1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to promote a respectful and productive campus environment that supports learning, living, working, and community engagement free from unnecessary or disruptive noise. It balances students’ rights to expression and activity with the rights of others to study, rest, and carry on normal daily activities.
The policy sets clear expectations for noise levels, including amplified sound, and provides standards for compliance and accountability across the campus community.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
- All students enrolled at the College, whether residing on campus or living off campus;
- All campus property and facilities, including outdoor areas, common spaces, academic buildings, residence halls, and student organization event sites;
- All activities and gatherings organized by individuals and student groups.
This policy governs behavior at all times, with specific standards for noise during defined hours and days.
3. Definitions
Amplified Sound:
Sound that is enhanced or projected using electronic equipment such as speakers, public address systems, instruments connected to amplifiers, or similar devices.
Noise:
Any sound that exceeds reasonable levels such that it interferes with others’ ability to study, sleep, conduct college business, or participate in campus life activities.
Disruptive Noise:
Noise that can be heard beyond the immediate area of its source at a volume or duration that unreasonably disturbs others.
4. Compliance and Noise Parameters
4.1 General Expectations
All students and groups must:
- Keep music, voices, and other sounds at reasonable levels that do not disturb others’ daily activities.
- Respect requests from community members, staff, or officials to lower noise levels.
- Ensure that gatherings and events comply with College policies and local ordinances.
Noise that is clearly audible outside the immediate area of its source and disrupts the campus community is not permitted.
4.2 Weekly Noise Standards
Weekday Business Hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
- All amplified sound is prohibited campus-wide during weekday business hours unless prior written approval is granted by the Division of Student Life, or its designee.
- Sound from devices or activities must be kept at levels that do not interfere with classes, business operations, study spaces, or other academic functions during these hours.
4.3 Evening and Weekend Noise Standards
Noise and amplified sound outside of business hours must also meet the following standards:
- Reasonable Sound Levels:
At all other times, noise should be maintained at levels reasonable for location, time of day, and campus activity. Factors like the event location, type, and proximity to academic spaces may be considered when assessing sound levels.
5. Authority and Enforcement
- College officials and staff have the authority to require compliance with this policy and to respond to complaints or observed violations.
- Students are expected to comply immediately with requests to reduce noise from any authorized representative, regardless of time or event status.
- Persistent or repeated noise disturbances may result in:
- Formal warnings,
- Fines,
- Referrals to the Student Conduct Process,
- Event restrictions or loss of privileges,
- Educational or community service sanctions.
Failure to comply with actions directed under this policy may be considered a separate violation.