Social Responsibility for Noise Violations

This policy applies to noise from any social event.

1. Speakers, whether they belong to a group or to an individual, must not be placed in windows and directed outward or on the front porch. The speaker(s), and thus the sound, should always be directed to the interior of the building.
2. During a social event, the music should be kept to a level at which it is enjoyed only by those in attendance at the indoor event. The Danville City Noise Ordinance prohibits unnecessary or excessive noise in a residential area between the hours of 10:00 pm and 7:00 am. Social events that are registered through the Director of Campus Activities or the Director of Greek Life are granted a special permit by the city to extend this time until midnight on Friday and Saturday nights and 11:00 pm on all other nights. At the above times, noise must be at a point that it can only be heard indoors. The special permit does not guarantee the status of the event. At any time that music or noise is creating a disturbance as indicated by a registered complaint with the Department of Public Safety or other College officials, the hosts of the function must reduce the noise level or the event will be terminated. Repeated violations of the noise ordinance will result in disciplinary action. During 24 hours quiet hours, warnings will not be given for noise violations.
3. Outdoor social events must be approved by the Director of Campus Activities or the Director of Greek Life and the Directors of Public Safety through the usual event registration process. In accordance with the city noise ordinance, all outdoor events must conclude by midnight on Friday and Saturday nights and 11:00 pm on all other nights. Registration of an outdoor event does not guarantee the status of the event. If the music or noise is creating a disturbance as indicated by a registered complaint from someone on campus or in town, the hosts will be asked to reduce the noise level. Failure to resolve the situation will result in the termination of the event by the Department of Public Safety or other campus official. It is important to note that the Danville Police Department has the jurisdiction to revoke the special noise permit if they receive complaints.

Our academic mission requires us to assure every student a reasonably peaceful and quiet residential life at Centre. Even during those times when social events are occurring, the sound from these events cannot be allowed to project beyond the general proximity of the event’s location. Cooperation among Greek organizations, occupants and residence halls, Resident Assistants, the Department of Public Safety, and the Student Life Office is essential to our successful management of this potentially difficulty problem.