[Zachary Lomas]

Hey Ashley,

I feel like I have been waiting for someone to ask this question forever, as my last institution had a pie in the face policy and it always made me chuckle.? I do want to give credit to my previous supervisor, Patrick Wallace, who did the heavy lifting on developing this policy at Rutgers – Camden, but here goes:

“The Office of Fraternity & Sorority Affairs (OFSA) is aware that many organizations wish to host fundraisers and other events that include pie-ing individuals in the face. While these are fun events designed to both raise funds for a good cause and create a stronger sense of community, proper precautions must be taken to ensure the safety of all participants.
Below are a set of guidelines that must be met to have such events approved that include pie-ing in the face. Failure to follow these guidelines as stated will result in disciplinary actions, up to and including the potential loss of use of campus facilities.
“Participants” = individuals who volunteer to be pied
“Attendees” = individuals who donate/sign up to pie an individual
? The sponsoring organization must first reserve the exterior space located in front of the Campus Center via the Events Office and have their request approved by OFSA.
? Cash donations cannot be collected outside of the Campus Center; the sponsoring organization must also reserve one of the Campus Center vendor tables located in the Main Lounge if they plan on collecting cash donations.
? The sponsoring organization is permitted to use Venmo in order to collect donations outside at the site of the event, if approved to do so by their national/international organization’s by-laws and/or policies. Please consult with your chapter advisor if you need additional information.
? The event must take place on the grass area located in front of the Campus Center’s Main Lounge ? not on the concrete or steps ? and the area must be fully covered by a tarp provided by the sponsoring organization; all pie-ing must take place on the tarp.
? The sponsoring organization must assist with clean up at the conclusion of the event. If pie substance is found on concrete, benches, signs, or other areas on the site, the sponsoring organization will be financially responsible for any additional fees associated with grounds and maintenance.
? The following are the only substances permitted when pie-ing individuals: shaving cream, whipped cream, and Cool Whip.
? The sponsoring organization must disclose what type of substance is being utilized (of the approved substances listed above) to all participants.
? The only plates that may be utilized for pie-ing are paper plates. Tin pie plates or plastic plates are not permitted due to their potential for cracking and producing sharp protruding objects, which have the potential to cause serious injuries.
? Attendees may not throw the pie in someone’s face. Instead, you must place the pie in their face (remember, the goal is to not injure someone).
? Individuals and organizations soliciting funds as part of their pie in the face events must comply with University as well as national/international guidelines.
? The sponsoring organization is responsible for providing a safe event for attendees and participants. Individual participants are required to sign an informed consent waiver prior to the event.”

I believe this has since added updated language regarding water balloon throwing which included mention of only throwing at the area of the body below the head and above the waste and with no intention to cause physical harm.

Hope this helps!

Best,

——————————
Zachary Lomas
Assistant Director, Busch Student Center
Rutgers University
New Brunswick
(716) 200-2160
——————————
——————————————-
Original Message:
Sent: 09-24-2024 16:38
From: Ashley Katz
Subject: Pie-in-the-Face / Water Balloon Fundraising Events

Hello!

We have seen a dramatic increase in the number of “pie-in-the-face /  water balloon smash” type fundraising events by student organizations in the outdoor area adjacent to the University Union.  We are looking at implementing guidelines for these events and having conversations about whether or not these should be allowed on campus.  Does anyone have any guidelines or policies from your campus that you are willing to share?

Thank you!

——————————
Ashley Katz
Director, University Union
Western Illinois University
Macomb IL
(309) 298-1986
——————————

[jlepone1]

Hey Ashley,

Here are the guidelines from my institution. I hope this is helpful.?

Joe

——————————
Joe Lepone
Director of Student Engagement
Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights KY
(859) 572-6498
——————————
——————————————-
Original Message:
Sent: 09-24-2024 16:38
From: Ashley Katz
Subject: Pie-in-the-Face / Water Balloon Fundraising Events

Hello!

We have seen a dramatic increase in the number of “pie-in-the-face /  water balloon smash” type fundraising events by student organizations in the outdoor area adjacent to the University Union.  We are looking at implementing guidelines for these events and having conversations about whether or not these should be allowed on campus.  Does anyone have any guidelines or policies from your campus that you are willing to share?

Thank you!

——————————
Ashley Katz
Director, University Union
Western Illinois University
Macomb IL
(309) 298-1986
——————————

Pie-in-the-Face Student Organization Policy.pdf 219 KB PDF - Click to view

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[joe debord]

Hey Ashley,

Below is a copy of the email we send when confirming these pie-ing events on our Commons space.? We are lucky that three of our Commons tables are fronted by grassy areas, so those spots are designated only for Pie-ing or water ballon activities.? We occasionally have groups use spaces that are not designated, and we pass along any charges for any cleanup from our Facilities Management Team.??

“Thank you for your request. Your reservation has been processed and requires you to provide more information.

Below is a detailed summary of your reservation. Please review this information and contact us immediately with any incorrect details.

ACTION REQUIRED:

• Reply to this email (unionscheduling@jmu.edu) that you understand and will follow the guidelines below for your event by XX/XX.

1. Place plastic on the table and the ground around the table to protect surfaces if necessary.
2. Only pie or balloon in the grassy area on the Commons Hill and preferably over the drain in the grass.
3. Please?clean up all residue to avoid charges for cleaning that area. ($100 clean up fee may be assessed)
4. Please come prepared with cleanup supplies (water, towels, wipes, tarps, etc.)

*If using water balloons:? Please be aware that some people have latex allergies and for the safety of all involved, the balloons must be kept on a 12’x12′ tarp in the grass area away from general traffic and must be completely disposed of prior to leaving. Please communicate this important reminder to your team that will be present at the event.

Completing this action item promptly will ensure we can support your event in the best way.

——————————
Joe DeBord (he/him)
Operations Manager, The Union
James Madison University
Harrisonburg VA
debordjx@jmu.edu
——————————
——————————————-
Original Message:
Sent: 09-24-2024 16:38
From: Ashley Katz
Subject: Pie-in-the-Face / Water Balloon Fundraising Events

Hello!

We have seen a dramatic increase in the number of “pie-in-the-face /  water balloon smash” type fundraising events by student organizations in the outdoor area adjacent to the University Union.  We are looking at implementing guidelines for these events and having conversations about whether or not these should be allowed on campus.  Does anyone have any guidelines or policies from your campus that you are willing to share?

Thank you!

——————————
Ashley Katz
Director, University Union
Western Illinois University
Macomb IL
(309) 298-1986
——————————