The purpose of this policy is to allow members of our community (employees, students, and authorized volunteers) to post flyers and other postings publicly to disseminate information, ideas, and engage in other dialogue in furtherance of a rich academic and educational environment while promoting the civility that is essential to the flourishing of our community and encouraging respect for college property and the appearance of the campus. To that end, this policy sets forth the criteria for the temporary display of posters, fliers, and any other form of display on campus.
Postings should be confined to bulletin boards. Bulletin boards provide space for sharing information that is intended to benefit the campus community as a whole, such as information about community meetings and events or to further community dialogue, and should not be used solely for personal messaging. Prior approval of posters or flyers is not required, but members of the community should consider our norms of civility and use good judgment when posting. Our campus is often host to people of all ages. Those who post flyers should consider if they are suitable for viewing by the general public. In general, flyers and posters should contain the name of the person or club posting them and the date of any advertised events.
The following is a list of types of postings that are considered to be out of the bounds of our civility policy or other college policies and practices and thus are subject to being removed immediately and without notification. This list includes posters or flyers which:
Non-college organizations and off-campus vendors that wish to publicize events and advertise on campus may only post on the bulletin boards inside the vestibules on the lower level of McDowell Hall. Postings in all other locations will be removed. Any postings by non-college organizations and off-campus vendors are expected to comply with the guidelines set-forth in this policy.
Chalking is subject to the same parameters outlined in the “General Information” section above. To protect the look of the campus as well as the integrity of our structures, chalking is not permitted on certain surfaces, including buildings, planters, walls, covered entryways, covered patio areas, or brick steps and patios. It is permitted on any concrete walkways and plazas that are in areas open to the weather. Chalking may be removed at any time at the discretion of the College.
Posters and flyers should not be defaced or removed if they are allowed under this policy. A controversial posting should be the basis for a conversation rather than addressed by removal or defacing. Anyone who is unsure whether a posting is acceptable under the policy should bring it to the attention of the Director of Student Services, Assistant Dean, Associate Dean, Dean, or staff member. If a posting is clearly unacceptable, college staff members may remove it immediately and without notice. Postings are generally removed at the end of the fall and spring semesters and during spring recess. Facilities staff routinely remove outdated flyers or flyers that have been posted for more than two weeks.
This policy is meant to guide students, groups, clubs and organizations, as well as staff offices, in appropriate use of designated posting locations. Students and student clubs may be subject to community standards action for violation of any aspect of this policy. Possible sanctions will depend on the severity of the violation. Violations of the College’s nondiscrimination and/or sex-based harassment policies may result in sanctions up to and including termination or expulsion. A charge may be assessed if improper posting results in damage to property or requires extensive cleanup. Academic or administrative offices with material posted in violation of this policy will be notified for appropriate action.
