Risk Assessment Procedures

Illinois State University facilities and spaces are primarily for use by the University community related to its mission of teaching, research, and service.  Some University facilities and spaces may be scheduled by an individual or outside organization for public use consistent with Illinois State University Policy and applicable law.

The University is strongly committed to the ethical and legal principle that each member of the University community and campus visitors enjoy the constitutional right to free speech.  The right of freedom of expression and the open exchange of ideas stimulates debate, promotes creativity, and is essential to a rich learning environment. The University is committed to protecting the rights of expression, assembly, protest, and dissent and to making University facilities and spaces available for these activities.

The University Event Risk Assessment Committee (“Committee”) may review requests to schedule events and activities on the Illinois State University campus or property owned, leased, maintained, or controlled by the University and to make recommendations to the department or unit that reserves and oversees the location of the event or activity regarding reasonable security, insurance, or safety requirements for the event or activity.

The Committee will evaluate the risk of the event or activity based on risk assessment factors that may include but are not limited to:

  • Sponsor/RSO/Performer/Invited Speaker prior history (e.g. violence/fights)
  • Potential disruption based on similar events
  • General health and safety concerns
  • Inclement weather
  • Accessibility concerns
  • Alcohol related issues prior to event or during event
  • Cash at event
  • Event history
  • General admission vs. tickets
  • Media presence
  • Minors attending
  • Non-service animals at event
  • Pyrotechnics including fog machines
  • Seating: standing vs. seated
  • Traffic and parking
  • Crowd density
  • Other risks

The Committee will review requests received in a timely manner and issue recommendations to the department/unit scheduling the event or activity.  The recommendations will include a determination of risks and actions to mitigate risks including, but not limited to: security needs and the purchase of insurance by the individual or party sponsoring the event or activity.