Reserving the Diag

Diag Application Information Table
Event Types Bucket Drive
Availability Large/ Special Events
Outdoor Event Rules Rules for Amplified Sound
Diag Guidelines Other Resources

Diag Event Types

There are 3 general types of events that can happen simultaneously on the Diag. They are:

  1. Information Tables, up to 3 per organization, no more than 3 organizations
  2. Large Events that might require special setup, 1 per day
  3. Bucket Drive, 1 per day 

 Download Diag Application

Availability

The Diag is available on a first-come, first-served basis up to 6 months in advance. Individuals may distribute pamphlets, flyers, etc., without obtaining a permit, as long as no equipment (i.e., tables, chairs or other objects) are placed on the property, and they do not interfere with other authorized activity on the Diag. Unauthorized or disruptive parties may result in interference from the Department of Public Safety. Only recognized student organizations and university departments with valid University accounts (i.e. shortcodes) are eligible to apply to hold an event with equipment on the Diag.

You must print and carry a copy of your permit the day of your event. This permit only grants permission to hold an event on the brick area for the Diag, NOT the lawn or surrounding sidewalks. 

Information Tables

You must to complete the Diag Application form if you are planning to have an information table(s) on the Diag. Information tables may be scheduled for no more than 5 consecutive dates. Please note, that the Center does not provide tables/chairs for your event. You may bring your own tables/chairs, or you may rent these items from either the Student Organization Resource Center (764-0436) or LSA Facilities (764-0323).

Donations/Fund-Raisers

 

Bucketing is the only form of fundraising permitted on the Diag. In addition to the Diag Application form, a group must submit a Fundraising Letter of Intent. These two documents must provide the name of the organization, date and times that the Diag will be used, the organization for which funds are being collected, and a statement affirming that the funds collected on the Diag will be deposited into your SOAS account. Other requirements for a Bucket Drive include:
 
          ·         They must be scheduled at least three business days prior to the desired date.

          ·         Permits are issued for no more than two consecutive days, and no more than six days per month.

          ·         Only one Bucketing event will be approved on the Diag per day.

If needed, the Michigan Student Assembly (3909 Michigan Union) can provide your organization with buckets for the day. All money collected by recognized student organizations, must be deposited into their SOAS accounts (no exceptions).

 

 

Bucket Drive Guidelines

  1. Authorization for all donations are required by the Center for Campus Involvement.
  2. Donations/Bucket Drives must be scheduled with the Center for Campus Involvement at least three working days prior to the activity to allow for proper scheduling.
  3. Permits are issued for no more than two consecutive days. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, a day shall be from 8:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. or dusk, whichever is earlier.
  4. Groups sponsoring donations must provide donors and potential donors with written information about the beneficiaries (through pamphlets, leaflets, signs, etc.).
  5. Only one donation per common area may occur at a time, and may not occur in the same areas and on the same day as a major program sponsored by another user.
  6. Only one donation per eligible user may be scheduled per day, per designated outdoor common area. Eligible users may schedule up to two days per month, per common area (for up to six total days per month).
  7. Donations must not interfere with normal University operations and may only occur in the public passageways.
  8. All money collected by recognized student organizations from donations must be handled in compliance with the requirements of the SOAS Office, via a University Fund Account.

See the “Policy for Scheduled Use of the University of Michigan Outdoor Common Areas”; section B., for the complete policy on donations.

Large/ Special Events

 

Large events tend to require a bit more attention and often require special setup. This includes anything that involves more than a simple information table such as music, speeches and other audio presentations.

Groups requesting a large event are required to fill out the Diag Request Form, which gives a detailed description of the nature and purpose of the event, as well as, a map detailing the proposed setup on the Diag. An estimated number of attendees should also be included. Keep in mind, only one rally/amplified sound event will be approved for the Diag at a time.

 

The "Moon Bounce" (Inflatables)

If your organization is interested in deploying a "moon bounce", "bounce castle" or any other form of inflatable structure, these must be under 8-feet in height and must be keep clear from any trees, benches or other stationary objects on Diag property. In addition, a Certificate of Insurance from the rental company MUST be submitted to 2205 Michigan Union for approval.

Rules for All Outdoor Events

*The Diag is governed by the policy for Scheduled Use of the University of Michigan Outdoor Common Areas. It is your responsibility to understand the policy and follow all the guidelines. This information in no way takes precedence over the Diag policy.
 
