The policy is designed to foster the exchange of information and ideas within the University community, aligning with Syracuse University’s commitment to academic freedom and freedom of expression, as set forth in the Syracuse University Statement on Free Expression and Free Inquiry.
Posting and chalking privileges are reserved exclusively for Syracuse University students, faculty, and staff through academic or administrative departments, or Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs).
I. Policy Introduction
As a private university, Syracuse University reserves the right to impose policies for the distribution of content on University property. These policies are designed to uphold the institution’s values, non-discrimination and anti-harassment policies, and educational objectives.
Permission to post materials, whether physical or digital, does not imply endorsement, sponsorship, or support by the University for the views, opinions, programs, or activities of the users, speakers, presenters, or organizers. The posting organization or department is solely responsible for the views and activities.
II. Whom This Policy Applies
This Campus Posting Policy applies to all individuals and groups seeking permission to use any property owned, leased, operated, and/or controlled by Syracuse University. All faculty, staff, and students are expected to comply with this policy. Violations of this policy may result in appropriate disciplinary action as outlined in University policies.
III. Policy Principles
A. General Posting Rules
Only general-purpose bulletin boards may be used for posting. Posters or flyers may not be placed on interior or exterior walls, floors, doors, windows, furniture, railings, sidewalks, statues, monitors/screens, or public art. Using masking tape, paste, glue, spray adhesives, nails, heavy gauge staples, or other metal fasteners for posting is prohibited. Other prohibited behavior includes posting messages or symbols on grassy areas, hanging banners on external surfaces or projecting visual content without first obtaining permission, and causing damage to personal and/or University property.
All posted materials must support the values and educational mission of Syracuse University and must not violate any University policies including, without limitation, the Student Conduct Code, the Anti-Harassment Policy, or any local, state, or federal laws, regulations, or guidelines.
All posted information must include the name of the sponsoring student organization, department, or responsible individual, as well as the date, time, and location of the promoted program or event. Posted information requires approval from the appropriate department as required by the location:
- Academic facilities: Dean’s Office or building coordinator.
- Residence halls: Items to be posted must be reviewed and approved by Student Living, 315-443-3637. Once approved, they will be distributed to hall staff for posting.
Digital signage only can be used in:
- Dining halls: Dining Services, 315-443-3803
- Schine and Goldstein Student Centers: Student Engagement, 315-443-2718
- Barnes Center (for Barnes-related activities only): Student Experience Communication Office, secomm@syr.edu
Each school or college, academic facility, and administrative building has procedures for posting materials within its own confines. In the event a specific posting policy by an academic or administrative facility conflicts with the requirements set forth here, this policy controls.
B. Chalking Requirements
Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs) and academic and administrative departments may request permission to chalk only on non-brick sidewalk areas on the Shaw Quadrangle, the grassy knoll (adjacent to Schine Student Center), and the front entrance of Schine Student Center (adjacent to the Einhorn Family Walk). Chalking is not permitted on stairs, sidewalks other than those described above, buildings, walls, or any other surface not specifically outlined above. Chalking must be done with water-soluble chalk.
Chalking that violates any applicable law or University policy, such as the Student Conduct Code or the Anti-Harassment Policy, will not be permitted. Any charges for removal/clean-up will be billed to the posting RSO or academic or administrative department.
C. Approval for Postings by Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs) Affiliated with Student Engagement
Recognized student organizations (RSOs) must have posted items approved in advance by Student Engagement regardless of proposed posting location. Student Engagement will notate materials that have been approved for posting. All materials should be removed within 24 hours following an event or program.
D. Enforcement
All faculty, staff, and students are expected to comply with this policy. Violations of this policy may result in appropriate disciplinary action as outlined in University policies.
E. Review
This policy will undergo periodic review to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness in promoting a vibrant exchange of information and ideas within the University community.
IV. Responsibilities
- Responsible Office – Student Engagement. The policy will be reviewed every three (3) years by the responsible office
- University Management – Division of Student Experience
- Individual – Executive Director of Student Engagement
V. Record Retention
Records associated with the policy shall be maintained by the Responsible Office and retained or disposed of in accordance with University Records Policy and University Record Retention Schedule.
VI. Compliance
The Office of Internal Audit, Office of Compliance, the Responsible Office of this policy, and others may audit, investigate, and assess compliance with this policy. Non-compliance with university policies is subject to progressive disciplinary action up to and including termination per Staff Employee Disciplinary Policy.
VII. Related University Policies and Resources
- Events on University Property Policy
- Recognized Student Organizations Policy
- Recognized Student Organization Handbook
- Student Organizations Fundraising and Promotions Policy
VIII. Definitions
Term: Recognized Student Organization (RSO)
Definition: A group of eight (8) or more Syracuse University students sharing a common interest or purpose that has successfully completed the recognition process and received recognized status from the University. RSOs represent varied interests including, without limitation, academic, governance, Greek-letter, honorary, and sports and recreation. SUNY-ESF students are permitted to comprise a portion of membership in Syracuse University RSOs.
Term: Shaw Quadrangle sidewalks
Definition: The quadrangle bounded by Hendricks Chapel, Link Hall, Carnegie Library, Hinds Hall, and Huntington Beard Crouse Hall.
IX. Policy Administration and Responsible Office
Student Engagement
Phone: 315-443-2718
Student Engagement website
X. Responsible Executive
Senior Vice President and Chief Student Experience Officer
XI. Revision History
Original Issue: September 2005
Current Version Approved: August 2024