University of Maine Policies & Recommendations

Posting, Chalking and Distribution of Informational Materials Policy

I. Purpose

The Posting, Chalking and Distribution of Informational Materials Policy for the University of Maine facilitates the equitable, responsible and orderly use of bulletin boards, banners, chalking and distribution of informational materials on university property (owned, controlled, and/or leased) as a means for communicating information about activities, events and notices of interest to the University of Maine community. It is not the intent of this policy to censor or otherwise control the content of notices or other informational materials.

Rather, the expectation is that such informational materials and notices be within the spirit of the University of Maine Student Conduct Code and comply with applicable standards of conduct.

II. Applicability

The Posting, Chalking and Distribution of Informational Material Policy applies to any person, group, entity, or organization seeking to use bulletin boards, to chalk, or distribute informational materials (ex. flyers, brochures, pamphlets, etc.) on University property in order to communicate information to the University community, or any subgroup thereof.

III. Definitions

Affiliated Entities: University colleges, departments, and offices; recognize student clubs and organizations; and University students, employees and agents (ex. volunteers).

Chalking: As used in the policy, drawing or writing on sidewalks with water soluble chalk (commonly known as “sidewalk chalk”) as a means for communicating information about University-sponsored events, activities and/or services to the campus community.

Commercial Activity: Communicative conduct or activity on behalf of a business or company or person for the purpose of advancing or profiting the business or company or person. Such activity is economic in nature and to financially benefit the entity or person. Flyers or other informational materials pertaining to the sale of goods and/or services authorized by the University are not considered commercial activity.

Community or General Use Bulletin Board: A designated public bulletin board in the Memorial Union (there are four).

Distribution: For the purposes of this policy, distribution is defined as persons physically offering materials (ex. flyers, brochures, pamphlets, etc.) to other people who may accept or reject them. Distribution can also mean people physically putting/leaving information in locations on campus (ex. on vehicles, on tables in buildings, etc.).

Flyer: A form of paper advertisement (e.g., pamphlet, circular, handbill, leaflet, notice, brochure, poster, sign, etc.).

Free Expression Activity: For the purposes of this policy, free expression activity is communicative conduct or activity protected by the First Amendment including, but not limited to, public speeches, demonstrations, marches, protests, and picketing. Free expression activity does not include commercial activity.

Posting: Placement of flyers or other printed materials as a means of communicating information about activities, events and/or notices of interest to the campus community. This includes affixing printed materials on bulletin board, approved posting spaces and non-approved posting spaces.

Public Areas: Most outdoor areas on campus, building lobbies/atria, or other areas open to the public within campus buildings where pedestrian traffic, or educational or administrative functions will not be unreasonably disrupted.

Special or Assigned Use Bulletin Boards: Any bulletin board assigned to or designated for use by a specific university department or office and all bulletin boards in residence halls.

Unaffiliated Entities: Businesses, organizations, groups, or persons not affiliated with any department or unit within the University.

University Community: For purposes of this policy, the university community includes all employees, students, contractors, visitors, invitees and volunteers of the University.

University Property: All land, buildings, facilities, and other real property owned, leased and/or controlled by the University.

IV. Policy

  1. The University is committed to promoting communication and protecting free speech rights of the University community. Accordingly, posting, chalking and the distribution of informational materials in public areas on University property are permitted in accordance with the scope of this policy. The University reserves the right to remove and discard any flyers or other informational materials and to remove any chalking without notice that are not in compliance with this policy.
  2. The University does not permit the posting or distribution of informational materials that are unlawful or otherwise prohibited by law. Such informational materials include but are not limited to: those that defame, incite unlawful conduct, make imminent threats of actual violence or harm, constitute obscenity, are fighting words, include a copyright or trademark violation, meet the definition of criminal or civil harassment, violate another University policy or state or federal law, trespass on the property of the University or others, constitute false advertising and/or depictions that promote or encourage illegal activity.
  3. Any activity connected to/with the distribution of informational materials that constitutes free expression must comply with the University’s Free Speech/ First Amendment Policy and the University of Maine System (UMS) Board of Trustees (BOT) Policy 212.

