8-2: Space Rental, Political Activity, Solicitation and Vending on Campus

Policy Overview

This policy regulates space rental on the Santa Fe Community College (SFCC or College) campus for the purpose of sales, solicitation of funds or support, political activity or dissemination of information.

Scope and Applicability

This policy applies to all groups and individuals who seek to use the SFCC campus for any of the above-named activities, regardless of whether a rental fee is paid through the Conference Services and Special Events Office.

Policy Statement

The purpose of the SFCC campus is to support the educational mission of the College. Because unregulated use of the campus has the potential to disrupt the learning environment, all requests to conduct sales, solicitation, promotion, vending or political activity are controlled through process and procedures under theConference Services and Special Events Office in the Marketing and Public Relations Department.

Definitions

1. College Groups are those groups that are directly funded through the College’s operating budget, or that reside on the campus.
2. Employee is any member of the college workforce: all staff (regular full-time, regular part-time, term, temporary, probationary, sensitive position); all student employees; all faculty (full-time, part-time, adjunct, probationary); all administrators, including interim; all contract employees.
3. External Groups are defined as: • Nonprofit organizations that don’t operate for a profit and are considered tax exempt based on a 501(c)3 status. • Corporate or business organizations that primarily exist to make a profit by buying and selling goods and services. • Government: an administrative unit of any local, state or national government agency. • Community Partners: an organization that provides services that build support for the community through collaborative work. • Political activity or organizations that seek involvement in governmental or public affairs.
4. Political Activity Activities including voting, seeking signatures on petitions or union cards, or campaigning for candidates.
5. Registered Student Club or Organization is a College-sponsored group that provides students the opportunity to share interests in academic or extracurricular activities. Involvement in clubs and organizations supports student retention and encourages engagement on and off campus. Students interact with peers and campus community members to pursue these interests and develop lifelong skills. Requirements for becoming a Registered Club or Organization: 1. Must be comprised of seven or more students who are registered in at least one credit hour (audit or credit), 2. Must have a sponsor who is a part- or full-time SFCC faculty or staff member. 3. Officers and advisers must attend orientation, and 4. Must comply with SFCC policies and procedures. In addition, a Registered Club: 1. Must submit an application with the Office of Student Development, and 2. Is eligible for funding from the Student Government Association. A Registered Student Organization is not eligible for funding through the Student Government Association unless they choose to become a Registered Student Club.
6. Solicitation The act of requesting something – usually money.
7. Vending Offering something for sale for profit.

Policy Process

1. Space may be rented under rate schedules maintained by the Conference Services and Special Events Office.
2. Nothing in this policy will preclude the College from entering into Joint Powers Agreements or other similar reciprocal arrangements with external parties that allow such external parties defined use of College facilities in exchange for in-kind donations to, or services for, the College.
3. Facilities may not be used by organizations or groups that have a delinquent debt to the College.
4. Solicitation
   1. Requests to solicit on the College campus are submitted in writing to the Executive Director of Marketing and Public Relations on organizational letterhead including the names of the persons who will be responsible for the solicitation. The letter should include the purpose of the request to solicit, the length of time the solicitation period is expected to last, and the specific purpose that will be served by the funds collected.
   2. The Executive Director of Marketing and Public Relations will decide whether to grant or deny the solicitation request or refer the request to the President. The President’s Executive Team may also be consulted before a decision is rendered.
   3. If the request for solicitation is denied, the solicitor may not challenge the decision.
   4. On campus solicitors who have permission, may not provoke, disrupt or interfere in any way with the normal business of the College.
5. Vending
   Vending of food on the College campus is prohibited unless authorized by the Executive Director of Marketing and Public Relations.
6. Political Activity
   1. Political Campaigning: SFCC respects the rights of all employees and citizens to be informed and exercise their political privileges including, but not limited to the following:
      1. Voting.
      2. ii. Seeking signatures on petitions or union cards.
      3. Seeking votes in any local, state or national election relating to either candidates or issues.
      4. Campaigning for candidates.
      5. Running for and serving in public office.
   2. Limitations on Political Activities by College employees:
      1. Employees may not engage in political activities during work hours or use College resources for any political campaign for an individual candidate or organization.
      2. When engaged in political activities, individuals and groups within the College may acknowledge their College affiliations, but must clearly explain that they are speaking only for themselves and not as a representative of the College.
      3. No outward facing political signs may be posted on the windows of private offices or cubicles, and no political signs may be posted on the exteriors of College buildings or grounds.
      4. Campaign or other political material may not be distributed through campus mail or email.
7. Public Expression on Campus
   “No person shall willfully interfere with the educational process of any public or private school by committing, threatening to commit or inciting others to commit any act which would disrupt, impair, interfere with or obstruct the lawful mission, processes, procedures or functions of a public or private school.”

(NMSA 30-20-13 D)

Statement of Accountability and Responsibility

The President through the Executive Director of Marketing and Public Relations and the Marketing and Public Relations Department shall be responsible for enforcing policies and procedures related to space rental, political solicitation, and vending activities. The Marketing and Public Relations Department shall work with different departments and offices to comply with this policy and to develop procedures that will enforce this policy regarding awareness, prevention and remediation.

Authority

Policy 2-1 Student Code of Conduct
Policy 4-1 Employee Code of Conduct
NMSA (Unannotated) > CHAPTER 30 Criminal Offenses >ARTICLE 20 Crimes Against Public Peace > 30-20-13. Interference with members of staff,
public officials or the general public; trespass; damage to property; misdemeanors; penalties. (1981)
Lease Agreement or Contract with Conference Services

APPROVAL
SFCC Governing Board approved: 5/25/16

Associated Procedures

• Space Rental, Political Activity, Solicitation and Vending on Campus – Procedures