Guidelines for University Posting
Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU) is committed to fostering an environment that upholds the principles of freedom of expression, academic freedom, and open dialogue. University policies and procedures governing the time, place, and manner in which postings occur at IWU are intended not to limit freedom of expression, but rather to ensure the safety of our community, ensure continuity of operations, and promote respectful discourse. We believe in the free exchange of ideas, diverse perspectives, and respectful discourse as essential components of a vibrant academic community. Posting within University spaces shall not imply acceptance or endorsement by the University of the views expressed.
Current members of the University community may post print and digital materials, educational displays, and event promotions in designated areas on campus through several methods (chalking, paper fliers, digital sign boards, etc). Our goal is to support student learning, student engagement, and community development. Postings are expected to improve our community through information sharing, education, and civility.
Freedom of expression is actively supported by offering a wide variety of ways to educate others and promote events. These guidelines provide a comprehensive list of over 150 places where information can be shared within appropriate time, place and manner parameters. While Illinois Wesleyan University encourages civil discourse, certain types of speech (including written expression through postings) are not conducive to our community values and will not be tolerated. This includes, but is not limited to, speech that:
- Incites violence or promotes hate against individuals or groups based on race, national origin, shared ancestry, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected characteristics.
- Constitutes harassment, defamation or discrimination
- Threatens the physical safety of others
- Unjustifiably invades substantial privacy or confidentiality interests
- Materially disrupts the normal operations of the university, including an interruption of teaching or research, physical obstruction, and/or property damage.
- Infringes upon the rights of others.
General requirements: All postings must state clearly the name of the University organization, departmental sponsor, or individual student sponsor for the posting. Anonymous postings are not permitted. If the post is not date specific/event specific, it must also list the date when it was posted so a removal date can be determined. Post sponsors must remove fliers/signs/displays after an event is over. Posts are permitted for two weeks or after the event has passed. Some posting areas require an advance reservation (display areas, digital sign boards). The University may reserve all campus areas in advance during special University events (like commencement, admissions and orientation programs, homecoming, etc.) in support of the functioning of the University. Advertising may not promote the availability of alcohol or other drugs.
Paper fliers/signs: There are over 110 general posting areas available for printed posters/fliers (72 in ORL, 33 general, 10 fraternity/sorority houses). Printed signs on designated bulletin boards must be no larger than 11inX17in in size with no more than one per bulletin board per event/sponsor. Postings shall not cover current postings belonging to other organizations. Posters and fliers should be affixed to the designated areas using appropriate tacks or tape that are easily removed and do not damage surfaces. The use of glue, packing tape, duct tape or nails is prohibited. Fliers shall not be taped to sidewalks, light or sign posts, or windows. Only official University notices about building access or emergency procedures may be posted on doors (including the windows on doors). Not all bulletin boards are designated for posting fliers. Some boards may be exclusively used for educational purposes sponsored by the department.
Display areas: There are several areas in the Memorial Center designated for reservable displays. Two wall areas in the Henning hallway and several locked display cases are reservable for up to two weeks through 25Live. Displays must name a designated sponsor. After two weeks, the display must be removed by the sponsor. To maximize educational opportunities and the variety of perspectives and use, organizations may not renew or transfer a display to another sponsor. A new sponsor may keep the same topic, but must substantially change the display.
Digital sign boards: There are approximately 40 digital sign boards throughout campus, managed independently by departments (not centrally managed). Organizations and departments can submit digital fliers to the Office of Student Involvement for posting in Hansen or the Memorial Center (the most frequently requested digital sign boards). Digital fliers must meet the same general requirements listed above and may be subject to consistent and objective reservation holds. Digital fliers should be no larger than 1080px X 1920px, the equivalent size for sharing on an Instagram story. Other digital sign posts may be submitted directly to appropriate departments listed here.
Internet/social media: Student organizations may use independent social media to promote events, activities, and issues. RSOs are not official representatives of Illinois Wesleyan University, but must follow social media guidelines as part of their campus recognition.
Chalking: Illinois Wesleyan University provides over 12 miles of beautiful sidewalks that frame our campus and takes great pride in the campus grounds and physical facilities. Because chalking has become a popular method to advertise events and ideas, the following guidelines have been established:
- Chalking is permitted on all concrete sidewalks, but not permitted on brick pavers.
- Chalking will be removed from walls, benches, ledges, posts, brick pavers, and other surfaces. If there are excessive labor costs associated with the removal of chalk, the sponsoring organizations or departments may be charged.
- Only chalk that is water-soluble is permitted.
- Chalking is not permitted East of Park Street (Evelyn Chapel, the Welcome Center).
Window postings, flags and banners: Students, faculty and staff are free to post personal material inside offices, inside residence hall rooms, and the doorway into their office or room as decorative personal space, in accordance with University policies. Externally-facing window postings (signs, fliers or flags) are not permitted. In connection with a University-sponsored event (like Homecoming), window decorating contests or welcoming/event promotion banners may be displayed with approved guidelines. The American flag, the Illinois flag, and RSO flags (fraternity/sorority/RSO name) may be displayed on an official flag pole.
Political Activity. As a non-profit, private institution of higher education whose activities are regulated in part by Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, the University is prohibited from engaging in partisan political activity or permitting its resources to be used for support of such activities. Signage, postings, events or programs that include candidates for public office or their designees must follow guidance and assistance from the Office of the President. In all cases, political fundraising is strictly prohibited, and all requests must be reviewed by the Office of the President.
Review and Consequences: Members of the IWU community with concerns about any postings should report to Campus Safety or the Dean of Students office. The University will remove any postings that do not comply with these specific guidelines. Additionally, we cannot anticipate every potential posting concern. Members of the community should assume that if something is not mentioned, it is not permitted. If there is an opportunity that feels like it fits within the spirit of these expectations, but is not explicitly stated, sponsors should contact the Dean of Students office. Organizations may be charged for posting damage that exceeds normal wear and tear. Consistent violations of these guidelines may result in future restrictions from reservations, posting, or loss of organizational recognition.
Policy Review. This is an institutional policy facilitated by the Dean of Students Office. It is reviewed periodically by the senior leadership team (President, Vice Presidents and Cabinet). Questions or concerns about this policy should be referred to the Dean of Students Office.
For other policies related to marketing and speakers, see the following: