Introduction
Notices, printed announcements, posters, flyers, banners, digital signage, emails, newsletters, etc. ("notices”) that provide information regarding student activities or academic matters, or make announcements pertinent to the business of the University may be placed on campus in authorized locations by Registered Student Organizations, University departments, or current faculty, staff, or student(s). A Registered Student Organization or University department may not serve as a front for individuals, external entities, or for suspended, expelled, or otherwise unrecognized groups in placing notices on campus.
Required Information
All notices must legibly include the name of the responsible Registered Student Organization, University department, or current faculty, staff, or student(s) as well as the date the notice is placed. Notices must also include the date the notice will be removed, which is the earlier of two weeks after the date the notice was placed or the conclusion of the event being advertised. It should be written on the notice as follows: “Date Placed: (Date)" and “Date Removed: (Date).” Notices may not be re-posted after the expiration of the two-week period or conclusion of the event.
Electronic Communication
Individual students and student groups utilizing University computer and data networks to distribute notices or information, including newsletters, are expected to abide by the Student Computing Policy, the Computing Privileges and Responsibilities Acceptable Use Policy, and other applicable University policies. Students utilizing the email system to distribute information should identify themselves in the communication and may not use the email system to harass others by threats, obscenities, or repeated unwanted emails. Mass or bulks emails are prohibited without authorization from the Vice Provost and Dean of Students or designee, unless the email is being sent using an “opt-in” listserv. Computing and data network privileges may be revoked at any time for good cause, including as part of a sanction imposed following a student accountability proceeding.
Notices and Alcohol
For more information, refer to the Alcohol policy.
Notices Placed Physically On-Campus
The following stipulations apply to notices placed physically on campus:
- Notices may be attached to kiosks or bulletin boards with thumbtacks, but they may not be nailed, stapled or taped anywhere.
- Posters and flyers may be tied to tree trunks with string but the use of nails, tacks, tape, or staples on trees is prohibited. Banners may not be hung from trees, or between trees, or from or between other objects, such as lampposts.
- With the endorsement and cooperation of student government, a series of poles with rigging especially designed for the hanging of banners has been installed on the east side of Rand Hall, to consolidate the display of banners. Banners must not exceed the size of a twin bed sheet (66” x 96”) to allow room for the maximum number of banners. Registered Student Organizations, University departments or current faculty, staff, or student(s) are allowed up to two banners at any one time. Banners that comply with the size, number, and other requirements need no further approval.
- Use of sidewalk stickers must be reviewed by the Facilities Review Committee. The review consists of (1) proposed locations and placement dates to ensure placement will not interfere with other notices or damage university property as well as (2) confirmation all required information is included. A maximum of 30 sidewalks stickers are allowed on campus at any one time. In all other cases, the use of self-adhesive labels or stickers on surfaces other than banners, posters, or flyers, is prohibited.
- The use of chalk on any surface other than a chalkboard is prohibited, and the use of chalkboards in classrooms is limited to instructional or meeting purposes. Non-water soluble, semi-permanent, and permanent substances, including spray-chalk, are not permitted on any University surface, including vertical surfaces, lampposts, informational and directional blades, and public art.
- Using markers, paint, or any other medium on any surface other than banners, posters, or flyers, is prohibited.
- Notices may not be displayed using light projection, holograms, or any other similar media.
- Stakes bearing signs may not be driven into the ground. From time to time, University departments may install directional signs similar in design to those signs placed in yards for political campaigns. Registered Student Organizations desiring to use such signs must obtain authorization from Director of Student Organizations, Leadership and Service, or the director’s designee and the Facilities Review Committee. Note that the use of such signs is reserved for directions only and may not be used for general advertising or promotion, and that they must be removed immediately at the conclusion of the event for which they are installed. In the alternative, A-frames or sandwich boards (A-frames) may be used for notices on campus. University departments and Registered Student Organizations are responsible for the costs. A-frames must be reviewed by the Facilities Review Committee. The review consists of (1) proposed locations and placement dates to ensure placement will not interfere with other notices, damage university property, or impede access of movement as well as (2) confirmation all required information is included. A maximum of 30 A-frames or sandwich boards are allowed on campus at any one time.
- Hand-painted signs and banners should be made with acrylic latex house paint, which can be cleaned up with water. This paint will not dissolve in water or run, once dry. Space for making hand-painted signs and banners is available on the first floor of Sarratt Student Center.
- Registered Student Organizations may place notices on campus starting two days prior to the start of classes for both the fall and spring semester through the last day of classes for each semester. During academic breaks and in preparation for Commencement, the University will remove all notices that are placed on campus. Academic breaks include Fall Break, November Break, Winter Break, Spring Break and Summer.
Only Registered Student Organizations, University departments, and current faculty, staff and student(s) may place notices within the Student Centers buildings, which includes the Commons Center, Kissam Center, Sarratt Student Center | Rand Hall, and Student Life Center. Registered Student Organizations, University departments, and current faculty, staff, and student(s) may place no more than two posters measuring no more than 8.5” x 11” or one poster that measures no more than 24” x 36” on the posting boards attached to the exterior walls of Rand Hall. The following stipulations apply to posting notices in other campus locations:
- Academic Buildings- The outdoor wooden kiosk at Stevenson Center may be used by Registered Student Organizations, University departments, or current faculty, staff, or students for the placement of notices. Bulletin boards in classroom buildings, however, are reserved for announcements concerning academic programs.
- Residence Halls- Permission to place notices in any residence hall or residential window viewable by the public must be obtained from the Director of Residential Experience or their designee for Housing and Residential Experience.
Violations of Notice Policy
Notices that do not comply with this policy will be removed, and any violation of this policy may subject individuals or registered student organizations to corrective action, which may include losing the privilege of placing notices or having their registrations withdrawn. Individuals and organizations may also be charged for repair or cleaning of damaged surfaces.
In addition, intentional damage or vandalism to or removal of authorized notices or banners will also be referred for corrective action if the individuals or organizations responsible are identified.