Indiana State University trustees acted on ISU’s biennial capital budget request as well as policy changes related to use of university facilities Thursday. It also welcomed new trustees Lori Danielson, Rob Carter and Jon Ford. It was Mike Godard’s first regular trustee meeting as ISU’s new president. Sue Loughlin/Tribune-Star
Indiana State University has revised its policy to clarify the appropriate use of university facilities related to protests and encampments.
ISU trustees approved the changes during a meeting Thursday.
It also approved a biennial capital budget request that seeks $47 million for renovation of Holmstedt Hall, constructed in 1966, as well as $47.5 million for renovation of Root Hall, built in 1989.
The policy revisions related to use of university facilities prohibit encampments.
As far as use of outdoor areas, the only type of structure that would be permitted is a temporary canopy for a period not to exceed six hours with the advance written approval of Conference and Event Services, according to the changes.
In making revisions, ISU cited student protests taking place this past spring at universities across the country.
“Some of these protests included encampments of university facilities and outside common areas. The administration feels that (the ISU policy) should be modified to clarify where and when protests can take place in university spaces and facilities,” according to background provided to trustees.
The revisions also clarify when the university or the ISU president can limit or deny access to individuals or groups who disrupt the normal operation of the university, the rationale states.
According to Joyce Thompson-Mills, ISU executive director of legal services, nothing in the policy prevents the free expression and exchange of ideas.
However, the university is permitted to regulate the time, place and manner of that expression under Indiana law and certain restrictions apply:
• It can’t obstruct or disrupt the educational mission of the university.
• It can’t disrupt normal or otherwise scheduled use of university property.
• It can’t obstruct entrance/exit of facilities, including doorways, hallways, staircases, elevators or pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
• It can’t constitute a threat or harassment or other expressive acts unprotected by the First Amendment.
After the meeting, ISU President Mike Godard addressed the revisions. “I think it’s more just looking at the overall safety and security of the institution and our students, faculty, staff and community members so that when individuals are on campus, we want to make sure it continues to be a safe environment.”
He added, “We feel the changes made allow for us to certainly prepare for anything; hopefully nothing happens in the future, but certainly we want to be prepared for that.”
In a statement, he also said, “Indiana State encourages and advocates for the right to expression, and these policy modifications are simply a safeguard to ensure the continuation of university business on a day-to-day basis.”
Several revisions relate to use of outdoor areas unless there is prior written approval from the ISU president.
• It has time restrictions for use of sound amplification equipment, which is permitted only with advance written approval of Conference and Event Services.
• It must be at least 15 feet from facility entrance/exits.
• Erection of structures of any kind, whether temporary or permanent, is not permitted except for the erection of a temporary canopy for a period not to exceed six hours with advance written approval.
• Camping, including use of a tent, shelter, vehicle, motor home, etc., as a living accommodation or for overnight occupancy — including their use to form an encampment — is not permitted.
Consequences for violating the limits could result in university discipline, removal from university property and possible prosecution for trespass and other acts and charging of costs for any damages.
The university reserves the right to deny the use or continued use of areas if it determines that access by a group or individual is disruptive to the normal operation of the facility or university.
“If the university determines a situation is no longer peaceful and orderly, the assistance of the public safety office will be requested,” it states.
In other matters, the board of trustees also approved a proposed biennial capital budget request for consideration in the 2025 legislative session, a budget session.
The university will submit two renovation projects for consideration, Holmstedt Hall and Root Hall, for state funding.
For Holmstedt Hall, constructed in 1966, the university is seeking $47 million for renovation.
ISU states that despite regular and routine maintenance, many systems and components of Holmstedt Hall have reached the end of their useful life.
Several building components are original to the building since its construction in 1966 and no longer meet current standards established for campus buildings.
In addition, the university is seeking $47.5 million for renovation of Root Hall, built in 1989.
Significant student use, building age and a need for infrastructure upgrades are among the reasons why the two buildings were chosen, Godard said.
Last year, more than 6,000 students had some instruction in Root Hall. More than 4,300 students had some instruction in Holmstedt.
Diann McKee, senior vice president for finance and administration, said that because of its age, Holmstedt Hall is the higher priority.
The capital budget request will next be considered by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education and the State Budget Agency.
ISU is seeking fee-replacement funding, which is debt service reimbursement.
Trustees also welcomes three new members: Lori Danielson of Terre Haute, Jon Ford of Terre Haute and Rob Carter of Clay County. It was Mike Godard’s first regular trustee meeting as ISU president.
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