The campus has a long tradition of allowing students, faculty, staff, departments and student organizations to “chalk the Quad” in the promotion of their events, encouraging participation in student elections and expressing themselves on current issues.
Historically, sidewalk chalk has been allowed, but paint and similar substances have not. Water-soluble chalk is temporary and usually is removed by the next rain, which is usually after the event or issue is no longer current. More permanent markers (spray chalk) can be in place for months and either defaces the surface and/or needs to be removed.
To make clear the campus administrative policy and to hopefully better ensure that no one unintentionally violates the Code 1-302 (k) “…, defacement of… or damage to property or facilities…,” the following clarification is provided:
The material used to mark a sidewalk (horizontal surface) must be water-soluble chalk (sidewalk chalk). The use of markers, paints, oil-based products, or sprayable chalk or other products in aerosol containers is prohibited.
In addition to the above, chalking is prohibited on all vertical surfaces, buildings, walls, planters, doors, trash receptacles, steps, fountains, benches, tables, signs, poles, columns, bus stops, light posts, and trees.
The Illini Union Office of Registered Organizations will provide free of charge water-soluble chalk to student organizations to promote programs to help insure compliance with the chalking rules.
2-404 Chalking Policy
The use of water-soluble chalk, easily removed by rain, for purposes of promoting events, encouraging participation in student elections and expression of current issues is permissible on University sidewalks. Chalking is prohibited:
(1) On University property including, but not limited to, all vertical surfaces, buildings, walls, planters, doors, trash receptacles, steps, fountains, benches, tables, signs, poles, columns, bus stops, light posts, and trees.
(2) Underneath any covering where chalk would not be washed away by rainfall.
- Chalking is permitted on horizontal surfaces
- Chalking is prohibited on vertical surfaces
- Sidewalk chalk is permitted
- Spray chalk is prohibited
- Free chalk for RSO use is available in The ReSOurce Center