Purpose

The University supports fundraising, solicitation, commercial, and gaming activities that advance the educational mission of the institution and enhance the student experience. These activities should support the University’s mission and must not interfere with the rights of others, normal University operations, institutional fundraising efforts, or the educational environment. 

All fundraising, solicitation, commercial activity, and gaming activities must comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as well as applicable University policies.

Activities governed by this policy require prior approval from the Office of Student Life & Engagement unless otherwise authorized by the University. 

This policy applies regardless of whether activities occur in person or through virtual or electronic platforms sponsored by or affiliated with the University, including crowdfunding sites, social media, or other online platforms.

Definitions

For purposes of this policy:

Commercial Activity refers to the sale, advertisement, promotion, or exchange of goods or services for personal or private financial benefit.

Fundraising refers to activities intended to generate financial support, donations, or other resources for a recognized student organization, athletic team, University department, charitable initiative, or other University-approved purpose. 

Gambling and Gaming Activity refers to activities involving games of chance, wagering, raffles, lotteries, casino-style games, bingo, sports pools, or similar activities regulated by federal, state, or local law. 

Raffle refers to a game of chance in which participants purchase or receive tickets for an opportunity to win a prize through a random drawing.

Solicitation refers to requesting donations, selling goods or services, seeking financial contributions, promoting commercial products or services, collecting signatures for commercial purposes, or otherwise requesting financial or material support from members of the University community or the public.

University Community includes currently enrolled students, faculty, staff, alumni, and other individuals authorized to participate in University activities.

Fundraising and Solicitation

The University encourages fundraising activities that support recognized student organizations, athletic teams, University programs, charitable initiatives, and educational experiences that contribute to student learning and engagement. 

All fundraising activities, solicitation, and related activities conducted on University property or in connection with a University-sponsored organization, class, program, event, activity, or electronic platform require prior approval from the Office of Student Life & Engagement.

Activities involving fundraising on behalf of the University or the solicitation of alumni, donors, corporations, foundations, or other external constituents must also be coordinated with the Office of Institutional Advancement.

The University reserves the right to deny, modify, or discontinue any fundraising or solicitation activity that conflicts with institutional priorities, fundraising efforts, legal requirements, or the educational mission of the University.

Fundraising and solicitation activities must: 

• Support the educational mission of the University or the mission of a recognized student organization, athletic team, or University department.
• Comply with applicable laws.
• Be conducted in a manner that does not interfere with the rights of others, normal University operations, institutional fundraising efforts, or the educational environment.
• Comply with all applicable University financial policies and procedures.

Fundraising and solicitation activities may not:

• Benefit an individual for personal financial gain unless expressly authorized by the University. 
• Use coercive, deceptive, or misleading solicitation practices. 
• Materially disrupt University operations or scheduled activities.
• Misrepresent University sponsorship or endorsement.
• Use the University’s name, logo, trademarks, or branding without authorization.
• Solicit or collect donations using University facilities or through University communication systems, electronic platforms, mailing lists, or other institutional resources without prior approval. 

Certain fundraising activities, including raffles and other games of chance, are regulated by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and may require additional institutional review to ensure legal compliance before they are approved to occur.

Commercial Activity 

Commercial activity on University property or in connection with University-sponsored organizations, athletic teams, programs, events, activities, or electronic platforms is prohibited unless they are part of a University-sponsored entrepreneurship project, approved by the Office of Student Life & Engagement, or otherwise authorized by the University.

Prohibited commercial activities include, but are not limited to: 

• Selling products or services.
• Advertising or promoting a private business.
• Advertising or promoting products or services through University communication platforms or resources without authorization.
• Multi-level marketing (MLM) or direct sales activities.
• Operating a business through University-sponsored events or programs.
• Using University facilities or electronic platforms for personal commercial purposes.

Commercial activities must not:

• Materially disrupt University operations.
• Interfere with educational activities.
• Misrepresent University sponsorship or endorsement.
• Conflict with institutional fundraising efforts.
• Violate applicable laws or University policies.
• Use the University’s name, logo, trademarks, or branding without authorization.
• Use University facilities or University communication systems, electronic platforms, mailing lists, or other institutional resources without prior approval. 

​Gambling and Gaming Activities

Gambling is prohibited on University property or as part of University-sponsored programs, activities, or events except as expressly permitted by applicable law and approved by the University.

Prohibited gambling activities include, but are not limited to: 

• Wagering money or items of value.
• Sports betting or sports pools.
• Unauthorized raffles or lotteries.
• Poker tournaments involving monetary prizes.
• Online gambling conducted through University-sponsored activities.
• Any other activity prohibited under applicable laws.

Educational or social gaming activities, including casino-themed programs, may be approved when:

• No wagering of money or items of value occurs.
• Awards or prizes comply with applicable law.
• The activity supports the educational mission, student experience, University-sponsored student organization, or athletic team.
• The activity receives prior approval from the Office of Student Life & Engagement.

Certain gaming activities, including raffles and other games of chance, are regulated by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and may require additional institutional review to ensure legal compliance before they are approved to occur.

Enforcement

Failure to comply with this policy or the conditions of an approved activity may result in: 

• Denial or revocation of approval for the activity. 
• Immediate suspension or termination of the activity.
• Referral through applicable student or employee conduct processes.
• Financial responsibility for damages or cleanup resulting from the activity.
• Any other action authorized under applicable University policy or law. 

Questions regarding this policy or requests for approval should be directed to the Office of Student Life & Engagement at studentlife@baypath.edu.