Revised April, 2024

 

As the most visible symbol of Oklahoma State University’s global engagement, the Wes Watkins Center honors OSU’s students, staff, faculty, and visitors through the established practice of international protocol. These protocol practices provide guidance to appropriately acknowledge the diversity and global reach of the university. This protocol follows generally accepted best practices, but upon the request of the Regents, the President, or other senior administrators of the university, exceptions may be made to this protocol.

 

1. Wes Watkins Center Flag Plaza

    

   OSU Global typically will fly the flags of the nations represented on our campus to promote global engagement and understanding. As a part of this practice, OSU Global strives to avoid making any political statements through the display of flags. Flying a flag of a foreign government, on the campus of Oklahoma State University, does not signify approval of that government's national or international policy by OSU Global, Oklahoma State University, or the State of Oklahoma. The Dean of OSU Global or his/her delegate is responsible for choosing which flags will fly and for what duration.

    

   The Wes Watkins Center International Plaza of Oklahoma State University is located at the southwest entrance of the Wes Watkins Center. Six flagpoles are arranged in a circle near the building's entrance, where flags of equal size, 4 feet x 6 feet are flown. In keeping with the international efforts of OSU Global, banners, organizational flags, and flags of any other type are typically not flown in front of the Wes Watkins Center.

    

2. Purpose of Flag Display

    

   Flags are displayed outside of the Wes Watkins Center for several key reasons. First, the flags demonstrate the university’s commitment to international engagement, understanding, and the impact of the university’s faculty, staff and students around the world. Second, flags are often displayed to demonstrate the presence on campus of international delegations on campus. Third, flags are displayed to honor nations that are represented by OSU faculty, students, staff, or nations where OSU students might be traveling. Finally, flags are displayed to honor national days, important holidays, or other special events for nations that are represented on our campus.

    

   According to protocol, the United States flag will always be flown on the flagpole on the right of the front doors as viewed looking from the building towards the intersection of Hall of Fame and
   Washington Street.

    

   When the President of the United States or the Governor of the State of Oklahoma orders the flag of the United States to by flown at half-staff, proper protocol will be followed. When the US flag is at half-staff, no other national flags will be on display in the flag plaza.

    

   Guidelines for which flags are eligible for display:

   1. We generally do not fly flags for nations that are not represented on OSU through the
      presence of students, faculty or staff. The International Students and Scholars office provides a current update on international student and scholar population in the
      International Student and Scholars Statistical Report for OSU.

   2. Moreover, we only fly flags that are recognized as sovereign, independent nations by the US State Department, whether or not that nation has diplomatic relations with the U.S. This list is maintained by the US Department of State at https://www.state.gov/independent-states-in-the-world/.

       

3. Internal display of International Flags at Events

    

   OSU Global also maintains an inventory of indoor flags which are displayed in the halls of the Wes Watkins Center. These flags may be used for events in the Wes Watkins Center such as the OSU Global Graduation Hooding Ceremony. Recognized student groups may borrow the flags and flag stands for events with the approval of the Director of International Students and Scholars by submitting the proper request form.

    

4. Other protocol issues

    

   Because of the great significance of flags, a special set of rules for correct display and use has been established by the U.S. Department of State.
   
   

   1. Only all-weather flags are displayed outside.

   2. No flag is placed above the flag of another nation.

   3. National flags are always flown on separate flagpoles of equal height.

   4. The U.S flag is placed in a position of honor to the right of the other flags as observed while standing inside looking out.

   5. When not in use, flags are folded and stored in a secure locked area.

 

Approved by OSU Global Leadership on May 8, 2024