Posting and Distributing Materials on Campus

6:054 Posting and Distributing Materials on Campus

Adopted Date: April 1998 (formerly 1:070 Posting Materials on MU Property)

Revised Date: June 1, 2017; August 1, 2017; August 18, 2017; November 12, 2018; October 8, 2020; July 18, 2025

Responsible Office:
Operations Administration

Policy Statement

Posting materials on campus, including distributing non-University publications outside and inside University buildings and facilities, is permissible as described below.

This policy applies to all University of Missouri employees, students, University affiliates, contractors, and visitors who post or distribute materials on University property.

Additional policies regarding advertising and content are listed in the references below.

Definitions

Non-University Publication

A non-University publication is any written or digitally produced material that is not officially published by the University or by a University-recognized student organization.

Examples include:

  • Leaflets
  • Handbills
  • Other written or digitally produced materials

Procedures

Distribution Outside University Buildings

Distribution of non-University publications outside buildings is permitted when:

  • The material does not state or imply that it is connected with the University of Missouri.
  • Distribution does not violate applicable state or federal law.
  • Materials are not distributed from unattended receptacles or left in unattended piles.
  • Materials are not left on vehicles.

Distribution Inside University Buildings

Distribution of non-University publications inside buildings is prohibited except when:

  • Individuals or organizations have reserved space for an approved event or activity and distribute materials during the reservation period.
  • Distribution is approved by the Office of Reservations and Events in:
    • MU Student Center
    • Memorial Union

The Office of Reservations and Events may deny or limit approvals to ensure distribution does not:

  • Interfere with University activities or other approved events.
  • Interfere with building operations or maintenance.
  • Occur outside normal operating hours.
  • Conflict with reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions.

Requests are generally considered in the order received. Priority may be given to recognized student organizations.

Approval decisions may not be based on the viewpoints expressed in the materials or by the requesting individual or organization.

All distributed material must:

  • Comply with applicable state and federal law.
  • Not state or imply that it is connected with the University of Missouri.

Classroom Chalkboards and Whiteboards

Recognized student organizations may post information on classroom chalkboards or whiteboards, including the use of chalk or non-permanent erasable markers, when approved by the professor using the classroom.

At the end of the approving professor’s class period:

  • The material should be removed unless the next instructor grants permission.
  • Individuals using classrooms during non-class times should erase boards before leaving.

Bulletin Boards and Designated Areas

Exterior Bulletin Boards

  • Available for appropriate postings.
  • Priority is given to University-sponsored activities.

Interior Bulletin Boards

  • Materials must be coordinated with the department or building coordinator responsible for the bulletin board.

Residence Halls

Only recognized student organizations and University departments may post pre-approved flyers in designated residence hall areas.

Approval must be granted by the Associate Director for Residential Life or a designee.

Other Areas

Posters, signs, and other materials may not be pasted, nailed, taped, stapled, or otherwise attached to:

  • Interior or exterior building surfaces
  • Windows
  • Doors
  • Light posts
  • Telephone poles
  • Trees
  • Trash receptacles
  • Automobiles

unless specifically approved by:

  • MU Operations
  • Residence Halls
  • Memorial Union
  • MU Student Center

Placing and Removing Posted Materials

Materials should be posted:

  • No more than one week before the event or beginning of ticket sales.
  • Removed by the individual or organization that posted them within 24–48 hours after the event.

Violations

Violations of this policy may be considered acts of vandalism and are subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

Resources

Cross References