Guest Speakers

DePaul encourages its registered student organizations to sponsor guest speakers whose presentation will contribute to the role of the University as a forum for intellectual discussion, debate, investigation and/or artistic expression. Speakers provide an opportunity for students to hear and discuss opposing viewpoints on a wide range of issues. Providing a forum in no way implies university approval or endorsement of the views expressed by the sponsored speaker. This statement must be included in all publications and advertising of the event.

Procedures for Student Organization Speaker Review

Affirming the vision, values and mission of DePaul University expressed in the DePaul University Mission Statement and the Guiding Principles on Speech and Expression, DePaul is committed to fostering an educational community that welcomes free and open discourse.

Standing in the Catholic, Vincentian, and American university traditions, free and open discourse at DePaul has a unique character. Among other things, speech and discourse have, as their end, the pursuit of truth, the search for the common good, the broadening of perspectives, and the amelioration of injustice, as well as the deepening of mutual respect, understanding, and solidarity among all people and cultures.

Speakers provide an opportunity for students to hear and discuss opposing viewpoints on a wide range of topics. As such, DePaul encourages student organizations to plan, promote, and engage in thoughtful, respectful and challenging dialogue, including through guest speakers. Providing a forum in no way implies university approval or endorsement of the views expressed by the sponsored speaker.

To facilitate registered student organizations bringing speakers who are not members of the DePaul community to campus, DePaul has implemented the process detailed below. All student organizations seeking to invite a speaker to campus must use this process. This process will be annually reviewed by Student Affairs.

This process applies to:

• Speakers from outside the DePaul CommunityStudent organizations who are planning on-campus events.
• Student organizations who are planning on-campus events.Student organizations who are planning speakers intending to speak to a group beyond registered group members.
• Student organizations who are planning speakers intending to speak to a group beyond registered group members.
• In other words, this process does not apply to:

• Speakers from within the DePaul community (current students, faculty, and staff members).
• Faculty, academic units, or university units or groups other than registered student organizations who are bringing speakers to campus.Student organizations who are planning off-campus events.
• Student organizations who are planning off-campus events.Student organizations who are planning speakers intended only for their registered group members.
• Student organizations who are planning speakers intended only for their registered group members.Also, invited guests other than speakers (musicians, comedians, cultural presentations, etc.) are not included in this process's scope. Other policies and procedures may apply to these events.
• Also, invited guests other than speakers (musicians, comedians, cultural presentations, etc.) are not included in this process's scope. Other policies and procedures may apply to these events.

Application: Any student organization seeking to invite a speaker to speak on-campus must complete an application through the DeHub Event Approval Process or the Guest Speaker Approval Request Form. Student organizations are encouraged to submit applications for speakers with as much lead time as possible. At a minimum, applications must be submitted at least one month before the initial proposed date. Applications for events less than one month away will be considered if feasible. The Speaker Review Committee may set forth more detailed procedures regarding the application process and timeline.

Speaker Disclaimer Statement: When a speaker is approved, it is the university's expectation that the Speaker Disclaimer Statement be read to those in attendance. A copy of that statement can be found here.

The complete procedures and meeting dates for the Student Organization Speaker Review can be found on DeHUB.

What happens if you invite a prominent speaker to campus? What if you would like the media to be present at your event? Contact the Office of Student Involvement. We will assist you so that the proper university officials are notified and can aid you in these requests. Please contact our office prior to confirming the speaker’s visit.

Student Organization Speaker Review Board

The Student Organization Speaker Review Board meets the first Friday of every month during the academic school year, with the exception of September (the Board is convened the second week of September). The Board reviews and makes recommendations on speaker request applications submitted by registered student organizations. Recommendations are shared with senior university leadership as to request approval or denial. Student organization applications approved will facilitate a time, place and manner conversation with Facility Operations and Student Affairs. Speaker request for September will be submitted in June (end or previous academic year) as the Review Board does not meet during the summer.

In order to be considered, request forms must be submitted the Monday prior to the monthly scheduled Student Speaker Review Board meetings.  Events must take place during the eligible program dates, which are outlined below.

To submit a Speaker Review request, click here.

The university's Guidelines for Speech and Expression and other guiding documents can be found here.

Please note that when a speaker is approved, it is the university's expectation that the Speaker Disclaimer statement be read to those in attendance.  A copy of that statement can be found here.