Approved by Rockland Community College Board of Trustees on September 23, 2024.

Purpose

To set forth the Rockland Community College campus policy on camping and the use of tents/canopies on campus.

Scope

Rockland Community College is committed to maintaining a clean, aesthetically pleasing, healthy, hygienic and safe work, educational, and overall environment in order to effectively carry out its educational mission. Rockland Community College is authorized to control its buildings and grounds consistent with the SUNY policies for use of facilities, which prohibit the use of college property or buildings for purposes unrelated to the regular programs and activities of the college.

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 college property—this includes the establishment of any indoor and/or outdoor encampment erected in connection with any lawful assembly of individuals pursuant to Rockland Community College policies;
• Sleeping overnight in or under any parked vehicle; or
• Establishing or maintaining indoors or outdoors, or 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, hammock or other sleeping equipment, or by setting up any cooking equipment that has not been approved by the Department of Public Safety.

Campus or Campuses is defined as any college owned, leased, licensed or operated space, facility, property, grounds or building.

Canopy is defined as 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 defined as a written document prepared by the College President or Officer In Charge issued to Campus Personnel to allow the set up and use of a tent or canopy for a specified amount of time. Permits may be revoked if permit conditions are not followed.

Tailgating – Is defined as an informal gathering from the back of a parked vehicle, typically in the parking lot of a sports stadium or event venue. Tailgating is permitted in the parking lots of the college subject to college policies regarding the alcohol prohibition and other applicable policies. Tailgating space is limited to those patrons with an appropriate parking pass or permit. Access to the tailgating area may be limited to those patrons who have a valid game ticket for the contest being held that day.

Tent – Is defined as 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 are defined as any person, organization, group or entity not affiliated with the college including, but not limited to, the general public, contractors, vendors, guests and visitors to the college, those using college facilities or property under a college revocable permit, and volunteers not enrolled at Rockland Community College.

Policy

1. Camping is prohibited on Rockland Community College grounds and property.
2. Exceptions
   1. Actions that constitute “camping” as defined above may be allowed with prior, written permission in the following limited circumstances:
      1. With the advance written approval of the Director of Public Safety in consultation with the College President or their designee.
      2. Tailgating and tailgate parties are excluded from this policy.
      3. In extraordinary circumstances, such as times of natural disaster, when approved in writing in advance by the Director of Public Safety in consultation with the Rockland Community College President or their designee.
3. Enforcement and Compliance
   1. Rockland Community College Department of Public Safety 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.
   2. Students may be referred to Judicial Affairs for alleged violation of this Policy.
4. This Policy shall be effective immediately upon approval.

Additional Procedure for Tents and Canopies Larger Than 400 Square Feet

1. For tents or canopies described above the college in its discretion shall be permitted to request and approve additional plans such as drawings, seating charts, etc. The approval for use of these tents and canopies will be made in consultation with local or county officials to ensure their safety.