" under this policy (see UNI policy 8.05 Posting of Non-Commercial Signs and Displays). 

F.  Student organization recruitment

University registered student organizations’ activities promoting or soliciting membership in said organizations are not considered “solicitations” under this policy.

G.  Exceptions

Exceptions may be granted, in writing, by the Senior Vice President for Finance and Operations (when it relates to employees) or the Vice President for Student Affairs (when it relates to students) or their designee(s).

Questions on policy application and exceptions should be addressed to the Senior Vice President for Finance and Operations.

 

Office of Vice President for Student Affairs, revised and approved September 25, 2013 
Office of Vice President for Administration and Financial Services, approved May 2, 2014 
President’s Cabinet, approved May 12, 2014 
President and Executive Management Team, approved May 27, 2014