Can an outsider use university facilities for a technical discussion group? As one with significant interest and some knowledge in the subfield of computer architecture, living reasonably close to a university, the idea of organizing and facilitating a discussion/reading group in this subject area came to mind.

Would a university be open to the use of its facilities for such an activity offered by someone with no official affiliation with the university?

(Holding such on-campus seems likely to be convenient for the most likely participants but such is not necessary.)

Also, what would be the best way to present such to faculty and students?



While I do not anticipate being ready to offer to organize such a group any time soon, such might be something to look forward to.
You'd probably want to find a contact on the campus to host you. They're going to want an employee or student organization to hold responsible if your reading group trashes their facilities.