General Bulletin Board Posting Policy

Advertisements are an important means of communication among the members of the College Community. Our Compliance with Posting Policies will ensure that advertisements are not removed and that individuals and groups take responsibility for their words. This policy applies to the College Community at large, whether as individuals or as members of College departments, offices, or organizations.

Those not affiliated with the College Community do not automatically have the right to use College spaces for the display of posters or flyers. The posting of notices on campus does not necessarily represent endorsement or sponsorship by the College or University.

Postings in violation of the following regulations will be removed by Safety and Security, by other representatives of the Student Life staff or the Grounds department, or by designated building representatives. Postings on non-dedicated (i.e., non-departmental, non-organizational) bulletin boards that comply with the following regulations must not be removed until a reasonable amount of time has elapsed, nor should they be defaced.

Posting Regulations

Posted materials must be in compliance with the posting regulations of the College listed below as well as general College & University policies.

1. Posters that compromise the safety of others (by, for example, obscuring windows and doors) are not permitted.

2. Posting on emergency phones/equipment, or vehicles in parking lots, is prohibited.

3. All informational materials intended for public viewing must have the sponsoring department, student organization, College committee, or individual. This includes: flyers, posters, table tents, etc. In accordance with the College University Student Bill of Rights.

4. Except for posters/flyers placed on identified departmental, office or organizational or General Use bulletin boards, those posters/flyers must bear the clearly-labeled sponsorship of a College office, department, organization or individual or general organization.

5. Individuals must be aware of the potential consequences—for themselves and for others—of advertising events that violate college policy or State and Local laws. [Examples include the serving of alcohol to minors and cash bars.]

6. Some campus buildings have more restrictive regulations on postings. Contact the administrator in charge of each building for specific guidelines. NAM and field staff handle such guidelines.

7. Bulletin boards dedicated to a specific department or organization may be used only with their permission. (Departmental Mailings)

8. Chalking is permitted on concrete outdoor sidewalks only. Chalking is not permitted on any vertical surfaces, buildings, walls, or on any surfaces that are bricked or tiled. Areas of sidewalks that are on a porch or under an overhang should not be used for chalking. Only water-soluble chalk may be used to ensure that removal will be done naturally by weather and wear. Although individuals are encouraged to take responsibility for their statements, chalking need not conform to posting rules and regulations.

9. These policies apply to College property only; others are reminded that different policies apply on other local, city and state property.

Additional Posting Recommendations

All members of the College Community are urged to abide by the following guidelines in order to ensure that information is most effectively transmitted:

1. Do not post printed materials advertising events earlier than 6-8 weeks prior to the event.

2. Do not advertise for events until the venue for the event is confirmed.

3. All sponsors need to be mindful that the Colleges & Universities are open to members of the town communities. Members of the College community should consider the placement and timing of posters and their effect on workplace environments and on town residents (including children) whose values may be different from their own.

4. Do not attach posters to surfaces (such as painted surfaces, wood, glass) which may be damaged by tape, glue, staples, tacks, etc.

5. Remove posters when the advertised event is over, or after they have been posted for the duration of the stated time frame per campaign.

6. To help ensure that posters remain in place for two weeks, they should bear the date on which they are first posted (OPTIONAL).

7. Members of the College & University community should be mindful of the fact that taping flyers to sidewalks creates significant additional work for college workers and compromises the environment (NOT NAM Endorsed)

College Bulletin Boards

Individuals and Companies are encouraged to use bulletin boards in a responsible manner. Although individuals, organizations and companies are responsible for making their own decisions about the use of posters and flyers, they should consider the following:

1. The use of designated public bulletin board is strongly encouraged.

2. Pushpins or staples should be used on bulletin boards. To avoid possible puncture of wheelchair/bicycle tires, please do not use thumbtacks. Duct, gaffers, packing, or scotch tape should not be used (it is very difficult to remove and causes damage to surface).

3. No more than one posting for the same event or issue should be placed on a single bulletin board. Avoid posting on top of other material. (Strictly Enforced)