Guidelines for Safer Campus Demonstrations

Practice

• assembling peacefully
• participating in meaningful conversations
• handing out flyers and brochures
• allowing a ten-foot perimeter of clearance around academic buildings
• respecting other demonstrators’ ability to engage in speech and display messages without blocking the view of participants or causing the speaker to not be heard
• following university policies and procedures

Avoid 

• blocking entrances and exits
• creating disruptions in buildings or at university events
• vandalizing campus
• engaging in physical violence or inciting others to take violent actions
• using amplified sound – sound with volume increased by any electronic, mechanical, or motor-powered means without reservation and outside of the designated amplified sound areas
• attempting to force others to view or listen to a message by coercion, badgering, or intimidation

Alternative Demonstation Formats

Online Formats

• use platforms like Zoom or Google Meet for educational events, meetings, vigils or to host a speaker with an alternative point of view
• use an online petition platform such as change.org, ipetitions.com or gopetition.com
• use social media to host campaigns and involve supporters

Statements

• letter-writing campaigns to a speaker, public representative or a UT Austin department or administrator
• write an op-ed in a campus or local publication, such as The Daily Texan
• declarations of action and/or support by student organizations

Other Demonstration Activities

• make a donation or fundraise
• wear pins or t-shirts for a cause
• post signs in your yard or window
• contact your elected officials
• contact leadership and members of the Legislative Student Organizations: Graduate Student Assembly, Senate of College Councils, and Student Government

Comparing Registered and Sponsored Student Organizations

Both registered and sponsored student organizations are groups able to host events, post signs, hang banners and meet on campus. Both registered and sponsored student organizations are required to have at least 10 members and a constitution.

Differences Between Registered and Sponsored Student Organizations

Registered Student Organizations

• advisors are optional
• considered private entities and do not represent the university
• new organizations start as registered student organizations
• groups control their finances and off campus bank account
• trademark usage is prohibited
• religious and political affiliations allowed

Sponsored Student Organizations

• advisors are required
• affiliation with a UT Austin department or unit
• sponsored organizations must first become a registered student org
• org accounting must be done on campus through sponsoring unit
• trademark usage allowed with approval
• religious and political affiliations prohibited

Both Types of Organizations 

• can advertise and connect through HornsLink
• are eligible for awards and recognition programs
• can make room reservations
• can be eligible for funding and fundraising
• can use Student Activities resources