Memorandum #158 Solicitation at the College                        

Revised: May 1, 2025
Revised: June 1, 2005 Original Date of Issue: July 1, 1987
Approved by: Board of Trustees
Policyholder: Director, Public Safety and Security  

Solicitation refers to the act of approaching another, be it in person, by mail, by telephone or through electronic medium with the intent to: (1) buy or sell goods or services, take orders or collect money from other than members of a sponsoring organization; or (2) distribute political or other types of information; or (3) proselytize religious beliefs. This policy does not address the posting of flyers, literature, etc., which is addressed in the Posting in College Facilities Policy (Memorandum #159).

Solicitation for charitable, political, social, religious or other causes by students, staff, or visitors at the College, including on College property or via College-provided communication systems (e.g. email or any college-provided messaging platform) is regulated by this policy. Credit card marketing at the College is also regulated by this policy.

Solicitation by College students is regulated by College policy administered through the Office of Student Engagement. Solicitation by the community is regulated by College policy administered through the Office of Special Events and Community Relations. All other solicitation activity requests are administered through the Office of Purchasing and Services.

Policy:

• The College does not permit any person, organization or agency to solicit, conduct business, or raise funds at the College, including on College property or via College-provided communication systems, except where specific written permission has been obtained from the: Office of Student Life, Office of Special Events and Community Relations, or Office of Purchasing & Services (M1-4).
  
• Any approved solicitation(s) should have the primary objective of providing a benefit to the College community. Examples of “benefit” include but are not limited to: a) sponsoring a student activity or event; b) providing financial scholarship to the College student(s); or c) increasing community awareness. The solicitation should not primarily benefit the solicitor nor contribute only to the business objectives of the solicitor.
  
• Solicitation must not interfere with educational activities of the College.
  
• Approved sale of goods or services on College property may be conducted only in designated locations. No approval shall be granted if the solicitation violates existing College contracts.
  
• Approved solicitors must agree to be responsible for any damages to College property or facilities as a result of the solicitation activity and must agree to remove any and all refuse or waste that results directly or indirectly from the solicitation activity. The College may require the solicitor to provide a security deposit.
  
• This policy applies to all College properties, including leased facilities, and College-provided communication systems.

Student-related solicitation

• Solicitation initiated by students requires the written approval of the Director of Student Engagement. Any College location required for the solicitation activity must be reserved by the Office of Student Engagement. This office will communicate any special furnishing needs to the Office of Facilities Operations as necessitated by the request.

Community-related solicitation

• Solicitation initiated by the local community requires the written approval of the Special Events and Community Relations Director. Any College location required for the solicitation activity must be reserved by the Special Events and Community Relations Director. This office will communicate any special furnishing needs to the Office of Facilities Operations as necessitated by the request.

Credit card marketing

• The marketing of credit cards on campus or via College-provided communication systems is prohibited. For purposes of this Policy, the marketing of credit cards includes advertising, promoting, offering, or accepting applications for a credit card.

All other requests for solicitation

• Written permission must be obtained from the Office of Purchasing & Services for any commercial activity on campus. This office will communicate any special furnishing needs to the Office of Facilities Operations as necessitated by the request.
  
• Goods or services offered for sale by external organizations must be approved by the Office of Purchasing and Services.
  
• Food products offered for sale may not be prepared at the place of sale and shall comply with all applicable health code standards.
  
• Sales may occur only at the location approved by the College. No “door-to-door” solicitation is permitted.
  
• The College may require the solicitor to sign a Hold Harmless Agreement and provide evidence of insurance, of an amount acceptable to the College, naming the College as an additional insured.
  
• Public space is available for posting of literature. Refer to College Policies and Procedures Memorandum No. 159 for additional information.

Department Reference:

Office of Student Activities, phone number (215) 751-8210
Office of Special Events and Community Relations, phone number (215) 751-8941 Office of Purchasing & Services, phone number, (215) 751-8935
Related Policies:
Posting in College Facilities (Memorandum #159) (hyperlink)
Policy Governing Use of College Facilities (Memorandum #153) (hyperlink)
Statement of Acceptable Behavior for College Guests and Visitors (Memorandum #161) (hyperlink)
Acceptable Use Policy for Interactive Systems (Memorandum #307)