University Posting Policy
The unauthorized display and placement of banners, posters, and other signage on campus is strictly prohibited. This policy applies to all postings regardless of content. All content must be in accordance with University policies including the Rules of University Conduct and Columbia's Non-Discrimination Policies. Columbia University reserves the right to remove any and all signage that does not meet policy guidelines.
Reason(s) for the Policy
This policy is intended to provide guidelines for the permitted use and placement of banners, posters, and related signage on campus.
Primary Guidance To Which This Policy Responds
This policy refers to the posting guidelines set forth by Columbia University, its schools, departments, and/or buildings. This includes but is not limited to the specific policies referenced below:
- Lerner Hall Building Policies
- Columbia Housing Bulletin Boards Policy
- University Event Policy
- Outdoor Space Policy
Who is Governed by This Policy
All faculty, staff, affiliates, students and visitors of the University are governed by this policy.
Who Should Know This Policy
All faculty, staff, affiliates, students and visitors of the University should know this policy.
Columbia University Facilities and Operations sets guidelines for the use and placement of postings on campus as set forth below. For the purposes of this policy, “postings” are defined as “flyers, banners, posters, signs/signage, notices, advertisements, brochures, postcards, or other collateral material, of any kind or format, that display information in any manner or form”. This can also include images projected onto buildings.
Posting Guidelines
I. Exterior Postings
Unauthorized banners, posters, and other signage displayed on the exterior of University buildings are strictly prohibited.
Exterior postings are only permitted on designated outdoor bulletin boards. Except on outdoor bulletin boards authorized by the University, postings are not permitted to be placed, affixed, or displayed in any way, shape, or form on the exterior of University buildings.
Postings that are placed or displayed without permission on University property will be removed, without notice, and at the expense of the responsible party if and/or when necessary.
II. Interior Postings
All banners, posters, and other signage placed in the interior of University buildings must be consistent with University policies.
III. Postings in Faculty and Graduate Student Housing
Postings are not permitted in all faculty and graduate student residential buildings managed by Facilities and Operations, except as required by law or as installed by or authorized by Facilities and Operations, CUIMC Facilities, or CUIMC Housing. Postings that do not comply in these residential buildings will be removed and discarded.
IV. Postings in Undergraduate Housing
Postings in residential buildings for undergraduate students are permitted only on bulletin boards with certain restrictions per Columbia Housing’s Bulletin Boards Policy. Postings displayed or placed anywhere other than the designated bulletin boards in undergraduate residence halls will be removed and discarded.
V. Postings for University Events
Postings related to marketing, advertising, promotions, and other collateral material for University events on campus facilities must adhere to the guidelines within the University Event Policy and Outdoor Space Policy.
VI. Authorized Postings
Subject to any school or building-specific policies, postings are generally permitted on bulletin boards or other public areas designated for posting. Schools and/or buildings may have specific requirements and restrictions for such permissible postings.
The use and placement of postings on campus is otherwise prohibited inside buildings unless allowed by school/building policy in designated areas. Postings that are placed in any location other than where permitted by school and/or building policy and personnel will be removed. The school or senior leader responsible for the building will consult with the Provost's office regarding these decisions as appropriate.
Policy Violations
It is the responsibility of the individual to familiarize themselves with this University policy as well as any school and building-specific policies, and to adhere to them at all times. Any University policy violation is subject to the conduct process enforced by the applicable University disciplinary process.
Columbia University reserves the right to remove any and all banners, posters, and signage that do not meet these University policy guidelines. Failure to comply with these guidelines will result in the removal of postings without notice, at the expense of the responsible parties if necessary, and may be subject to disciplinary action.