I. SCOPE
This policy applies to George Mason University employees, students, contractors, visitors, and other individuals at or in relation to all properties owned, leased, or controlled by George Mason University.
II. POLICY STATEMENT
This policy governs the issuance of Administrative Trespass Notices and Criminal Trespass Notices by George Mason University to bar individuals from entering University property. Administrative Trespass Notices and Criminal Trespass Notices must be delivered to the person who is the subject of the Notice in writing.
III. DEFINITIONS
Administrative Trespass Notice: a document issued by the University which gives notice to a person that they are not permitted to enter or remain upon the property, lands, buildings, or premises of George Mason University specified in the Notice and that violation of the Notice may result in administrative or disciplinary action.
Criminal Trespass Notice: a document issued by the George Mason University Police Department which gives notice to a person that they are not permitted to enter or remain upon the property, lands, buildings, or premises of George Mason University specified in the Notice and that violation of the Notice may result in criminal action in addition to administrative or disciplinary action.
IV. Responsibilities
A. Authorized University Offices and Employees
Authorized employees at Access, Compliance, and Community (ACC); Human Resources and Payroll (HR); University Life; Student Conduct; Housing and Residence Life; and Risk, Safety, & Resilience (RSR) are responsible for issuing and administering Administrative Trespass Notices in accordance with this policy, including providing information regarding the applicable appeal process.
B. George Mason University Police Department
George Mason University Police Officers are responsible for issuing, documenting, administering, and enforcing Criminal Trespass Notices in accordance with this policy, including providing information regarding the applicable appeal process.
C. Chief of Police
The Chief of Police is responsible for reviewing and deciding appeals of Criminal Trespass Notices submitted pursuant to this policy.
D. University Official to Whom the Chief of Police Reports
The University official to whom the Chief of Police reports, in accordance with the University’s organizational chart, is responsible for reviewing and deciding second-level appeals of Criminal Trespass Notices.
E. Individuals Subject to a Trespass Notice
Individuals subject to a Trespass Notice are responsible for complying with all terms and conditions of the Notice. Submission of an appeal does not suspend or otherwise relieve an individual of the obligation to comply with the Notice unless the Notice is rescinded or modified by an authorized University official.
V. COMPLIANCE
A. Administrative Trespass Notice
An Administrative Trespass Notice must state the area to which the Notice applies, the dates that the Notice is in effect (or that the Notice applies until further notice), how the Notice may be appealed, and a warning that violation of the Administrative Trespass Notice may result in further disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
Administrative Trespass Notices may only be issued by Access, Compliance, and Community (ACC); Human Resources and Payroll (HR); University Life; Student Conduct; Housing and Residence Life; and Risk, Safety, & Resilience (RSR). Persons issued an Administrative Trespass Notice may appeal that Notice to the appropriate administration official, listed on the Notice, whose decision shall be final.
B. Criminal Trespass Notice
A Criminal Trespass Notice must state the area to which the Notice applies, the dates that the Notice is in effect, how the Notice may be appealed, and a warning that violation of the Criminal Trespass Notice may result in criminal prosecution and disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
Criminal Trespass Notices may only be issued by Police Officers of the George Mason University Department of Police and Public Safety. They may be issued as a result of a violation of an Administrative Trespass Notice, or because of behavior that:
- Violates criminal or civil laws;
- Violates University policies, regulations, rules, or directives;
- Poses a threat to the health, safety, welfare, or academic experience of members of the University community;
- Causes significant disruption to the regular operation of University functions; or
- Causes or threatens harm to persons or property.
The Board of Visitors has granted George Mason University Police Officers the authority to issue Criminal Trespass Notices on University property. Each Criminal Trespass Notice, no matter how initially transmitted to the subject person, shall be memorialized in writing and delivered or mailed to the subject person. If a trespassed individual refuses or is unable to sign the Notice, the issuing officer is authorized to issue the Notice without a signature from the trespassed individual.
Criminal Trespass Notices automatically expire four years after the date the Criminal Trespass Notice was issued, unless otherwise notice on the Trespass Notice.
Trespassed individuals wishing to enter University property must seek and obtain written permission from the Chief of Police. Additionally, trespassed individuals may appeal Criminal Trespass Notices in writing to the Chief of Police using the Criminal Trespass Notice Appeal Form, and may appeal the Chief of Police’s decision in writing to whom the Chief of Police reports to in accordance with the University’s organizational chart, whose decision shall be final.
VI. TIMETABLE FOR REVIEW
This policy, and any related procedures, shall be reviewed triennially.
VII. Amendments
Amendments will be approved by the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and the Provost and Executive Vice President.
VIII. DATES
Date Approved: January 1, 2014
Revision Approved: December 19, 2016
Reviewed: January 8, 2021
Revised: October 6, 2021
Revised: March 4, 2025
Revised: September 15, 2026