University of Minnesota Revised Smudging Policy

The school removed a two-day advance notice requirement for students using smudging in residence halls.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Native American

Gouache-painted illustration of a sage bundle and bowl on a wooden desk, symbolizing the University of Minnesota's updated student policy. — The University of Minnesota has updated its residence hall policy to allow students to practice smudging without submitting a two-day advance notice. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should campus housing policies be adjusted to provide students more freedom for cultural practices?

In Summer 2026, the University of Minnesota updated its residential smudging policy to allow students to perform the practice without submitting a form two days in advance. Students now only need to notify their residence hall front desk before smudging.

Why it matters

The change removes administrative barriers and increases student autonomy in accessing cultural practices. It follows safety testing which confirmed that the practice does not trigger fire alarm systems.

The previous policy mandated that students submit an online request at least 2 days prior to smudging. Fire safety testing verified that the materials used do not produce sufficient smoke to activate building alarm systems.

The players

University of Minnesota

This is a public research university that serves as the site for the updated policy.

Circle of Indigenous Nations

This is an on-campus organization that collaborated with university staff on the policy revision.

The details

The policy update was the result of a collaboration between the Circle of Indigenous Nations, the University Fire Chief, and housing staff. Officials conducted fire safety testing in multiple residential rooms to ensure that the practice could be performed without compromising campus fire alarms.

Faculty updated the residential smudging guidelines in Summer 2026.

Culture Shift

This policy update reflects a broader institutional movement toward accommodating cultural practices within campus housing environments. By aligning with existing frameworks like those at the University of Minnesota-Morris, the school is standardizing equitable access across its systems.

Students living on campus can now exercise their cultural practices with greater spontaneity without navigating administrative approval hurdles. This change streamlines the residence hall experience for Indigenous students by eliminating the requirement for advance form submissions.

The takeaway

Institutional policies regarding traditional cultural practices benefit from direct safety verification to replace restrictive administrative rules. Students should always consult with their specific residence hall front desk to ensure compliance with updated community guidelines.