Staff Policy D-505.13
Institutional Effectiveness Criterion: Operations

Posting

Posted or distributed materials do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs or practices of Northwestern Michigan College.  Postings will be monitored by Campus Security for compliance with this policy, with the exception of the Student Life dedicated bulletin board located in West Hall.  Nothing stated in this policy is intended to modify or supersede the provisions set forth by the NMC Solicitation Staff Policy D-505.10.

1.    Purpose 

a.     The purpose of this policy is to describe the conditions under which materials may be posted to designated bulletin boards and the conditions under which sidewalk chalking and distribution of materials is permissible on Northwestern Michigan College’s property.

Campus Security Manager or his/her designee maintains the regulations of this policy.  The College has the right to remove any posting or material, or sidewalk chalking, that does not meet the criteria within this policy.

Any entity whose postings, promotions or actions violate any terms of these regulations is subject to sanctions that may include but are not limited to warnings, restitutions, loss or suspension of privileges, trespass or expulsion from NMC properties, and or disciplinary/legal actions.

2.    Regulations

a.    Posters and flyers may be displayed on a first-come, first-served basis on designated bulletin boards only.  Locations for approved designated bulletin boards are available from Campus Safety and Security or Central Scheduling.

b.    Materials posted on any surface or locations other than designated bulletin boards are prohibited. Such materials are subject to immediate removal without notice to the sponsor, and the sponsor may be billed for costs related to removal, clean up, or repair.

c.    Distribution of flyers in parking lots or on vehicles is prohibited.  

d.    All materials must bear the name of the sponsoring entity and contact information.

e.    Materials that promote illegal activities, infringe on the legal rights of either participants or non-participants, obstruct or disrupt teaching, administration, or disciplinary proceedings, or put the safety of individuals or NMC property at risk, will be removed.

f.    Only one copy may be placed on any designated bulletin board. Posting must not cover up any other posting or information. 

g.    Poster and flyer size shall not exceed 11” X 17”.

h.   Materials not advertising a date-specific event must have a date indicating when it was posted. NMC security may remove any material posted for more than 21-days or any materials advertising an event within 24 hours of completion of the event. NMC related and sponsored communication and legal, job and for sale postings, will be monitored by NMC personnel for appropriate removal and may only be removed by NMC or organization/individual that posted the material.

i.   Materials may only be removed by the individual or entity responsible for posting the material or by NMC security in compliance with this policy. Violation of this clause may be considered a violation of NMC’s Trespass Policy D-505.12.

j.   Chalking on campus is permitted only on the College designated concrete-paved sidewalks 25 feet from building entrance doors.  Chalking must be done with a water-soluble powder substance, in open, horizontal areas that can be directly washed by rain.  Approved chalking locations are available from Campus Safety and Security or Central Scheduling.  

k. Printed literature, including newspapers, magazines and phone books, may be distributed in designated areas under the following conditions:

Health/Science Welcome Center
University Center Welcome Center
Osterlin Lobby
Dennos Museum Lobby
Great Lakes Campus Rotary Hall
Parsons-Stulen Building Lobby

l.     NMC student publications, such as White Pine Press and NMC Magazine, may be distributed in other areas, provided other criteria of the policy are met.

m.    Central Scheduling must also review all non-college groups’ directional signage and decorations before they are posted or distributed.  Requests for table tents, electronic posters, banners, free standing signs and displays must be submitted to Central Scheduling.  User must remove all items from College property at the close of the activity unless arrangements have been made with Central Scheduling.  Specific guidelines for signage and decorations are available from Central Scheduling. 

n.   Note:  Additional fees may be incurred if signage and decorations are not removed.

o.    Student Life Office, Student Government Association and Official NMC Student Groups shall have a dedicated bulletin board.  Student Life Office and Student Government shall determine material content and posting lengths, and will be responsible for monitoring this board.

3.    Appeal Process

a.    Student Organizations – Appeals must be made to the Dean of Students, in writing, within 14 days of the decision or action being appealed.  All decisions of the Dean of Students shall be final.

b.    All others – Appeals must be made to the Assistant Director of Campus Safety and Security, in writing, within 14 days of the decision or action being appealed. All decisions of the Assistant Director of Campus Safety and Security shall be final.

The Vice President of Finance and Administration, in conjunction with the appropriate faculty and staff, is responsible for the development and publication of any procedures or guidelines that may be necessary to administer this policy effectively.

If any provision(s) of this policy or set of bylaws conflicts with laws applicable to Northwestern Michigan College, including the Community College Act of 1966, the Freedom of Information Act, or the Open Meetings Act, as each may be amended from time to time, such laws shall control and supersede such provision(s).