- The deadline for notifying the campus of a potential Major Event was shortened from eight weeks to six weeks.
- The number of participants triggering the definition of a Major Event was increased from 200 to 300.
- The definition of a dance was changed to clarify that dance performances are not considered Major Events.
- The distribution of alcohol at Lawrence Hall of Science, the Botanical Garden, the Blake House, and Anthony Hall was exempted from the Major Event policy.
As has been the case since 2009, Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) and other non-departmental users are required to assume responsibility for their event’s basic security costs. These costs can range from non-existent to substantial. Please reference the fee schedule (PDF) for details. For example, dances (socials, not dance performances) may be required to pay for security.
For more information about the criteria used to determine basic security costs, as well as what they cover, see Page 4 of the Major Events Policy (PDF), under “Security Procedures for All Major Events.”
Security measures deemed necessary by the UCPD to confront or deter anticipated unlawful activity, disruption, and/or violence directly related to the viewpoint expressed at the event is the responsibility of the campus.
The Major Events policy keeps in place a long-standing provision requiring RSOs and other non-departmental users to obtain insurance coverage for their use of campus facilities. This requirement has been in place since 2003 for outside users and since 2009 for RSOs. Again, the Major Event policy does not change this obligation. See Berkeley Risk Services for more about insuring campus events.
Yes. Non-departmental users planning a campus event that may qualify as a Major Event must do the following at least six weeks before the event: (1) contact the administrator responsible for managing the intended venue(s), (2) submit an Event Notification and Security Assessment Form (PDF) to the UCPD, and (3) submit an Event Registration Form to ASUC Event Services. The great majority of the time, the UCPD determines the event does not require additional security and planning can proceed without further security preparations.
The requirement for six weeks’ advance notice is based on how long it actually takes to complete the logistical, planning, and security arrangements for Major Events. This is standard practice, for example, at private sector event venues, which often require even more than six weeks’ notice. For instance, from a security standpoint, the UCPD needs two weeks to evaluate whether it will need to request additional personnel from other law enforcement agencies to keep a Major Event safe. If more security is needed, other law enforcement agencies typically require four weeks’ notice to provide additional personnel for a planned event (as opposed to an unplanned or spontaneous disturbance). The total required lead time is therefore six weeks.
- Submit a reservation request to the desired campus venue.
- Submit an Event Notification and Security Assessment Form (PDF) to UCPD by email or by dropping the form off at the UCPD in the basement of Sproul Hall.
- Submit an Event Registration Form following the on-line instructions.
The Major Events Policy (PDF) doesn't apply to departmental events, because the campus can control events the campus itself stages. For example, if the UCPD thinks it needs more time to plan security for a departmental event, the Chancellor can direct the department to postpone the event. The campus provides space to non-departmental users on a contractual basis, and once the contract is signed, the campus is bound to fulfill its obligations, meaning the campus does not have the same flexibility in terms of event planning with non-departmental users.
Under the Major Events policy, departmental “sponsorship” means the department takes over responsibility for scheduling, organizing, and supervising the event.Under the Major Events policy, departmental “sponsorship” means the department takes over responsibility for scheduling, organizing, and supervising the event.