Amplified Sound

Amplified sound including, but not limited to, the use of electrical speakers, radios, DJ equipment, bullhorns, and musical instruments is permitted outdoors on the University and Balabanis Art Quads providing it does not exceed 90 sound decibels, ten (10) feet from the amplified sound, between 12-1 pm Monday - Friday, 70 sound decibels during other University operating hours, and must not disrupt University business. Amplified sound is intended to be heard in the immediate area only. The sponsoring individual or group is responsible for adhering to this policy in collaboration with University personnel.

1. Those engaged in spontaneous activities, such as the exercise of free speech and assembly rights, shall not employ sound amplification (including but not limited to bullhorns or electronic speakers) that disrupts University activities, academic instruction, or interferes with the exercise of free speech by others or create noise in violation of local noise ordinances.
2. Organizations or individuals that would like to include sound in their scheduled outdoor event must submit their request in 25Live. Requests must be submitted (5) business days from the date of the event.
3. Decibel sound level restrictions: 90 decibels measured at (10) feet from the sound source is permitted from 12 -1 pm Monday - Friday on the University and Art Quads. 70 decibels measured at (10) feet from the sound source is permitted during other University operating hours outside 12-1 pm Monday - Friday. The sound level for any event may not exceed that which is disruptive to instructional programs, scheduled events, University business operations, and/or Library or classroom study and research. Outdoor amplified sound events are subject to monitoring and regulation.
4. Exemptions of time, location, and sound level stipulations must receive prior approval from the Dean of Students or their designee.
5. Recognizing the importance of instructional activities, sound complaints concerning outdoor events should be directed to freespeech@humboldt.edu. The decibel level is subject to administrative review.
6. The Dean of Students or designee has the authority to revoke permissions during the event if event coordinators do not abide by set decibel levels or are providing a disruption. Event coordinators will receive ONE verbal reminder/warning to ask them to lower the sound. If the violation persists, an incident report will be filed and the Dean of Students will be notified for further action.