The Standard

Issue date: 9/18/07 Section: News

Chalked messages promoting student organizations and events are often seen underfoot on campus sidewalks, and organizations that write such messages are required to follow specific rules.

"At the beginning of each academic year, we send out a reminder to student organizations about the sidewalk chalking policy," said Thomas Lane, assistant dean of students.

Nicole Rykbos, public relations chair for the Asian American and Pacific Islanders Organization, said the AAPIO is familiar with the rules.

"The AAPIO knows the rules of sidewalk chalking, and we follow them closely," Rykbos said.

Some student organizations are not familiar with the guidelines.

The Association for Women in Communication hasn't used sidewalk chalking in the past, but President Katy Reed said they plan on it this year. She was not aware of any rules.

The Board of Governors approved the rules of sidewalk chalking in 2000 as part of the Advertising, Distribution, Solicitation and Facilities Usage policy, Lane said.

The policy was implemented to assure advertising and solicitations served the interests of the Missouri State community.

Organizations and businesses not affiliated with the university aren't permitted to advertise using sidewalk cha-lking.

Chalking is allowed on horizontal, concrete surfaces. Curbs, building surfaces, steps, brick surfaces and benches are examples of inappropriate surfaces.

Surfaces must be able to be washed naturally by rain and only washable sidewalk chalk is permitted.

"Sometimes we have organizations that use oil-based chalk, rather than washable chalk, which creates a mess for grounds staff to clean up," Lane said. ­­­

Chalked messages may not be obscene, defamatory or threaten physical harm.

There were messages violating the sidewalk chalking rules, and those responsible were required to clean up the writing, Lane said.

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