Hosting an event on campus
Please first review the University of Minnesota procedure for Elected Official Events and our Major Events Policy.
Please note:
- Campaigns will pay all expenses incurred for a political/non-official event, including security.
- Registered student groups may serve as a host of a campaign event, but all expenses associated with the event (venue rental, security, custodial, etc.) will be paid by the campaign and charged at the non-University entity rate.
Use of University facilities is governed by Administrative Policy: Use and Lease of Real Estate. More specifically, Use and Lease of University Real Estate by Non-University Entities. Any questions pertaining to use agreements should be directed to [email protected].
Event and Conference Guidelines
Outdoor Events: Policy and Appendix
Serving food at your event
Door-knocking at residence halls
The University of Minnesota considers residence halls homes and has a firm policy on when, where, and how candidates may enter these student homes.
HRL Political Solicitation Policy (PDF)
Are you planning on distributing campaign literature?
Here is our policy and TC campus appendix.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact Tina Erazmus, Director of Local Government and Community Relations at: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
May I reserve a campus facility to campaign?
- Yes. Please consult our policy on Use and Lease of University Real Estate by Non-University Entities for indoor facilities. If outdoors, please review our procedures for outdoor events.
- From there you may reach out to one of our first contacts to arrange the use of a campus facility.
- You are responsible for paying the related permits and fees associated with your campus facility usage.
What are some commonly used spaces for events on Campus?
Common outdoor facilities include Coffman Memorial Union Plaza, Gateway Plaza at McNamara Alumni Center, Northrop Plaza, St Paul Student Center Plaza, and West Bank Plaza
Are there any fees related to reserving a place on campus?
Yes. It is your campaign’s responsibility to cover any costs associated with your campus visit.
If I’m a candidate and a student organization invites my campaign to campus, do I still have to reserve a common space myself?
Yes. You are also required to pay the full reservation fee. Student organizations may not use student group funds or discounts to pay for campaign-related expenses.
If I’d like to hand out flyers related to my candidate’s campaign, how can I do so?
- You are allowed to hand out fliers, but are restricted to foyer and lobby areas in campus academic buildings. Distributing published materials in stairways, classrooms, offices, hallways, doorways, ramps, elevators, or escalators is prohibited.
- In nonacademic buildings, including all University parking facilities, handout distribution is prohibited except with permission from the offices designated in the Distribution of Temporary Information Through Publications, Banners, or Chalking policy and related campus procedures. You may find those policies here.
If I’d like to post fliers related to my candidate's campaign, how can I do so?
- For posting fliers in campus academic buildings, you may use bulletin boards expressly provided for public use.
- If you’d like to post them outside, please consult the list of kiosks through Facilities Management List of Kiosks and Outdoor Posting Areas: Twin Cities in our University Policy Library. Posters, flyers, and signs for outdoor posting can be no larger than 14 by 22 inches.
My campaign’s constituency includes the University district. May I come doorknock in the student residence halls?
Yes. Please contact our Housing and Residential Life Department if you are a candidate whose constituency includes the University District. That includes contacting the Housing and Residential Life offices for EACH dormitory you wish to enter.
While my candidate’s constituency doesn’t include the University District, may I still come doorknock?
Possibly, if we can meet your request. State law indicates that access is reserved for candidates who are only located within the district or territory that will be represented by the office. If your constituency doesn’t include the University District, you may be denied access to residence halls. Minnesota Statutes Section 211B.20, subdivision b.
If I’m a volunteer and my candidate is unable to doorknock because they are busy with another obligation, can I still doorknock in the residence halls?
No. State law allows for volunteers to doorknock, but only if their respective candidate is present in the same building with them. Minnesota Statutes Section 211B.20, subdivision c-d.
I have a campaign question that isn’t listed here. Who should I contact?
Please reach out to our Local Government and Community Relations Director, Tina Erazmus, with any remaining questions. You can email her at [email protected]. Please allow for 1-3 business days for a reply.