Excessive noise outdoors that creates sounds that are plainly audible from the interior of a residential, classroom, office, laboratory, library, or hospital facility is prohibited without prior approval for a specific event or activity in which amplified sound is being used. Excessive noise may be produced by a radio, blue tooth speaker or other digital audio source, television, musical instrument, sound amplifier, bullhorn, chanting or singing, or other means that produce, reproduce or amplify sound. “Plainly audible” means any sound that clearly can be heard by unimpaired auditory senses.
Excessive noise is not allowed indoors except for as part of University-approved events and activities such as, but not limited to, athletic contests, Blair performances, and registered events such as cultural showcases, registered social events in the West End Neighborhood, and the like. Despite prior approval, the University reserves the right to terminate events or activities in which excessive noise disrupts campus operations or activities.
Local laws prohibit the use of amplified sound outdoors between the hours of 11pm and 7am if an event is within fifty feet of a residence, except when exempted for a special event or gathering and if a permit is issued by the Metropolitan Nashville Government. On campus, amplified sound outside may not be used within fifty feet of residential spaces, classroom buildings, the library, or the hospital without prior approval. Amplified sound indoors may not be positioned in such a way as to provide outside amplification (e.g., inside buildings or on porches).
Events and activities that require electronic sound amplification (pep rallies, speak-out programs, concerts, carnivals, protests, demonstrations, vocal performances, public addresses, or similar) must be appropriately reserved and registered in Anchor Link, where required, and approved. Authorization for late evening concerts or events to be held outside and where campus-wide attendance is expected may be granted for Friday and Saturday nights, with the hours set at the discretion of the Vice Provost and Dean of Students or designee. Individual groups having registered social events primarily for the benefit of the group may be granted authorization for afternoon or twilight concerts or events, as appropriate. Despite prior approval, the University reserves the right to terminate events or activities in which amplified sound disrupts campus operations.
Moderate sound amplification for informal listening to music or videos on decks and patios in the West End Neighborhood and campus residences is permitted from 4pm to 8pm on Fridays, and noon to 8pm on Saturdays. The Vice Provost and Dean of Students may issue additional guidelines for spontaneous activities routinely permitted without specific authorization, such as weekend music playing in the West End Neighborhood.
Amplified sound-whether specifically authorized or informal, inside or outside-may be monitored by University officials or their designees. Monitoring may include on-site inspections and the use of a decibel meter. Amplification that violates University policy or local ordinances may be discontinued at the discretion of the Vice Provost and Dean of Students or a representative of the Dean (including officers with the University Police Department, or directors in Housing and Residential Experience).
Regardless of time of day, amplified sound is not permitted during final examination periods, reading days, and during scheduled University-wide events, except as needed by the event staff.