Skip to Search Skip to Global Navigation Skip to Local Navigation Skip to Content
Handbook of Operating Procedures
  • Policy Process

    • Handbook of Operating Procedures
    Chapter 9 - General Provisions
    Publication Date: April 24, 2024
    Policy Reviewed Date: April 24, 2024
    Policy Owner: Business Affairs

    9.52 Prohibition of Camping on University Property

    I. POLICY STATEMENT

    Camping is not permitted on The University of Texas at San Antonio ("University") property, except as stated in Section IX.A.2 below.

    II. RATIONALE

    The University is committed to maintaining a clean, aesthetically pleasing, healthy and safe work, educational, and living environment in order to efficiently carry out its educational and business missions. This policy allows the University to control University buildings and grounds consistent with the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Regents, Rule 80101, prohibiting the use of University property or buildings for purposes unrelated to the regular programs and activities of the University.

    III. SCOPE

    This policy applies to all employees, students, University affiliates, contractors and visitors.

    IV. WEBSITE ADDRESS FOR THIS POLICY

    http://www.utsa.edu/hop/chapter9/9.52.html

    V. RELATED STATUTES, POLICIES, REQUIREMENTS OR STANDARDS

    1. University of Texas System Policies or the Board of Regents’ Rules & Regulations
      1. Board of Regents' Rule 80101 - Category of Facilities and Authorized Users

    VI. CONTACTS

    If you have any questions about HOP policy 9.52, Prohibition of Camping on University Property, contact the following office(s):

    1. The Office of Risk and Emergency Management
      210-458-7340
      2. https://www.utsa.edu/ba-administration-operations/services/risk-emergency-management/

    VII. DEFINITIONS

    1. Camping is defined as any of the following:
      1. The establishment of, or attempt to establish, temporary or permanent living quarters at any location on university property other than residence halls, apartments, or other University managed housing;
      2. Sleeping outdoors with or without bedding, tent, hammock, or similar device, structure, protection or equipment between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.;
      3. Sleeping in or under any parked vehicle;
      4. Establishing or maintaining 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 Office of Risk And Emergency Management.

    VIII. RESPONSIBILITIES

    1. The respective supervisor, department chair or dean is responsible for addressing non-compliance with this policy by his or her employees.
    2. The Office of the Dean of Students, or a designee of the office, is responsible for addressing non-compliance with this policy by students.
    3. The University of Texas at San Antonio Police Department is responsible for addressing non-compliance with this policy by persons other than employees or students, and may address violations of this policy by employees and students that constitute criminal trespass or any other violation of law.
    4. The Office of the President is responsible for making any exceptions to this policy in cases of extraordinary circumstances in accordance with Section IX.A.2.2.3.

    IX. PROCEDURES

    1. General Rules
      1. Camping is not permitted on University grounds, in University buildings or under University structures except as permitted in Section A.2 below.
      2. Exceptions - Actions that constitute "camping" as defined in Section VII above may be permitted in the following special circumstances:
        1. By artists or actors, or registered student organizations who participate in University authorized events that require such actions as part of the event and only so long as it relates to the authorized event.
        2. As part of tailgating activities that are undertaken in accordance with the University's rules regarding tailgating at sports events.
        3. In extraordinary circumstances, such as times of natural disaster, when approved in writing in advance by the president of the University or his or her designee.
      3. Compliance
        1. All employees, students, University affiliates, contractors and visitors shall comply with this policy and any lawful request by a University official to comply with this policy.

    X. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR IMPLEMENTATION

    None

    XI. FORMS AND TOOLS/ONLINE PROCESSES

    None

    XII. APPENDIX

    None

    XIII. Dates Approved/Amended

    04-24-2024