Campus Posting Policy

Purpose

The College welcomes and encourages members of the College community, either as individuals or as members of campus organizations, to communicate information about events, safety information, concerns and opinions, or other matters of general interest.

This policy outlines the rules and guidelines governing how information is shared publicly on campus property in the form of postings, notices, and advertisements. This includes temporary postings that are tacked, tied, taped, stapled, signed, or otherwise temporarily placed on or adhered to any surface on campus. This policy is in addition to all other college policies and does not constitute a replacement for any existing document.

Examples of postings:

Fliers, posters, lawn signs, and banners (11" x 17" or smaller)
Large-format signage that includes fliers, flags, and banners (larger than 11" x 17")
Chalkings on hard permanent surfaces
Any physical installation in a campus public area that does not fit within the categories above

Scope

This policy applies to all interior and exterior spaces on campus, with the exception of residence halls or unless otherwise specified. It applies to all students, faculty members, staff members or unaffiliated persons or organizations, with the exception of notices displayed by Facilities Management.

Hamilton’s Freedom of Expression policy in the Student Handbook states that “free inquiry and free expression are indispensable to the attainment of those goals to which Hamilton College is dedicated.” This policy is not intended to govern free speech but the College recognizes that disruption can be harmful to campus operations and related activity will be subject to review and potential modification. Postings displayed on campus may not contain threats, content that is defamatory, or constitute an invasion of privacy or unlawful harassment.

In cases that violate Hamilton’s Code of Conduct, the College may also pursue disciplinary action.

Posting Guidelines

Sponsorship, Size & Adherence

Postings must display the College-sponsoring organization and include contact information for individuals who have questions or comments about a particular posting.
Postings on bulletin boards should be no larger than 11" x 17" (ideal size is 8.5" x 11").
In order to avoid damaging or marking surfaces, please use blue painter’s tape, scotch tape, or masking tape to adhere postings.
Duct tape or any kind of permanent adhesive is not permitted and could result in damage fees.
Postings do not represent the views of the College.

Placement/Distribution

Postings will be limited to one per event in a reasonable amount of space, such as one per bulletin board.
Postings cannot be posted over existing relevant signage.
Existing postings should not be removed to make space for a different posting unless the event date has passed.
Postings must be affixed to bulletin boards. They cannot be adhered to windows, walls, or doors, except approved locations in the dining halls.
Postings must not mention the sale or distribution of alcohol.
Postings must not be placed on car windshields in campus parking lots.
A posting’s location cannot pose a risk to health or safety. This includes breaching fire codes or similar life/safety regulations as determined by the appropriate College personnel or local officials.
Lawn signs: Please coordinate with Facilities Management in advance (to avoid conflict of work, such as mowing).
Table cards/tents: Cards in plastic holders and “table tents” on the dining hall tables should be coordinated through Dining Services. This does not apply to fliers.
Chalkings: Chalk can be used on horizontal outdoor concrete or pavement surfaces that are exposed to the elements. Chalkings are not permitted indoors or outdoors on walls, pillars, other vertical surfaces, or under covered spaces. Waterproof chalk is not permitted.

Duration, Removal, and Damage

Postings must be removed after the event, or when the content is no longer current. The sponsoring individual or organization is responsible for removing postings.
Non event related postings may be removed after 24 hours in order to make room for other voices.
Postings may be removed and discarded by designated College employees if they do not adhere to this policy.
The College is not responsible for any funds lost due to postings being removed.
If College property is damaged by any posting, those responsible will be charged for any associated costs in addition to possible disciplinary action.
Several bulletin boards or other display areas throughout campus are managed by individual offices/departments and may not be available for general postings. These offices may remove any posting on their boards at any time and for any reason.
Burke Library: Postings regarding ongoing activities or ones without dates should be placed toward the top of the bulletin board using the tacks provided in each corner to secure. Postings may not be placed on study tables, carrels, stacks or in any undesignated location without express permission from a circulation supervisor or other library staff member. Only postings related to Hamilton College activities are allowed.

Postings Related to Academic Work

Students and/or faculty who are creating postings as part of academic projects, programs, or assignments may seek exceptions to some of these parameters. Please contact the Dean of Faculty Office for further guidance.

For Non-Hamilton Community Members

This policy does not grant any rights to non-Hamilton community members, such as business vendors and local organizations. Individuals or organizations that are not part of the Hamilton Community wishing to post notices on campus should contact the Procurement Office in advance. The College reserves the right to decline such requests.

Who to Contact

Please direct questions about the policy to the Office of Communications and Marketing.

Revision History

Approved June 2023
Revised August 20, 2024