Does your group want to host a late-night event on or off campus? If so, follow the steps below to ensure that your plans comply with University requirements so your event can be safe, successful, and enjoyable for all.
1. Will your party meet the following requirements?
An “open social event” is defined as a social event/party without a pre-determined/limited guest list, hosted any time between the hours of 11 p.m. and 8 a.m. and has one/both of the following criteria:
1.cash tendering (i.e. admission is charged at the door or through pre-purchased tickets)
2.open to non-OU students
If yes, you need to complete the Open Social Event Notification Form. This form is due to Student Life at least five business days prior to the scheduled event date. Be sure to read all of the policies on this form and ensure your organization will comply with them. If you have questions – ask! The University reserves the right to send a compliance team to your event to make sure all of the necessary oversight (security, adviser attendance, transportation arrangements, sign-in lists, etc.) are in place. If your organization is not complying with the Open Social Event Policy you run the risk of having the event shut down.
1. Open social events that are open to non-OU students may only occur within Norman city limits.
2. Alcohol events/parties (open or closed) must take place at a controlled and securable environment. Large, outdoor public spaces or other outdoor spaces that are not securable may not be used.
3. Admittance to an open social event requires a CURRENT college or university ID and driver's license or state/federally-issued ID. Non-university students may not attend unless written exemption has been granted by the Student Life office. Only one exemption per organization will be permitted each semester.
4. Strolling Policy - A sign with the following criteria must be posted at the entrance of the event:
i. Strolling may only take place from midnight to 12:45a.m.
ii. Strolling may only take place in the center of the room. Dancing near the outskirts or close to the entrances is prohibited.
iii. Lead stroller must lead the line to avoid contact/collision with others.
iv. Aggressive dancing (such as strolling or duggying) must be done so as to not endanger or provoke other participants.
If yes, you need to complete the Alcohol Event Notification Form. This form is due to Student Life at least five business days prior to the scheduled event date. Be sure to read all of the policies on this form and ensure your organization will comply with them. Transportation arrangements need to be organized and paid for by the sponsoring organization(s) to ensure all event participants have a safe way home. The University’s SAFE-Ride service is not a suitable option for organizational events.
All registered student organizations and individual students must comply with the University's Alcohol Policy. Read it HERE.
3. Has your organization obtained liability insurance (if necessary) and liability waivers from participants?
All open social and alcohol events on campus require groups to obtain liability insurance. Alcohol events may only be held on campus in designated facilities with third-party vendors. Open social and alcohol events are deemed to by high-risk by the University and appropriate procedures need to be followed to mitigate the risk to your organization and the University of Oklahoma.
Please click below to read the risk management guidelines for registered student organizations. The Risk Management Matrix for registered groups helps you to identify which forms and procedures need to be completed based on the type of activity your group is conducting.
4. Will your event take place more than 50 miles away from campus?
If yes, your organization is subject to the travel policy requirements for registered student organizations. All organization travel must be pre-approved by the Vice President for Student Affairs at least one week prior to the event date. Be sure to read the travel policy carefully to ensure your organization complies with all of the necessary requirements. If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask.
Click below for more information about organization travel: