Solicitation Policy – Ram Handbook

This policy establishes acceptable means of solicitation on the campus of Framingham State University.

I. Preamble

As used in this policy, “solicitation” means the attempted sale, lease, rental, or offer for sale, lease or rental of any property, product, merchandise or service, whether for immediate or future delivery; or the distribution of information in support of these activities. This policy shall also cover items which are intended to be distributed free-of-charge.

The enforcement of this policy will ensure a campus environment conducive to student learning.

II. Policy Statement

Solicitation shall be permitted, subject to reasonable regulation as to time, place and manner thereof.

No student, student organization, employee, outside agency, or outside person shall solicit sales or offer anything for sale or free-of-charge to any employee or student on the campus of Framingham State University, unless approved in advance by an authorized member of the University’s administration.

Approval will be granted if –

The proposed activity provides a clear benefit to the university, consistent with its purpose, aiding the achievement of the university’s educational objectives, and
does not unreasonably interfere with the operation of the campus, and;
is not prohibited by law.

Particular examples of a clear benefit to the university include the following:

To provide educational experience for students participating in the management of certain auxiliary enterprises or appropriate university activities;
To present recreational, cultural or educational programs that are unique or that would not be available without commercial co-sponsorship (e.g., a “wellness fair” co-sponsored by the health center and local businesses);
To enhance student recruitment or other public relations programs (e.g., use of campus facilities by commercial organizations sponsoring youth programs);
To permit printing of certain publications the university would not otherwise afford (e.g., athletic event schedules or theatrical programs);
To provide products or services the campus could not otherwise make available (e.g., trophies, class rings, specialty items).

III. Regulations

The benefits of the proposed activity must outweigh any negative consequences for the university. For example:

Commercial solicitation may not interfere or compete with the commercial operations of Framingham State University or contractual relations with its affiliates; or infringe upon the university’s trademarks or other intellectual property rights.
Commercial solicitation activities are prohibited in university residence halls and certain academic or administrative buildings and may not interfere with instruction, the orderly operation of the university and the maintenance of its grounds; obstruct the free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic; use sound amplification equipment; or in any way interfere with the rights of other persons on university property.
False, misleading or illegal claims are prohibited and commercial solicitors may not make any representation, implied or direct, that indicates an endorsement or guarantee of products or services by Framingham State University.
Offering gifts to students for filling out credit card applications is prohibited.
Commercial solicitation activities may not constitute a clear and present danger jeopardizing public or individual safety.

IV. Miscellaneous provisions:

In exchange for the opportunity to solicit sales on campus the university may charge, at its discretion, a commercial solicitation fee.
Individuals who wish to distribute commercial materials must provide their names and contact information to the authorized administrative designee, as well as a copy of the materials to be distributed. The materials must clearly indicate the name of the sponsoring person or organization.
Commercial solicitors must be properly licensed or otherwise permitted by an appropriate governmental body.
This policy does not apply to private sales or distribution between individuals when there is no attempt to solicit or sell to the general campus population.
This policy does not apply to advertisements in the campus newspaper or any university publication.
Common space for these purposes is limited; preference is always given to requests from internal constituencies.
Solicitors are encouraged to contact the office of Student Involvement and Leadership to determine whether partnering with a student club or group would be beneficial. This office can be reached at sild@framingham.edu or (508) 626-4615.

V. Procedure for Solicitation Requests:

Anyone seeking to enter campus for the purpose of solicitation shall obtain permission from the Coordinator of Campus Events. You may contact Autumn Sendzik at asendzik@framingham.edu or (508) 626-4986 with requests. Permission must be requested at least two (2) weeks prior and will contain instructions as to the location, date, and time permitted to be on campus.
Upon arrival on campus, solicitors shall report to University Police and present proof of permission to be on campus. University Police will produce a parking place and direct the solicitor to the venue for which he/she has been approved to be present.

VI. Violations of this Policy

In the case of a violation of this policy, permission to engage in commercial solicitation may be revoked, and future requests may be canceled or denied. Non-affiliated commercial solicitors will be asked to leave the campus by the Framingham State University Police Department.