Office of Student Engagement and Connections

Speakers, Entertainers, and Performers

Guidelines

Any speaker, presenter, entertainer or facilitator performing at UToledo at the invitation of a registered student organization shall abide by University Policies while present on campus and/or during the event. Failure to adhere to University Policies may result in cancellation of the performance.

Payment

There are experts in many areas employed by the University of Toledo, and student organizations are encouraged to seek out and take advantage of these “in-house” experts. However, UToledo employees may not be compensated in any way for their help or services provided to a UToledo student organization. Speakers, entertainers, facilitators, etc. who are not UToledo employees may be paid for their contribution through an organization’s “honoraria” budget line. Click for more information about student organization funding and banking.

Contracts

If a non-employee speaker or entertainer is recruited to perform or present at UToledo, a University contract must be initiated through the Office of Student Engagement & Connections (OSEC) at least 10 weeks prior to the proposed date of the performance. Only UToledo’s legal office personnel may review and negotiate contracts on behalf of the University. Only the proper University signatory may sign contracts on behalf of the University. Students do not have the authority to negotiate agreements, make promises, sign contracts or obligate the University in any way. Click here for more information about the contract request process.

Advance Ohio Higher Education Act (SB 1)

To comply with the Advance Ohio Higher Education Act (Senate Bill 1), The University of Toledo is required to maintain a public, searchable list of guest speakers. This ensures transparency regarding the university-sponsored events and the fees associated with them. This law does not prohibit any specific speakers or topics. It is strictly a financial reporting requirement. 

Does this apply to my student organization? 

1. University-Sponsored: The event is hosted, funded, or supported by a UToledo department or registered student organization.
2. Paid Speaker: The guest is receiving a payment (fee, honorarium, or "emolument") for participating.
3. Threshold: The total payment to the speaker exceeds $500. 

What information will be published?

1. The name of the speaker
2. The date of payment
3. The amount paid (fees and honoraria).

What do student leaders need to do?  

1. Pre-Event: When booking a speaker for more than $500, notify the Office of Student Engagement & Connections and your Faculty Mentor. 
2. Documentation: Ensure you complete the contract request form.