Community College District No. 4 serves Skagit, Island and San Juan counties by providing continued educational opportunity for its citizens. In keeping with this general purpose, the college believes that facilities should be available for a variety of uses which are of benefit to the general public; provided, that such general uses do not interfere with the educational mission of the college. However, a state agency is under no obligation to make its public facilities available to the community for private purposes.

When allocating use of college facilities, top priority shall always be given to activities specifically related to the college's mission. No arrangements shall be made that may interfere with or operate to the detriment of, the college's own teaching, research, or public service programs. In particular, the college buildings, properties, and facilities, including those assigned to student programs, shall be used primarily for:

(1) The regularly established teaching, research, or public service activities of the college and its departments or related agencies.

(2) Cultural, educational, or recreational activities of the students, faculty or staff.

(3) Short courses, conferences, seminars, or similar events, conducted either in the public service or for the advancement of specific departmental professional interests, when arranged under the sponsorship of the college or its departments.

(4) Public events of a cultural or professional nature brought to the campus at the request of college departments or committees and presented with their active sponsorship and active participation.

(5) Activities or programs sponsored by educational institutions, by state or federal agencies, by charitable agencies or civic or community organizations whose activities are of widespread public service and of a character appropriate to the college.

(6) College facilities shall be assigned to student organizations for regular business meetings, social functions and for programs open to the public. Any recognized campus student organization may invite speakers from outside the college community. In conformance with state guidelines, the appearance of an invited speaker on campus does not represent an endorsement by the college, its students, faculty, administration, or the board of trustees, whether implicit or explicit, of the speaker's views.

(7) Reasonable conditions may be imposed to regulate the timeliness of requests, to determine the appropriateness of space assigned, time of use, and to insure the proper maintenance of the facilities. Subject to the same limitations, college facilities shall be made available for assignment to individuals or groups within the college community. Arrangements by both organizations and individuals must be made through the designated administrative officer. Allocation of space shall be made in accordance with college regulations and on the basis of time, space, priority of request and the demonstrated needs of the applicant.

(8) The college may restrict an individual's or a group's use of college facilities if that person or group has, in the past, physically abused college facilities. Charges may be imposed for damage or for any unusual costs for the use of facilities. The individual, group or organization requesting space will be required to state in advance the general purpose of any meeting.

The college neither intends nor desires to compete with any local agency or private enterprise in making its facilities available to the community. Privately operated facilities exist which are well qualified to best meet many community needs. The college encourages the community to patronize local businesses or agencies. With this approach, the college hopes to work cooperatively with local private enterprise to the mutual benefit of all concerned.

(1) College facilities may not be used for purposes of political campaigning by or for candidates who have filed for public office except for student-sponsored activities or forums.

(2) Religious groups shall not, under any circumstances, use the college facilities as a permanent meeting place. Use shall be intermittent only.

(3) The college reserves the right to prohibit the use of college facilities by groups which restrict membership or participation in a manner inconsistent with the college's commitment to nondiscrimination as set forth in its written policies and commitments.

(4) Activities of a political or commercial nature will not be approved if they involve the use of promotional signs or posters on buildings, trees, walls, or bulletin boards, or the distribution of samples outside the rooms or facilities to which access has been granted.

(5) These general policies shall apply to recognized student groups using college facilities.

(6) Handbills, leaflets, and similar materials except those which are commercial, obscene, or unlawful may be distributed only in designated areas on the campus where, and at times when, such distribution shall not interfere with the orderly administration of the college affairs or the free flow of traffic. Any distribution of materials as authorized by the designated administrative officer and regulated by established guidelines shall not be construed as support or approval of the content by the college community or the board of trustees.

(7) Use of audio amplifying equipment is permitted only in locations and at times that will not interfere with the normal conduct of college affairs as determined by the appropriate administrative officer.

(8) No person or group may use or enter onto college facilities having in their possession firearms, even if licensed to do so, except commissioned police officers as prescribed by law.

(9) The right of peaceful dissent within the college community shall be preserved. The college retains the right to insure the safety of individuals, the continuity of the educational process, and the protection of property. While peaceful dissent is acceptable, violence or disruptive behavior is an illegitimate means of dissent. Should any person, group or organization attempt to resolve differences by means of violence, the college and its officials need not negotiate while such methods are employed.

(10) Orderly picketing and other forms of peaceful dissent are protected activities on and about the college premises. However, interference with free passage through areas where members of the college community have a right to be, interference with ingress and egress to college facilities, interruption of classes, injury to persons, or damage to property exceeds permissible limits.

(11) Where college space is used for an authorized function (such as a class or a public or private meeting under approved sponsorship, administrative functions or service related activities), groups must obey or comply with directions of the designated administrative officer or individual in charge of the meeting.

(12) If a college facility abuts a public area or street, and if student activity, although on public property, unreasonably interferes with ingress and egress to college buildings, the college may choose to impose its own sanctions although remedies might be available through local law enforcement agencies.

The board hereby delegates to the president authority to set up administrative procedures for proper review of the use of college facilities; to establish, within the framework of these policies, regulations governing such use; and to establish rental schedules where appropriate.

(1) Individuals who are not students or members of the faculty or staff and who violate these regulations will be advised of the specific nature of the violation, and if they persist in the violation, they will be requested by the president, or his or her designee, to leave the college property. Such a request prohibits the entry of and withdraws the license or privilege to enter onto or remain upon any portion of the college facilities by the person or group of persons requested to leave. Such persons shall be subject to arrest under the provisions of chapter 9A.52 RCW.

(2) Members of the college community (students, faculty, and staff) who do not comply with these regulations will be reported to the appropriate college office or agency for action in accord with established college policies.

(3) Persons who violate a district policy may have their license or privilege to be on district property revoked and be ordered to withdraw from and refrain from entering upon any district property. Remaining on or reentering district property after one's license or privilege to be on that property has been revoked shall constitute trespass and such individual shall be subject to arrest for criminal trespass.

(1) State law relative to public institutions governs the use or possession of intoxicants on campus or at college functions. The use or possession of unlawful drugs or narcotics, not medically prescribed, on college property or at college functions, is prohibited. Students obviously under the influence of intoxicants, unlawful drugs or narcotics while in college facilities shall be subject to disciplinary action.

(2) The use of tobacco is restricted in accordance with published policy.

(3) Destruction of property is also prohibited by state law in reference to public institutions.

Pets are not permitted in campus buildings or on the grounds except guide or service dogs for the visually or hearing impaired as provided in chapter 70.84 RCW.

Skagit Valley College desires to provide a healthful environment for its students, staff, and guests. Smoking shall not be permitted in college buildings or vehicles.