Use of the Main Quadrangle and Memorial Court
Policy
The following is quoted from the policy:
The Main Quadrangle and Memorial Court are part of Stanford University's academic preserve due to their locations at the heart of the campus. To protect and enhance their historic status, University policy limits activities primarily to established or traditional ceremonies and events.
To schedule an event, approval must be obtained in advance from the Office of Stanford Events (see below). Unscheduled events, protests, or activities are prohibited.
Requests for waivers to this policy must be submitted in advance and in writing to the Office of Stanford Events. Exceptions may be granted only in extraordinary cases.
Resources
The following is a summary of resources available:
For instructions on use of the Main Quadrangle/Memorial Court, contact the Office of Special Events and Protocol (OSEP) at (650) 724-1387, or at the OSEP web site.
Note: White Plaza is made available to Stanford students, faculty, and staff for events other than scheduled "established or traditional ceremonies and events" including those that may involve amplified sound. For further information on the use of such other venues, students should contact Student Activities and Leadership (SAL) at (650) 723-2733, or at the SAL web site. Faculty and staff should contact the Office of Special Events and Protocol (OSEP).
Use of the Oval Policy
The Oval is considered to be the initial and official visual entrance to the Stanford University campus. Given this historic and aesthetic status, it is in the best interests of the University community and visiting members of the public to maintain its open and pristine space, to help preserve its natural beauty and environmental integrity. The Oval also presents the formal academic image of the University, leading directly to departments, classrooms and other academic space, and faculty and graduate student offices, and thus is subject to the University's Noise Policy.
The University prohibits formal or informal events of any kind to take place in the Oval. Gatherings of Stanford students, faculty, and staff such as demonstrations, rallies, or dances may take place in White Plaza, which can be reserved through the Office of Student Activities. Weddings also are not allowed in the Oval but are in certain circumstances allowed in Memorial Church (refer to Memorial Church wedding ceremony guidelines).
The Oval is considered a pedestrian zone and appropriate use of its space includes walking, running, reading, relaxing, and other limited recreational use of the lawn area (such as quiet, very small picnics and Frisbee), unless or until such use damages or otherwise harms the property.
Cooking food or use of any grill/barbecue or open flame is strictly prohibited. Fireworks or the use of other incendiary devices represent a safety hazard to the area and are therefore prohibited. Amplified sound from items such as boom boxes, musical instruments, or the use of bullhorns or amplified speakers is also prohibited. Only authorized Stanford service vehicles are permitted inside the Oval areas.
As the official entrance to the University, the Oval offers public access to general parking spaces in the marked areas surrounding the outer perimeter of the Oval; drivers are expected to obey all traffic signs and limitations. Buses are subject to additional restrictions.
For further information regarding this policy, contact the Executive Director of Special Events and Protocol, (650) 724-1387 or see the Office of Special Events & Protocol web site.
Use of White Memorial Plaza
White Plaza is a Stanford University space available for programs, speeches, rallies, information tables, banners and posters. It is considered a “free speech area” on campus. Students should follow the policy outlined on the Student Activities and Leadership web site to engage in student programmatic activity. Due to Stanford's non-profit status, for-profit commercial activity or corporate promotion of any kind is strictly regulated.
White Plaza is in the center of campus, so event planners should take particular care to avoid disruptive impact on classes, business, or events in the surrounding buildings. Events in White Plaza must be organized by University entities (student groups, departments, and programs) and require prior approval from Student Activities and Leadership (SAL).
