Camping on University Property
Procedure Administrator: Vice President for Student Affairs
Authority: N.J.S.A. 18A:64-8
Effective Date: August 26, 2024
Index Cross-References: Procedure 3103 Use of University Property; 6910 Open Fires on University Property
Procedure File Number: 3122
Approved By: Dr. Joe Bertolino, President
I. Purpose
To establish the conditions and requirements for camping on University Property.
II. Definitions
A. Camp or Camping is defined as any of the following:
1. Establishing or maintaining outdoors, anytime between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., a temporary or permanent place for sleeping, occupying or cooking by setting up any camp paraphernalia,
2. Establishing, or attempting to establish, temporary or permanent living quarters on University property other than residence halls, apartments or other University housing, and
3. Sleeping in or under any parked vehicle.
B. Camp paraphernalia includes, but is not limited to tents, automobiles, trucks, recreational vehicles, tarps, sleeping bags, beds and bedding, cots, mattresses, hammocks, cooking or warming equipment, or any temporary or makeshift outdoor shelter.
C. Student Organizations: Groups or organizations comprised of students and officially recognized by the University.
D. University Property: Any facility or property owned, operated, leased or maintained by the University, including all of the buildings and grounds on the University’s campuses and instructional sites, or any building, property, trees or otherwise within the direction and control of the University.
III. General Provisions
A. Except in extraordinary circumstances such as a natural disaster or emergency training exercises, the University will only permit Student Organizations to Camp on University Property with prior written approval from the Office of Event Services and Campus Center Operations. Student Organizations must submit their request to Camp on University Property to the Office of Event Services and Campus Center Operations at least four weeks prior to the requested use date.
B. Approval to Camp is only permitted in designated locations and for the number of students who are listed in the written request. The University may at any time revoke an approval to Camp due to disruptions with the University’s normal operations or unsafe risks to the public health, safety and welfare of the University community.
C. Camping is limited to a maximum of two nights due to public safety, security, and sanitation service requirements.
D. The attachment of any item to University Property at an approved designated Camping location is prohibited.
E. Visitors who are not members of University faculty or staff or the approved Student Organization may only visit the approved Camping location between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. The number of individuals present at the approved
Camping location from 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. shall not exceed the number approved by the Office of Event Services and Campus Center Operations, and the individuals are required to possess and present, upon request, their University identification cards. Individuals who do not present their University identification cards will be asked to vacate the University Property.
F. Unless otherwise approved by the Office of Event Services and Campus Center Operations, the Chief of the Stockton University Police Department, and the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety or otherwise permitted by University procedures, open flame, open flame devices and open burning are prohibited on University Property. Open flame and open flame devices shall include but are not limited to grills, candles, fireworks, lamps, tiki torches, oil lanterns, campfires, bonfires and fire pits.
IV. Compliance with Procedure
A. Any person who is found Camping without express written approval will be asked to vacate the premises immediately. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary or administrative action, as appropriate, up to and including termination and expulsion in accordance with applicable University policies and procedures.
B. Any person in violation of this or any other University policy or procedure may be removed and/or prosecuted for trespass, disorderly conduct, or other offenses under federal or New Jersey law.
Review History:
Procedure Administrator 08/06/2024
Divisional Executive 08/06/2024
General Counsel 08/06/2024\
Cabinet 08/26/2024
President 08/26/2024
