Purpose
The purpose of this solicitations policy is to establish the university’s intent to have a work and academic environment that is free from solicitations for organizations or for the sale or purchase of goods or services that are neither officially recognized by, nor affiliated with, the mission of the university.
Policy
In order to avoid disruption in the workplace and in the academic setting, Lynn University has developed rules regarding the solicitation of products or services, distribution of literature or information, and collection of monies on university property in person or by means of its systems, supplies, services, and equipment including telephones, voice mail, e-mail, computer systems, FAX, interoffice mail, and bulletin boards.
- Lynn University prohibits the advertising, marketing, or merchandising of credit cards to students on university owned, operated, or controlled property, and at the university-sponsored events without approval from the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. This prohibition applies to all banks and other commercial entities (including their third-party representatives) that engage in the on-campus marketing of credit cards to students through solicitation activities.
- Fund-raising activities may not conflict with Lynn University’s own efforts to raise funds for the institution as a whole. Soliciting alumni, business, industry, government, foundations, students, employees, or donors and prospects is strictly prohibited except with written approval from the Office of University Advancement or the President.
- Individuals not employed by Lynn University or not currently enrolled as students are prohibited from any form of solicitation or distribution of literature on university property at any time in any manner unless granted specific authorization by the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. This includes, but it not limited to “guerilla” marketing for non-approved vendors by college employees and students.
- Bulletin boards may not be used to distribute any solicitation materials for the purpose of advertising, promoting, or drawing attention to off-campus events that have not been recognized by the university unless otherwise approved by an appropriate university department.
- Products being sold must be of good quality and from a reputable firm as determined by the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer.
- Potentially hazardous or dangerous items, as determined by the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, may not be sold.
This policy is not intended to infringe on the rights of members of the university as individuals to freely express and exchange views and to associate with others. Rather, the policy is intended to ensure the continuity of university work and operations; to avoid the misuse of university facilities or resources in ways which would impair its nonprofit, independent, and nonpolitical status; and to preserve both the fact and the appearance of the university’s impartiality. See also the university’s political activities policy.
Definitions
Solicitation—peddling or otherwise selling, purchasing, or offering goods and services for sale or purchase, distributing advertising materials, circulars or product samples, or engaging in any other conduct relating to any outside business interests or for profit, not-for-profit or personal economic benefit on Lynn property or using Lynn resources. For purposes of this policy, "solicitation" includes canvassing or seeking to obtain membership in or support for any organization, requesting contributions, and posting or distributing handbills, pamphlets, petitions, and the link of any kind on Lynn property or using Lynn resources (including without limitation, bulletin boards, computers, mail, e-mail, telecommunication systems, photocopiers, telephone lists and databases).
University property—buildings, grounds, and land that are owned by Lynn University or controlled by Lynn.
Procedures/Guidelines
I. Solicitations by Lynn University community members
Employees: Solicitation by an employee of another employee or Lynn community member during the working time of either employee for any reason is strictly prohibited. Distribution of advertising materials, handbills or other literature, as well as via Lynn’s email and social media channels, is prohibited in all working areas unless otherwise approved. Under no circumstances may an employee disturb the work of others to solicit or distribute literature to them during their working time.
Students: The Office of University Advancement must approve in advance any solicitation by a student or registered student club/organization. Please refer to Lynn's student participation in institutional fundraising policy for additional information. Individual students may not engage in solicitation for personal profit on Lynn property in person or by means of its systems, supplies, services, and equipment including telephones, voice mail, e-mail, computer systems, FAX, interoffice mail, and bulletin boards. Moreover, no student or student organization may serve as the agent or representative of any off-campus agency for the purpose of selling or promoting the sale of goods or services on the Lynn campus unless the Vice President for Student Affairs gives advance approval.
Solicitation in the residence halls is strictly prohibited. Please see the housing and residence life regulations policy for additional information.
II. Solicitations by non-Lynn University community members
Solicitation or distribution of literature on Lynn property at any time and in any manner is prohibited by non-members of the Lynn community unless explicit written permission is granted by the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer.
To learn more about this policy or the supporting procedures, please contact Finance.