Sign and Poster Regulation Policy

The affixing of signs, banners, posters or other displays to the exterior of College buildings may cause damage to the buildings or jeopardize public safety and therefore, is not permitted.

1. Writing, drawing, etching, painting, chalking, or otherwise marking the exterior of College buildings, is considered defacement of College property and therefore is not permitted.

2. Affixing signs, banners, posters, or other displays and writing, drawing, etching, painting, chalking, or otherwise marking College trees, benches, roadways, construction fences, and other features of the landscape are similarly not permitted. 

   Exception: Chalking of paved pedestrian campus pathways is permitted in the Sturges Quad and college residential villages except on walkways directly in front of building entrances.

   If the chalked message is intended to publicize a particular event, the sidewalk must be cleaned no later than five days after the event has occurred. Failure to remove the chalking in a timely manner will result in a charge to the organization sponsoring the publicized event for the removal of the chalk. If the chalked message was written by an individual student, and the identity of the writer is identified, failure to remove the chalking in a timely manner will result in a charge to the individual for the removal of the chalk.

   Chalking is not permitted directly in front of building entrances in order that the chalk dust does not get tracked into College buildings.

3. Displays on building interior surfaces must be confined to bulletin boards or similar areas provided for that purpose. Taping, nailing, tacking, etc., signs or other displays to walls, doors, glass, stairs, railings, balconies, or other building surfaces can cause damage or create a dangerous situation and, therefore, is not permitted. 
4. Displays may not be placed across or above roads or walks.
5. The posting of notices and flyers and other like materials in specific campus buildings may be subject to additional restrictions published by the specific building director (if appropriate).
6. All displays for an event must be removed not later than one week following the event by those responsible for the event or by those responsible for posting the notice.

Any unusual or special displays not covered by the above must be discussed with the Assistant Vice-President for Facilities and Planning.

Exceptions to this policy have been established over time for the cement retaining wall on the east side of the College Union (between the College Union and Schrader Hall) and for the tree in the Sturges Quad and are not covered by this policy. However, the College retains its right to regulate expression on the retaining wall and tree based on time, place, and manner.

Exceptions also include postings/notifications as necessary to alert or inform the community of official campus notices including but not limited to facility concerns, construction projects, or emergency situations as deemed necessary by the Assistant Vice President for Facilities and Planning, the Chief of University Police, or their designees.

Signs, banners, posters, etc. not displayed in accordance with the above will be removed by College personnel.

Rationale

The College has long had a policy of regulating the placement of signs and posters on campus, in order to address issues of safety and maintenance. The extension of the sign and poster regulations to College paved pedestrian pathways, with specific parameters related to safety and maintenance, is in keeping with the College’s long-standing position on this issue.