Policy Regarding Use of the Main Quadrangle & Memorial Court

The Main Quadrangle (aka “Quad”) and Memorial Court are part of Stanford University's academic preserve. This space includes all sidewalks, steps, gateways and pathways that border and provide entrance and exit pathways to this important university historical area. Due to its location, at the heart of the Stanford campus, and to protect and enhance its historic status, university policy limits activities in this area to established or traditional university ceremonies and events.

Stanford University is private property and The Main Quad and Memorial Court areas, its entrances and pathways represent the formal academic image of the University, leading directly to its departments, classrooms and other academic space, faculty and graduate student offices.

Established major university ceremonies and events that are held in the Main Quad and Memorial Court include those related to: New Student Orientation, Family Weekend, Admit Weekend, Commencement Weekend, Reunion Homecoming, and Founders’ Celebration related events.

The Main Quad is considered a pedestrian zone and appropriate use of its space includes walking, reading, and other limited use of the area such as academic class gatherings. Activities such as spontaneous gatherings, demonstrations, rallies, dances, performances, flyer distribution, and any use of amplified sound should take place in alternative locations, such as White Plaza, East Oval Grove or other nearby designated outdoor event spaces. 

Other general usage requirements and restrictions

• Weddings and memorials are not allowed in this area but may, under certain circumstances and subject to prior approval, take place inside Stanford’s Memorial Church.
• Commercial and wedding-related photography is strictly prohibited on the university campus and the Main Quad area in particular.
• Commercial filming without prior permission is prohibited.
• The buildings in and around the Main Quad are offices and classrooms and are not open to the public.
• Posting of signs and banners, distribution of flyers, chalking, and any advertisements, commercial or otherwise, are prohibited in or around the Main Quad, its entrances, buildings, arcades or brick grounds throughout the area.
• Vehicle or other structural displays are not permitted.
• As a vehicle-exclusion zone, only motorized service vehicles with university authorization may enter open areas.
• No drones or unmanned flying vehicles of any kind are allowed without prior approval from the university.
• No sound over 65 decibels is allowed, including amplified sound, without prior approval from the university.
• Cooking of any is strictly prohibited without official permission.
• The arcades must remain clear and open except with prior approval from the university.
• Riding a bicycle or skateboard is prohibited in the Main Quad, its arcades, and the Memorial Court. Bicycle and skateboard parking is also prohibited in these spaces. See the Main Quad Bike Rack Map for parking locations.
• Overnight camping and structures are not allowed, as with the rest of campus under the Camping Policy.
• Smoking near campus buildings and entrances is prohibited.
• Campus restrooms are not available for tour group use.

Contacts

Requests for waivers to reserve either the Main Quad and/or Memorial Court must be submitted at least 60 days in advance and in writing to the Office of Special Events & Protocol at: (650) 724-1387 or stanfordevents@stanford.edu. Exceptions may be granted only in extraordinary cases.