The purpose of this policy is to establish the University's prohibition against the solicitation or distribution of materials on University premises during working time. 

This policy applies to faculty, staff, students, volunteers, and outside entities, such as contractors, vendors, and visitors.

The University strictly prohibits commercial or political solicitation by any individual or entity—including faculty, staff, students, outside persons, agents, or organizations—within the workplace. No Sales or Solicitations are permitted on/in University property, buildings, or facilities or through the use of University resources or systems without the express prior written permission from the Executive Vice President of Finance and Administration.

To prevent disruption to University operations, interference with work, and inconvenience to other employees, employees may not engage in Solicitation, Sales, or distribution of Materials (e.g., literature) of any kind in a work area of the University at any time, including non-work time.

Any postings must be in compliance with the University Posting Policy.

For the purpose of this policy, the terms below have the following definitions:

All individuals to whom this policy applies are responsible for becoming familiar with and following this policy. University supervisors and employees with student oversight duties are responsible for promoting the understanding of this policy and for taking appropriate steps to ensure and enforce compliance with it.

Appropriate University Management Staff, University Human Resources, Office of Internal Audit Services, Department of Public Safety and/or Office of the General Counsel may have responsibilities in processing and investigating particular reports and/or complaints.

Failure to comply with this and related policies is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension without pay, or termination of employment or association with the University, in accordance with applicable (e.g., staff, faculty, student) disciplinary procedures. 

This policy is not a legal document. This policy does not confer a term of employment, nor is the language intended to establish a contract of employment, express or implied, between any employee and Brown University. The University reserves the right to change, amend or terminate any of its human resources policies at any time for any reason.

Brown University is a community in which individuals are encouraged to share concerns with University leadership. Additionally, Brown’s Anonymous Reporting Hotline allows anonymous and confidential reporting on matters of concern online or by phone (877-318-9184).

The following information complements and supplements this document. The information is intended to help explain this policy and is not an all-inclusive list of policies, procedures, laws and requirements.