V. Procedures

  1. Affiliated Entities
    Affiliated entities may utilize general use bulletin boards, special use bulletin boards, chalking and distribute informational materials in public areas on University property as a means to communicate information about activities, events, and notices of interest to the campus community in accordance with the following:
    1. Posting on General Use Bulletin Boards:
      1. Flyers and notices may be posted by any party on any of the general use bulletin boards (4 located in the Memorial Union). No approval is required. All postings are cleared from the general use bulletin boards on a regular basis without regard to the date it was posted or the date of the event(s) the postings advertise.
      2. Flyers publicizing or advertising events should prominently display the event sponsor(s), name of the event, contact information, and the date/time/location of the event.
    2. Posting on Special Use Bulletin Boards:
      1. Departments and offices are responsible for maintaining special use bulletin board(s) under their control.
      2. No flyers or other informational materials may be posted on special use bulletin boards without the permission of the department or office that controls the bulletin board.
    3. Banners and Flags are covered by a separate policy/procedure that can be found in the University of Maine Student Handbook.
    4. Chalking
      1. Chalking may only be used to advertise events/activities occurring on University property unless an exception is made by the Center for Student Involvement(Director or their designee).
      2. Chalking is permitted only on concrete or paved walkways at least thirty (30) feet from buildings.
      3. Chalking is NOT permitted on bricks, steps, or vertical surfaces.
      4. Only non-permanent (water soluble) sidewalk chalk may be used. Paint, spray/adhesive chalks, markers, or inks are not permitted.
      5. Chalking is done on a first-come, first-served basis (no reservations for space or locations).
    5. Distribution of Informational Materials in Public Areas
      1. The non-disruptive distribution of noncommercial flyers, literature, or other informational materials is permitted in public areas on University property. Flyers and other materials may not be affixed to the outside of any University building, structure or property (including but not limited to fences, utility poles, signs, flag poles, trash/recycle bins, and similar).
      2. Flyers, brochures and other informational materials may NOT be put on or in vehicles (ex. under windshield wipers).
      3. Tables (indoor/outdoor) may be reserved inside of and outside of the Memorial Union (contact the Memorial Union Building Manager, 207-581-1406) in order to distribute information. Fees may apply to non-University entities.
      4. Commercial activity is managed through the Memorial Union Building Managers and/or on a contractual basis. Vendors should contact the Memorial Union Building Manager (207-581-1406) for additional information.
  2. Unaffiliated Entities
    Unaffiliated entities may post and/or distribute informational materials about activities, events and/or notices of interest to the University community in accordance with the following:
    1. Flyers or other informational materials may only be handed out, or posted on general use bulletin boards on campus. Flyers or other informational materials posted on any other bulletin boards on University property will be removed without notice.
    2. Chalking by unaffiliated entities is not permitted at any location on University property.
    3. Banner/flag use is covered on the Flag/Banner Policy in the Student Handbook.
    4. The non-disruptive distribution of noncommercial flyers, literature or other informational materials is permitted in public areas on University property. Tables may also be reserved in the Memorial Union (indoors/outdoors) by contacting the Building Manager (207-581-1406).
    5. Commercial activity is managed through the Memorial Union Building Managers and/or on a contractual basis. Vendors should contact the Memorial Union Building Manager (207-581-1406) for details.
  3. Prohibited Activities for All Entities
    1. Posting is strictly prohibited on vehicles, indoor walls, windows, doors, porches, walks, stairways, light/utility fixtures, signs, lampposts, the outside of buildings, trees, shrubs, trash receptacles or dumpsters, signs, utility poles, other living things or other University or private property not owned by the person who is posting.
    2. The distribution of informational materials must not obstruct, in any way, vehicular or pedestrian traffic, or the ability to freely exit/ enter buildings or facilities, whether indoor or outdoor. Obstruction of public sidewalks or streets is a violation of Maine law. Additionally, such distribution must not unreasonably interfere with the educational and/or administrative activities inside or outside of buildings.

VI. Exclusions

None.

VII. Appendices

None.

VIII. Interpretation

The authority to interpret this Policy rests with the President of the University whose designee is the Vice President for Student Life (or their designee). Decisions made by any University official under this Policy will not be made based on the content of or the viewpoint expressed in the material, except in accordance with section IV. (B) of this Policy and BOT Policy 212.

Last Updated: August 2025