This policy establishes acceptable means of commercial solicitation on the campus of Bridgewater State University

I. Preamble

As used in this policy, “commercial solicitation” means the attempted sale, lease, rental, or offer for sale, lease or rental of any property, product, merchandise or service, whether for immediate or future delivery; or the distribution of information in support of these activities.

The enforcement of this policy will ensure a campus environment conducive to student learning.

II. Policy Statement

Commercial solicitation shall be permitted, subject to reasonable regulation as to time, place and manner thereof.

No student, student organization, employee, outside agency, or outside person shall solicit sales or offer anything for sale to any employee or student on the campus of Bridgewater State University, unless approved in advance by the director of university services.

On behalf of the Office of the President, please be advised:

The sale of unused commencement tickets is strictly prohibited. Commencement tickets are allocated to each student, based on occupancy rates, and additional tickets are distributed for each college ceremony on a first-come, first-served basis. Anyone found to be selling or purchasing unused commencement tickets could face academic discipline including the loss of the privilege to participate in their graduation ceremony. The tickets are university property, therefore each ticket is a “revocable license” which the university can withdraw at any time at its sole discretion.  

Approval will be granted if –

1. The proposed activity provides a clear benefit to the university, consistent with its purpose, aiding the achievement of the university’s educational objectives, and
2. does not unreasonably interfere with the operation of the campus, and;
3. is not prohibited by law.

Particular examples of a clear benefit to the university include the following:

1. To provide educational experience for students participating in the management of certain auxiliary enterprises or appropriate university activities;
2. To present recreational, cultural or educational programs that are unique or that would not be available without commercial co-sponsorship (e.g., a “wellness fair” co-sponsored by the health center and local businesses);
3. To enhance student recruitment or other public relations programs (e.g., use of campus facilities by commercial organizations sponsoring youth programs);
4. To permit printing of certain publications the university would not otherwise afford (e.g., athletic event schedules or theatrical programs);
5. To provide products or services the campus could not otherwise make available (e.g., trophies, class rings, specialty items).

III. Regulations

The benefits of the proposed activity must outweigh any negative consequences for the university. For example:

1. Commercial solicitation may not interfere or compete with the commercial operations of Bridgewater State University or contractual relations with its affiliates; or infringe upon the university’s trademarks or other intellectual property rights.
2. Commercial solicitation activities are prohibited in university residence halls and academic or administrative buildings and may not interfere with instruction, the orderly operation of the university and the maintenance of its grounds; obstruct the free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic; use sound amplification equipment; or in any way interfere with the rights of other persons on university property.
3. False, misleading or illegal claims are prohibited and commercial solicitors may not make any representation, implied or direct, that indicates an endorsement or guarantee of products or services by Bridgewater State University.
4. Offering gifts to students for filling out credit card applications is prohibited.
5. Commercial solicitation activities may not constitute a clear and present danger jeopardizing public or individual safety.

Miscellaneous provisions:

1. In exchange for the opportunity to solicit sales on campus the university may charge, at its discretion, a commercial solicitation fee.
2. Individuals who wish to distribute commercial materials must provide their names and contact information to the director of university services, as well as a copy of the materials to be distributed. The materials must clearly indicate the name of the sponsoring person or organization.
3. Commercial solicitors must be properly licensed or otherwise permitted by an appropriate governmental body.
4. This policy does not apply to private sales between individuals when there is no attempt to solicit or sell to the general campus population.
5. This policy does not apply to advertisements in the campus newspaper or any university publication.

IV. Violations of this Policy

In the case of a violation of this policy, permission to engage in commercial solicitation may be revoked, and future requests may be canceled or denied. Non-affiliated commercial solicitors will be asked to leave the campus by the Bridgewater State University Police Department.

Reviewed 8/2024 by Margarida Baganha, University Services