For all other outdoor events not on the Diag, complete an Outdoor Event Request form found here: http://studentorgs.umich.edu/resources 

Before Completing the Application

  • Applicants must be Authorized Signers of a recognized student organization and/or be affiliated with a University department.
  • Ensure that your requested date is available with a staff member at 2205 Michigan Union. 
  • Idle applications/ requests will be discarted after 5 business days if there is no follow-up or the is failure to provide additional paperwork or information about the event.
  • DO NOT assume your event has been approved until you receive a confirmation in writing.
  • If you are requesting Electricity, Amplification or any other Diag Services, the estimated fees will be applied to your student account in the form of a "Hold." These requests must be made at least 8 business days in advance and the funds to cover them must be available in your SOAS account.

Diag Usage Restrictions

  • You may not use stakes of any kind on the Diag or grassy areas (For acceptable structure and equipment dimensions see the Outdoor Common Areas policy). 
  • NO motorized vehicles  may be driven on the Diag or sidewalks. 
  • Time limits – 8:00am to 7:00pm or dusk, which ever comes first. 
  • University Days are days that are set aside in the Diag book and are days in which the Diag cannot be reserved (no exceptions).
  • Sales or solicitations of sales of any kind are strictly prohibited on the Diag.

Rules for Amplified Sound/ Music

Amplified sound on the Diag is great way to call attention to an event or simply provide an added feel through music, rallies and performances. While we understand the positives of amplified sound, we are strongly committed to the academic needs of campus and consider the potential disturbances resulting from amplification. The allotted 12:00PM-1:00PM time has been reserved for events that require amplification.

Noise Exemption Requests

Events that require an exemption to this rule have the option to apply for an exemption. Noise exemptions are requested by our office and reviewed by members of the neighboring libraries and academic building communities. Event details and the names of those requesting a noise exemption are not disclosed to the reviewing committee. If approved for a Noise Exemption, you may have amplified sound for up to an additional 4 hours. Times when noise exemptions are likely to be approved are outlined below but not guaranteed. Requests that fall outside the times below will not be considered for a Noise Exemption:

  • Monday to Friday: (12PM - 1PM) and (between 5PM and 10PM) up to 4 additional hours with an approved Noise Exemption Request.
  • Saturday & Sunday: (between sunrise and 10PM); up to 4 hours with an approved Noise Exemption Request.

What is Amplified Sound?

Amplified sound is considered any source of amplification from an electrical source such as laptops, megaphones, large speakers, etc. Acoustic instruments are not considered amplified sound.

What if my Noise Exemption Request gets denied?

Noise exemptions get denied during times of exams or previously scheduled events around the Diag area. Only 1 noise exemption request may be approved per day to avoid events from conflicting with eachother. If your event has been denied amplified sound outside the 12:00pm - 1:00pm, here are some items to consider:

  • Change the date of your Diag request to apply for another Noise Exemption
  • Plan your event on another area on campus (indoor events do not require an exemption request)
  • Consider still hosting your Diag event without the use of amplified sound

Chalking

Chalking with water soluble chalk is allowed on University sidewalks and plazas. Chalking is prohibited on other University property including, but not limited to, buildings columns, seating walls, steps, and other surfaces, structures and fixtures. The University has no responsibility for maintaining or removing chalk placed on sidewalks or plazas. Aerosol spray chalk is not acceptable.

Food on the Diag

Food on the Diag is permitted as long as it has been pre-packaged for distribution by the manufacturer. If your oranization is interested in having food to distribute on the Diag, it must meet Office of Safety and Environmental Health (OSEH) safety standards for approval. Consult with OSEH at 734-647-1142 prior to planning to bring food. No sales of food are permitted on the Diag.

Trash

Approved events are required to keep the immediate area free from litter and to remove all of their materials from the area upon completion of use. Trees, grass, and shrubs shall not be altered, damaged, or destroyed.


To reserve trash or recycling receptacles for your event on the Diag or if you have questions about the Diag Policy, please contact the Center for Campus Involvement at 763-5900.

Other Resources

Policy for Scheduled Use of the University of Michigan Designated Outdoor Common Areas (web)

Exterior Elements Design Review Committee Guidelines and Procedues (PDF)

For questions contact diag.info@umich.edu