PRINT DISCLAIMER: Official version of this document is accessible in the online policy library at https://policyoffice.ku.edu/. Printed copies may not reflect the most recent updates.
DOCUMENT TYPE:
Policy
PURPOSE:
The University of Kansas has an interest in controlling and maintaining its property to safeguard the health and safety of individuals, ensure its property is used for its designed purposes, and promote and support its educational mission.
APPLIES TO:
All KU students, faculty and staff, student organizations, and visitors.
CAMPUS:
Lawrence, Edwards, Leavenworth, Juniper Gardens, Parsons, Pittsburg, Topeka, Wichita (KUL), Yoder, Kansas City, Salina (KUMC), Wichita (KUMC)
POLICY STATEMENT:
Except as stated below, camping on University of Kansas (KU) property is prohibited. Camping may be permitted:
A. As a part of tailgating activities that are undertaken in conjunction with a University sporting event;
B. By students, faculty, or staff in connection with approved University events which require overnight occupancy at the site of the activity, if approved in advance by the KU-Lawrence Vice Provost for Student Affairs or KU Medical Center Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, or their designee, pursuant to the Public Assembly Policy, such approval shall be granted when the use is consistent with KU’s educational, research, service, and/or business mission, will not disrupt other University activities or damage University property, and will not be detrimental to the health, safety, or welfare of event participants or the campus community.
C. By students, faculty, or staff with temporary hammocks or other sleeping or lounging devices (but not tents or other temporary outdoor shelters) used while engaging in recreation or studying activities outdoors between sunrise and sundown.
D. By students, faculty, or staff in Student Housing facilities in spaces assigned to the student, faculty, or staff member under a contract with the University and consistent with the terms and conditions of that contract.
Definitions
A. “Camping,” is defined as any of the following on University property:
- Sleeping outdoors with or without camp paraphernalia;
- Establishing, maintaining, or attempting to establish or maintain, at anytime during the day or night, a temporary or permanent place for sleeping or cooking by setting up any camp paraphernalia;
- Sleeping in, on, or under any parked vehicle; or
- Establishing or maintaining outdoors at any time during the day or night, a temporary or permanent place for cooking, storing personal belongings, or sleeping by setting up any bedding, sleeping bag, mattress, tent, or other sleeping equipment, or by setting up any cooking equipment.
B. “Camp paraphernalia” includes, but is not limited to, tents, tarps, sleeping bags, beds and bedding, cots, mattresses, hammocks, cooking or warming equipment, or any temporary outdoor shelter.
C. “University property” includes all outdoor areas owned, leased, or controlled by KU, and all buildings and permanent or temporary structures owned, leased, or controlled by KU.
D. “KU” means the University of Kansas and all controlled affiliate corporations, including Kansas Athletics, Inc.
CONSEQUENCES:
Students and employees violating this policy may face disciplinary action. Visitors may be asked to leave the campus. Repeated violators may be removed and banned from campus.
CONTACT:
Lawrence Campus and all reporting units:
Operations
kuoperations@ku.edu
785-864-4771
KU Police Department
kupd@ku.edu
785-864-5900
Student Affairs
studentaffairs@ku.edu
785-864-4060
KU Medical Center and all reporting units:
Public Safety Department
913-588-5030
Office of Academic and Student Affairs
913-588-0146
APPROVED BY:
Chancellor
APPROVED ON:
2024-02-27
EFFECTIVE ON:
2024-02-27
REVIEW CYCLE:
Annual (As Needed)
CHANGE HISTORY:
08/20/2025: Updated to all-University policy.
04/14/2025: Updated links; technical edit
03/24/2025: Migration to TeamDynamix from Drupal.
08/07/2024: Updated to include Student Housing stipulations; Clarified camping definition; Added temporary structures in University property definition.
02/27/2024: New Policy published in the Policy Library.