Policy: Sidewalk Chalking Policy

University Policy: Facilities
UNIVERSITY POLICY
Date Revised: July 13, 2023
Date Effective: July 25, 2018

Responsible University Official(s): Dean of Students
Policy Owner: Dean of Students Office
Policy Contact: Dean of Students

REASON FOR POLICY

This policy provides a sustainable way for events and programs to be advertised by student groups. This policy applies to all members of the campus community and recognized student organizations. Compliance with the procedures is mandatory to participate in sidewalk chalking. 

SCOPE

The scope of this policy is relevant to recognized student organizations who wish to advertise their events through chalking to the campus community. 

BACKGROUND

This policy was developed to create a framework for students to appropriately advertise their upcoming events. 

DEFINITIONS

Chalk- must be water-soluble not oil based or aerosol.

POLICY STATEMENT

The chalking of sidewalks with advertisements of on-campus events and activities of student organizations recognized by UW-Platteville and in good standing at UW-Platteville is permitted under the following conditions:

1. Sidewalks may be chalked no closer than 10 feet to any building or overhang. Designated crosswalks are not to be chalked. No chalking is allowed on vertical surfaces, buildings, or under overhangs. 
2. Sidewalks may not be chalked more than one week prior to advertised event or activity.
3. Only water-soluble chalk is allowed; no oil based, or aerosol chalk may be used. 
4. Sidewalk chalking does not require registration. It may be done on a first come, first served basis. An organization may not clear a sidewalk for their own use until the date of the advertised event or activity has passed.
5. Sidewalk chalking must include the name of the sponsoring organization and the date, time, and location of the event or activity.
6. The content of chalked messages must be in compliance with UW-Platteville policies, e.g., UWS chapters 14, 17, 18, UW-Platteville Discrimination and Harassment and Retaliation policy, and UW-Platteville Alcohol and Other Drug policy.
7. Sidewalk chalking may not include obscenities or promote the use of alcohol or illegal drugs.
8. Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action for student organizations and/or specific members of student organizations by the Dean of Students Office. 
9. Should Facilities staff be required to remove chalking in violation of this policy, the sponsoring organization will be charged for labor and other affiliated costs.
10. Violations of this policy should be reported to the Dean of Students Office. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Position/Office: Director of the Markee Pioneer Student Center
Responsibilities: Informs students of the details of this policy. 

CONTACTS

Those designated to receive questions and feedback on the policy.

RELATED DOCUMENTS

UWS Chapter 14: STUDENT ACADEMIC DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES
UWS Chapter 17: STUDENT NONACADEMIC DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES
UWS Chapter 18: CONDUCT ON UNIVERSITY LANDS
UW-Platteville Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Policy
UW-Platteville Alcohol and Other Drug Policy

HISTORY

Last revised 07/25/2018

Titles updated August 2024 due to reorganization

SCHEDULED REVIEW 

07/2026