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 Osterlin Building.  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 

1. 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.

2. Responsibility for Monitoring Compliance with this Policy

1. Campus Security is responsible for monitoring College property and bulletin boards for compliance with this policy. The College has the right to remove any posting or material, or sidewalk chalking, that does not comply with this policy of Federal, State or local laws. 
2. Any entity whose postings, promotions or actions violate any terms of this policy, the regulations set forth below, 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, disciplinary, and/or legal actions.

3.    Regulations

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Distribution of flyers in parking lots or on vehicles is prohibited. 
4. All materials must bear the name of the sponsoring entity and contact information.
5. Materials that promote illegal activities, infringe on the legal rights of either participants or non-participants, obstruct or disrupt teaching, administration, college operations, or disciplinary proceedings, or put the safety of individuals or NMC property at risk, will be removed.
6. Any postings or materials containing explicit or obscene content, slurs, threats, or any other content not protected by Federal law or State law, or which violates NMC's non-discrimination, harassment, or student rights & responsibilities policies is prohibited and will be subject to investigation under appropriate policy or law.
7. Only one copy may be placed on any designated bulletin board. Posting must not cover up any other posting information. 
8. Poster and flyer size shall not exceed 11” X 17”.
9. Materials not advertising a date-specific event must have a date indicating when it was posted. NMC security may remove any undated materials with no clear event date or time frame, material posted for more than 21-days, or any materials advertising an event within 24 hours of completion of the event.
10. 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.
11. 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. 
12. Printed literature, including newspapers, magazines, and other printed informational content, may be distributed in approved areas under the following conditions:

NMC student publications, such as White Pine Press and NMC Magazine may be distributed in College areas as approved by the publication's advisor and the Campus Safety Coordinator.

M. Central Scheduling must also review all non-college groups’ directional signage and decorations before they are posted or distributed.  Requests for the use of table tents, electronic posters, banners, free standing signs and displays must be submitted to Central Scheduling. The College will not supply these items for non-college groups; for college groups, the College will consider requests for use of these items on a first-come, first-served basis and provide they are not otherwise being used and their use would not interrupt College operations. The event coordinator or sponsor 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. 

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

N. 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. The regulation(s) described in Section 3.F. above shall apply to the dedicated bulletin board(s) described in this Section 3.N.

4.    Appeal Process

1. 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.
2. All others – Appeals must be made to the Campus Safety Coordinator, in writing, within 14 days of the decision or action being appealed. All decisions of the Campus Safety Coordinator 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).