Flag Display Policy

Effective Date:
May 27, 2026
Applies To:
Classified Staff, Appointed Personnel, University Staff, Students
Responsible Unit(s):
Office of Public Safety
Responsible Unit Email(s):
publicsafety@arizona.edu
Status:
Active

Purpose and Summary

The purpose of this Policy is to outline the requirements for displaying Official Flags on University of Arizona (University) Property.

Scope

This Policy applies to all Units that are responsible for properly displaying Official Flags located on University Property.

Definitions

Half-staff means the position of the Official Flag when it is one-half the distance between the top and bottom of the staff. Generally, this is a symbol of mourning.  

Official Flags means the flag of the United States of America and the flag of the State of Arizona. 

Unit means any University college, school, department, program, or other operating unit.

University Property means all land, buildings, and other facilities owned, leased, operated, or controlled by the University.

Policy

  1. Official Flags displayed on flagpoles located on University Property will be displayed in accordance with federal and state laws. 

  2. The Official Flags will be flown at Half-staff only by order of the President of the United States and/or the Governor of Arizona. This includes, but is not limited to, the following days of national observance:

    • Peace Officer’s Memorial Day (May 15; Half-staff all day) 

    • Memorial Day (the last Monday in May; Half-staff until noon) 

    • Patriot Day (September 11; Half-staff all day) 

    • National Firefighters Memorial Day (the first Sunday in October; Half-staff all day) 

    • National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (December 7; Half-staff all day)

  3. When an Official Flag is flown at Half-staff, it is raised to the peak for a moment and then lowered to Half-staff. Before lowering for the night, it is raised again to the peak.

  4. Official Flags will be displayed from sunrise to sunset. However, if illuminated so that it is visible from all angles, Official Flags may be displayed 24 hours per day. 

  5. Official Flags will not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an all-weather flag is displayed. 

  6. When an Official Flag is no longer suitable for display due to wear and tear or damage, it will be disposed of in accordance with 4 U.S.C. § 8 and replaced.

  7. Responsibilities

    1. University of Arizona Police Department (UAPD) is responsible for the proper display of Official Flags at the following University locations:

      • Old Main 

      • UAPD Station 

      • University President’s Residence 

      • McKale Center 

      • USS Arizona Memorial 

    2. All other Units with outdoor flagpoles are responsible for the proper display of Official Flags. 

    3. Units displaying Official Flags are responsible for apprising themselves of Half-Staff Notifications shared by the State of Arizona. 

    4. Units displaying Official Flags are responsible for the disposal and replacement of Official Flags in accordance with 4 U.S.C. § 8.

    5. University Facilities Services is responsible for the maintenance of flagpoles on University Property. 

Compliance

The Office of Public Safety is responsible for overseeing compliance with this Policy.

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