Guest Speaker Request Guidelines
A “Guest Speaker” is anyone external to the University of Dayton (not a current student, faculty or staff member).
Recognized Student Organizations must complete and submit the event registration form online at least 4 weeks prior to the event date and provide all information requested about the intended guest speaker.
The Senior Director, CSI will complete a preliminary review and approve academic organization requests that are directly related to their field of study. For all guest speakers, the Senior Director will consult with the Dean of Students office and may, if additional information is needed, consult the following areas for feedback.
- Campus Ministry Public Safety/Chief of Police
- Public Safety/Chief of Police
- Media Relations Legal Affairs
- Legal Affairs
- Audit and Risk Compliance Government and Regional Relations Adviser(s) to the requesting Organization
- Government and Regional Relations Adviser(s) to the requesting Organization
- Adviser(s) to the requesting Organization
The consulted areas will consider the answers to the following questions when making a recommendation:
- Is the speaker a known expert in the field?
- Could the controversy of a particular speaker over-shadow their talk topic?
- Context matters-what/where was their last event?
- What is their social media presence?What is the history of the person on other campuses? Our campus?
- What is the history of the person on other campuses? Our campus?
- What is the potential impact to UD’s reputation (when it goes right or wrong)?
- Where is the speaker or event venue?
- What are the security needs and costs for this event?
- Is the event for students only or is it open to the community?
- How does the speaker/theme of the event advance the educational goals of UD as a Catholic and Marianist university?
- Does this event accord with the University's Political Activity Policy?
- Other questions which may be necessary to assess the risks and benefits of approving / denying the speaker or requesting modifications to the event.
At the conclusion of the review, the recommendation will be submitted to the Vice President for Student Development (VPSD) who will make a final decision. If it is determined that further review is warranted, the VPSD will consult with the Provost and the President. Once a final decision is made, the VPSD will notify the CSI staff who will notify the organization with a final decision within 2 weeks of the request submission.
Outside Performers
Additional clauses may be needed for contracts/agreements with musical & performing acts and DJs. Anytime a contract is used for talent performing, please add the following to the contract as an additional stipulation:
- “The University of Dayton is a top-tier Catholic university with offerings from the undergraduate to the doctoral levels. We are a diverse community committed, in the Marianst tradition, to educating the whole person and to linking learning and scholarship with leadership and service. All performers must respect the values and mission of the University of Dayton, which includes no lewd behavior, no excessive profanity and no material that degrades the dignity of others. Performers MUST use material that is “radio friendly” and acceptable for an all-ages show.”