Last updated: September 24, 2024
Purpose
To set forth the State University of New York (SUNY) Campus policy on camping and the use of tents/canopies on campus.
Scope
SUNY New Paltz is committed to maintaining a clean, aesthetically pleasing, healthy, hygienic and safe work, educational, and living environment in order to effectively carry out its educational mission. SUNY New Paltz is authorized to control its buildings and grounds consistent with the SUNY policies for use of facilities, which prohibit the use of university property or buildings for purposes unrelated to the regular programs and activities of the University.
Definitions
Camping:
- In indoor or outdoor locations, the establishment of, evidence of an attempt to establish, or maintenance of temporary or permanent living quarters at any location on University property other than living quarters in residence halls and living quarters in apartments, or other University-managed housing—this includes the establishment of any indoor and/or outdoor encampment erected in connection with any lawful assembly of individuals pursuant to SUNY New Paltz policies;
- Sleeping overnight on, in, or under any parked vehicle; or
- Establishing or maintaining indoors or outdoors, or on, in or under, any structure not designated for human occupancy, at any time during the day or night, a temporary or permanent place for cooking, storing of personal belongings, or sleeping by setting up any bedding, sleeping bag, mattress, tent, or other sleeping equipment, or by setting up any cooking equipment that has not been approved by the Office of Environmental Health and Safety.
Campus or Campuses is any University owned, leased, licensed or operated space, facility, property, grounds or building.
Canopy is a structure, enclosure or shelter constructed of fabric or pliable materials supported by any manner, except by air or the contents it protects, and is open without side walls or drops on 75 percent or more of the perimeter.
Permit is a written document approved by the Office of Environmental Health and Safety Code Enforcement Officer, or their designee, issued to campus personnel to ensure that tents and canopies are compliant with Fire Code of New York State. Permits may be revoked if permit conditions are not followed.
Tailgating – is an informal gathering from the back of a parked vehicle, typically in the parking lot associated with a sporting event. Tailgating is permitted in the following parking lots: Elting, Lenape, Wallkill and West. Tailgating space is limited to those patrons with an appropriate parking pass or permit (if applicable). Access to the tailgating area may be limited to those patrons who have a valid ticket for the game or event associated with the University being held that day. A map to view these spaces is available at: https://www.newpaltz.edu/media/free-speech/tailgating%20lots%20map.pdf
Tent- any and all structures, enclosure or shelter constructed of any material, including but not limited to fabric or pliable materials supported by any manner.
Third Party or Parties is any person, organization, group or entity not affiliated with the University including, but not limited to, the general public, contractors, vendors, guests and visitors to the University, those using University facilities or property under a University revocable permit, and volunteers not enrolled as such on University systems.
University is SUNY New Paltz.
Policy
- Camping is prohibited on University Campuses.
- Exceptions
- Actions that constitute “camping” as defined above may be allowed in the following limited circumstances:
- Current Students: With the advance written approval of Center for Student Engagement through student event processes outlined in the CSE Handbook.
- Non-students (faculty, staff, third-party): With written approval through the Event Request Process submitted via FUSE form.
- As approved as part of a revocable permit for Campus use pursuant to SUNY Policy No. 5603 (Use of Facilities by Non-Commercial Organizations).
- Tailgating and tailgate parties are excluded from this policy.
- Hammocks are permitted for temporary and daytime use only. They are not permitted to remain in place or for overnight use (10pm-8am).
- In extraordinary circumstances, such as times of natural disaster or other extenuating circumstances, when approved in writing in advance by the President of the University or their designee.
- Enforcement and Compliance
- SUNY New Paltz Center for Student Engagement, Student Affairs and/or University Police Department is responsible for addressing non-compliance with this policy by all persons and may address violations of this policy that constitute criminal trespass or any other violation of law.
- Students may be referred to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards for alleged violation of this Policy.
For Tents and Canopies Larger Than 400 Square Feet, please see Office of Environmental Health & Safety’s Campus Tent and Canopy Use Requirements