University Policies

Sound Amplification Policy

Approval Date: October 3, 2024
Approved By: President

SCOPE (WHO SHOULD READ THIS POLICY) 

Individuals seeking to utilize sound amplification on campus. 

DEFINITIONS 

  • Prohibited sound amplification: any noise that unreasonably interferes with the enjoyment of life or with any lawful business or activity, including, but not limited to, the use of electronically operated or assisted devices for the amplification of sound, public address system(s), bullhorn(s), music, or voice amplifier(s), megaphone(s), and any combination thereof. 

POLICY

In compliance with Illinois state law, and due to the proximity of academic buildings, open recreation areas, and public residences, a general policy of sound control is necessary to maintain the University’s primary mission of teaching, research, and public service. This policy is drafted to (1) protect academic programs from the intrusion of amplified sound and (2) provide the opportunity for the approved and lawful use of sound amplification. 

RESPONSIBILITIES (Implementation and Enforcement) 

It shall be the general policy of the University that academic programs be given maximum protection from the intrusion of amplified sound. Therefore, amplifying any sound that interferes with classroom instruction or normal university operations will not be approved or allowed. This restriction will apply to amplified sound used outside or inside in all locations. 

Amplified sound is expected to be part of some classroom activities. Should the use of amplified sound in an academic setting interfere with other academic interests, faculty members are urged to work with other faculty or between academic units via school directors or chairperson(s) to resolve the conflict. If the conflict cannot be resolved, the Dean(s) for the respective College(s) should be contacted to resolve the conflict. 

Amplification of sound for any event/activities by any group, including but not limited to student organizations, university departments/schools, or external use of university space, must be approved in writing before the event as outlined in this policy. If amplification of sound is approved, the following conditions apply: 

  1. Amplified sound is prohibited when it disrupts University education activities and/or University
    business. If amplified sound disrupts University educational activities and /or University business, campus officials (including advisors, employees, event organizers, and Western Illinois Office of Public Safety officers) may require the sound level to be lowered at any time, regardless of whether the application has been approved and/or requirements are being met.
  2. Outdoor amplification may not start before 8:00 A.M. on any day and must conclude by 10 P.M.
  3. Sound amplification approval is not required for regularly scheduled university events (including, but not limited to, athletic events, marching band practices and performances, classes held in their regularly scheduled classrooms, and events held in indoor performance venues such as the Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts, COFAC Recital Hall, Hainline Theatre, Simpkins Theatre, Horrabin Hall Theatre, and Western Hall). However, these events will be subject to the other requirements/guidelines of this policy and any other applicable University policies and procedures.
  4. The organization sponsoring the event is responsible for ensuring that all University policies and procedures are followed.
  5. Any use of a sound device that produces a sound that can be heard greater than 100 feet from the device and/or speaker requires approval within the procedures given below.
Procedure for Approval of Sound Amplification Requests
  1. All requests for the use of amplified sound at events must be submitted to and approved by Scheduling and Event Services on the Macomb or Quad City campuses. Even if the requester is not reserving space, the space reservation form must be used, but only the sound amplification approval section will be completed.
  2. The request must be completed and submitted for approval at least two (2) weeks before the event, or it may be denied. Each sponsoring organization must request sound amplification approval on the space reservation request form for the designated space and provide sufficient details for Scheduling and Event Services to assess the request.
  3. Approval or denial of a sound amplification request will be made on a content-neutral basis.
  4. If any federal or state laws or any University policies are violated, the University will take necessary action, including possible termination of the event.
  5. The type of sound requested, the time of the event, and the location's proximity to classrooms, residence halls, and other events will be considered when reviewing a request.
  6. The appropriate Vice President or designee in charge of the area where the event is to be held will hear any appeal of a sound amplification request denial. The denial letter will also contain specific instructions for appeal.
  7. The sponsoring organization will share the approved sound amplification notification with the designated contact at the event or activity. The contact person will be responsible for monitoring the sound level of the activity or event.
Amplified Sound/Noise Complaints

Violations of this policy or noise complaints should be reported to the Western Illinois University Office of Public Safety (WIU OPS). WIU OPS will investigate the concern and, when appropriate, contact the designated person to advise that person of the complaint(s).

The contact person will take immediate steps to reduce the noise level (even if below the stated guidelines) of the event. WIU OPS will make every effort, in cooperation with the sponsor, to correct the noise problem without terminating the event. However, failure of the sponsor to reduce the sound level may result in WIU OPS turning off the sound amplification and/or terminating the event.

In the case of noise complaints within academic areas, competing academic interests will be considered when determining whether the noise level should be reduced.

Enforcement

A violation of this policy should be reported to the WIU Office of Public Safety. Other appropriate law enforcement officials may also take necessary action to ensure compliance with its provisions, preserve order, and protect the public's health and welfare.  

If any person, group, or organization fails to abide by the provisions of this policy, said person, group, or organization shall be subject to official action being taken by the University officials following applicable policies and procedures of the WIU Board of Trustees and Western Illinois University, and federal, state, and local laws. Failure to obtain approval and/or abide by this policy may result in sanctions to the organization/sponsor/contact person/advisor, including, but not limited to, cancellation of the event in progress, cancellation of other reservations, and/or loss of future use of amplification devices/reservation rights.