Posting: Signs, posters, and sidewalk chalk
Posters, flyers, and other modes of expression in public spaces are an important mode of expression and communication in a vibrant campus community. Posted and publicly displayed materials are shared with our whole community and must be consistent with the values of the Community Expectations Policy, and, as such, should not contain sexist, racist, other derogatory or defamatory language, or promote underage drinking or illegal drug use. Materials that do not meet the criteria of this policy will be removed and students responsible for posting materials not consistent with our community values may be referred to the accountability process outlined in the Community Expectations Policy.
Posters and Signs (short-term postings)
In order to keep walls, doors, wooden surfaces, and windows in good condition and to comply with fire codes, posting of signs, flyers, or any other material is only permitted on designated posting locations (listed below). Items posted in any other location will be removed and discarded. Posters and flyers may not be placed or taped to wooden surfaces and/or windows. Stickers (vinyl or other) should not be placed on college property, including buildings, windows, and furniture and will be removed if placed there.
Designated posting locations are as follows:
- Campus Center: Multiple bulletin boards on the first floor, table tents or napkin dispenser sign holders on Dining Hall tables
- Miller Academic Center: Bulletin boards in the north (towards Campus Center) and south (towards Lot A) entrance vestibules and near the elevators
- Milas Hall: Library upper level bulletin boards
- East and West Halls: Bulletin boards in the main entrance lobbies and designated Community Posting Areas (varies by Hall and floor)
The College reserves the right to remove materials posted in other, non-approved locations.
Posted materials must:
- Contain the contact information of an individual or recognized organization
- Anonymous posts may be displayed if the poster deems absolutely necessary; anonymous posts will be removed after 2 weeks and must comply with all other elements of the Posting policy. In these situations, students are encouraged to use a 3rd party contact (i.e. non-identifying email account or the contact information of another community member) to allow for contact in the case of question.
- Note that particular scrutiny will be placed on ensuring appropriate ownership and intent of posted materials with features, such as QR codes, that could be used for malicious purposes.
- Fit on the designated posting area
- Not cover another posting to obscure its content
- Have a clearly visible expiration date – this may be the date of an advertised event or 1 month from the date posted. In the case of the latter, those postings should write the posting date on it.
- Students are asked to remove their posters after the expiration date. Out-of-date postings will be periodically removed.
- Facilities will generally remove all temporary postings at the end of the fall and spring semesters and summer session.
Students who wish to post or display items outside of these parameters should contact the Dean of Student Affairs to discuss available options.
Removing, destroying, or tampering with others’ postings that are in compliance with this policy may be a violation of Community Expectations Policy. If a member of the community has concerns about whether a posted item complies with this policy, they should reach out to the Dean of Student Affairs, Chief Human Resources Officer, or Chief Marketing and Communication Officer.
Sidewalk Chalk
Sidewalk chalk may only be used on the non-brick walkways around the residence halls (paths from soccer field to Campus Center and interconnecting paths between residence halls, Campus Center and Milas Hall). Chalking personal or college property (i.e., brick areas, the Oval, stairs, buildings, landscape walls, cars, signs, etc.) is not permitted. The content and location of chalkings must be in accordance with the Olin Community Expectations Policy and the college reserves the right to authorize the removal of chalkings.