Commercial and Sales Solicitation 3.1-7

Introduction/Purpose:

This Commercial and Sales Solicitation Policy on Saginaw Valley State University’s (SVSU) campus ensures the University’s commitment to academic excellence, ethical behavior, prevention of commercial exploitation of students, safety, and positive campus climate by prohibiting individuals or organizations from conducting solicitation on University Property without prior approval.

Definitions: 

Commercial Use: Any distribution or dissemination of materials to advertise, promote, or otherwise derive financial benefit from a business transaction or the exchange or performance of a good or service. This includes but is not limited to, distribution of coupons, offering goods and services for sale via flyer, or encouraging attendance for commercial demonstrations.

Sales: The act of exchanging a product or service, offering goods and services for purchase, or engaging in conduct related to business or for-profit, not for-profit, personal, or economic benefit. 

Sales Solicitation: The act of asking, encouraging, or offering a product or service for sale to another person. 

Registered Student Organization: Student groups that are registered with the Office of Student Life and in good standing with the University. These groups operate independently of the University or alongside an academic department.

Policy:

Individuals, groups, or other organizations seeking to conduct sales or other commercial activity on SVSU’s campus must do so in a manner aligned with the interests of our University community. Nothing in this policy shall limit lawful expressive activity protected under University policy and the First Amendment.

Procedures:

1. RSOs may conduct solicitation, sales, and fundraising activities with approval from the Office of Student Affairs. Varsity athletic teams may conduct solicitation, sales, and fundraising activities with approval from the Department of Athletics.
2. Sales solicitation is not permitted on SVSU property without prior authorization. Any other individuals or groups seeking to use SVSU property for sales solicitation or commercial use should contact The Conference Center (TCC) for further guidance as stated in the Facilities Use Policy 3.1-1.
3. Individuals, organizations, or businesses are prohibited from distributing information that encourages sales. Use of University property for commercial purposes is not permitted without prior authorization. Vendors or suppliers, which the University has a contractual relationship with concerning sales activities, shall conduct business pursuant to their contract.
   1. Individuals, organizations, or businesses seeking to distribute information, such as leaflets, pamphlets, Post-It notes, projections and graffiti (including chalk or other media) or conduct symbolic forms of communication, including, but not limited to, tying ribbons or displaying banners or flags should adhere to the Use of SVSU Property for Expressive Activity 3.1-6 policy.
4. Violations by students or RSOs shall be referred to the Office of Student Conduct for review consistent with established disciplinary procedures. Violations by external entities may result in revocation of future access to University property for sales solicitation or commercial purposes. 

Related Policies & Forms:  

Facilities Use Policy 3.1-1
Use of SVSU Property for Expressive Activity 3.1-6
RSO and DSO Handbook