Graffiti & Chalking Policy

In order to more effectively communicate when events and programs are happening on campus, particularly with respect to chalking sidewalks and painting the fence, the following graffiti policy has been established. The intent of this policy is to curtail abuse of chalking and fence-painting while allowing a fair and constructive environment for advertising events on campus.

Graffiti is defined as any defacement of University, public, or private property. However, graffiti should be distinguished from non-permanent forms of communication, such as chalking sidewalks and painting the fence.

The following guidelines outline the appropriate use of markings on the Carnegie Mellon campus:

1. While painting the Fence is a long-standing Carnegie Mellon tradition, practices such as painting the adjacent trees, sidewalks, and surrounding structures are strictly prohibited. The acceptable area for painting the Fence is defined by the gravel oval that surrounds the Fence and the Fence itself. Any painting and/or other types of writing outside this area is considered graffiti and is punishable.
2. Any defacement of posters hung on University bulletin boards will be considered graffiti. In accordance with the current poster policy, anyone found writing on or otherwise defacing posters or bulletin boards will be found to be in violation of the graffiti policy.
3. Chalk drawings on sidewalks will not be considered punishable graffiti. However, these drawings may not be destructive or libelous in any way. Chalking shall be limited to sidewalks. Chalking may not occur on the inside or outside walls of University buildings. In addition, chalking may occur only on horizontal surfaces that will be exposed to the elements. This means that chalking will not be allowed on covered sidewalk areas, vertical portions of outdoor stairs, retaining walls, and other similar areas. Failure to comply with these conditions will be a violation of the graffiti policy.

Failure to comply with these guidelines will result in fines and/or disciplinary action. The Student Body supports the penalties as outlined in the Student Handbook. The Office of Student Activities and Student Senate, when appropriate, are empowered to enforce the guidelines set forth in the Student Handbook.

Additionally, in extreme cases of graffiti policy violation, Senate-recognized organizations risk penalties including, but not limited to, freezing of budget, loss of funding, and loss of recognition.

Should you have any questions about this policy, please contact the Campus Life Committee of Student Senate at campus-life@senate.web.cmu.edu or contact the Office of Student Activities at 412-268-8704.

Chalking Policy Update:  Spray Chalk

Dear Student Organization Leaders -

As a result of the recent controversy regarding the use of spray chalk on campus, Student Senate passed a resolution on September 17th against the use of spray chalk. While spray chalk is not expressly banned under the current graffiti policy, Senate will be working over the next few weeks to update the poster and graffiti policies to reflect the resolution as passed. If you or anyone in your organization is interested in providing feedback about the poster and graffiti policies, please e-mail student-senate@andrew.cmu.edu. In the meantime, Senate does not endorse any use of spray chalk on CMU's campus.

For the full resolution as approved, please visit the Senate website. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me at student-senate@andrew.cmu.edu or amgross@andrew.cmu.edu.

Thanks!
Aaron Gross
Senate Chair