With the start of spring term Monday, the University of Oregon enacted changes to policy on sound levels for the Eugene campus to balance the UO’s commitment to both the education mission and freedom of expression.
Under the policy changes, which are also under consideration for UO Portland, sound will be restricted to specific decibel levels during core academic class time from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday, and daily 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
For example, sound originating from an outdoor source will not be permitted to exceed 90 decibels for more than 10 cumulative minutes as measured from any outdoor location 50 feet from the source. For context, ambient noise in an urban area with regular traffic and other sounds can be around 50 decibels. Indoors, sound must not exceed ambient levels, which is the background noise in any indoor location and can be as low as 20 decibels.
The policy was revised to focus on decibel levels, which enables an objective determination of disruptive sound, said Eric Alexander, director of the Erb Memorial Union. Officials also removed the restriction on amplified sound outdoors across the Eugene campus.
“The prior policy language prohibited disruptive noise using words such as ‘annoying’ and ‘clearly audible,’ but that more subjective language is hard to monitor,” Alexander said. “By using decibel levels, we will offer clarity on what we mean by noise disturbance.”
The new sound levels were tested during several outdoor events winter term. None of the events exceeded the decibel level thresholds and the impact of noise levels on classes and university operations during these events was carefully considered, Alexander said.
University officials will use an app called Decibel X to monitor sound levels. After issuing a warning, if the official determines that an employee, contractor, volunteer, student, guest or member of the public continues to act in violation of the policy, the matter will be referred to the appropriate authority for corrective action.
The policy changes apply to all sound, including amplified sound, sound produced by speakers, bullhorns, musical instruments and other devices, and vocal sounds.
The policy applies to spaces and venues scheduled by Scheduling and Events Services including all Eugene campus outdoor spaces except for those scheduled by UO departments of Athletics, Housing, and PE and Rec. The policy also applies to the Erb Memorial Union and tabling/reservable indoor and outdoor spaces, Gerlinger Lounge, and classrooms scheduled through Scheduling and Event Services for events.
Groups that hold events will be asked to provide a representative to ensure compliance with the policy. This person will communicate with university or city officials who respond to noise complaints and will work with speakers, performers, support personnel and technicians to resolve concerns. The policy also governs unscheduled events but does not apply to sounds resulting from university operations such as construction and maintenance, classes and university tours.
Visit the EMU Sound Policy and Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
—By Matt Cooper, University Communications