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STUDENT AFFAIRS OP 91.310: Outdoor Amplified Music

Date: August 2, 1994

Purpose

To provide uniform guidelines to ensure appropriate times and noise levels are recognized and observed for outdoor musical events.

Policy

Concerts, dances, stepshows, and other musical events have long been among the favorite extracurricular activities of Mississippi State University students. Indeed, quality musical entertainment by "name" performers is generally regarded by students as enhancing a university's reputation for providing an appealing campus atmosphere. Outdoor venues for musical events, such as the university amphitheater and Greek house property, have become increasingly popular. The university realizes the freedom to enjoy outdoor music must be weighed against the basic right of students and other residents of the university community to enjoy an atmosphere free from excessive noise. The university allows outdoor amplified music on campus under the following conditions designed to minimize distractions from the educational purpose of the university and unwarranted disturbance of residents of the university community.

Procedure

  1. Weekends

    On-campus, outdoor events with amplified music will be limited to the weekends of home football games during the fall semester and to a maximum of four weekends during the spring semester. The spring weekends, one of which will be Super Bulldog Weekend, will be set no later than the end of the first week of class of spring semester by a committee comprised of the Dean of Students, the Director of Colvard Student Union, a representative from the University Police Department, and a student representative.

  2. Weekdays

    Outdoor amplified music during the week will be limited to pre-recorded music on Thursday evening from 8 p.m. until 11 p.m. Exceptions for special campus-wide events such as concerts sponsored by Music Makers may be made by the above committee. Specially approved weekday outdoor concerts, or other amplified music events must end by 10 p.m. Weekday events with outdoor amplified music that are held adjacent to classroom buildings may not begin until the normal time for classes has ended (9 p.m.).

  3. Times

    The times during which outdoor amplified music will be allowed on approved dates are as follows:

    1. Thursday: 8 p.m. until 11 p.m. (pre-recorded music only)

    2. Friday: 8 p.m. until 1 a.m. Saturday

    3. Saturday: 10 a.m. until 1 a.m. Sunday
    4. Sunday: 1 p.m. until 6 p.m.

  4. Sound Level

    The maximum sound level permitted for outdoor amplified music is 100 decibels, to be measured at the property line of the venue of the musical event.

  5. Organizational Responsibility

    It is the responsibility of the sponsoring organization to control the sound level of the event. Complaints received by University Police Department will be relayed to an organization officer whose name and phone number must be specified on the Student Activity Coordination Form in the area labeled "student in charge." If the sound level is not managed properly, after one warning the event may be stopped by university officials.

Review

The Vice President for Student Affairs is responsible for the review of this operating policy every four years or as needed.

OP 91.310
9/12/06

 

For information about this policy, contact the responsible/reviewing department hyperlinked above.