Gathering Expectations - A Community of Friends
The Gathering seeks to be a community of Friends living in the discipline of the Spirit. It is a rare opportunity for personal spiritual growth and sharing. We will endeavor to balance the opportunity for individual seeking with the challenges of living together. Attenders of all ages are asked to observe conduct appropriate to Friends’ principles, to take care that all of their personal behavior is bound by a respect for the sensitivities of others at the Gathering and in the host community, and to remember that our individual actions reflect on the Religious Society of Friends.
The Gathering includes programs for adults, children, families and Young Friends. Parents and sponsors of all Junior Gathering and Young Friends participants are expected to be actively responsible for their children at all times.
All attenders are asked to make the Gathering a safe and supportive community for children. For many, part of what makes the Gathering so special is the great age-range of people. The presence of the children in our midst is a great joy.
Quiet time is expected to be respected in and around all dorms between the hours of 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM.
Friends General Conference, in keeping with Friends historical concerns for equality and justice, is committed to providing environments which are free of discrimination and harassment. Demeaning actions, words, jokes, or comments based on an individual’s gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, age, or faith will not be tolerated. Intimidation or sexual harassment, both overt and subtle, will not be tolerated at the Gathering. All allegations will be investigated thoroughly and fairly. A copy of the Harassment Policy is included in the packet distributed at registration.
The Gathering of Friends is costly to organize, supply, and manage. Therefore, in the spirit of fairness, as well as the safety and integrity of the Gathering program, participation is generally open only to registered attenders who have paid the fees associated with covering these costs. Friends who wish to connect with others not registered for the Gathering should arrange to do so off campus. In no case is someone who has not registered for the Gathering permitted to stay overnight on campus.
Alcohol, fireworks and sparklers are not permitted. Use or possession of illegal drugs is prohibited. All university buildings and facilities are smoke free.
Working service animals are permitted on campus. The Gathering is not an appropriate event for pets; do not bring them.
Bicycles may be used on campus. Slow speeds must be maintained on walkways; pedestrians have the right of way and are not to be threatened with collision. Minors must wear helmets when using bicycles. Skates and skateboards are prohibited.
If unable to function within the guidelines of the community, any attender may have to be asked to leave the Gathering.
