POLICIES AND GUIDELINES FOR USE OF SIUC ELECTRONIC MESSAGE BOARDS

PURPOSE

The purpose of electronic message boards is to promote events of wide interest to the university community and the community at-large, and not merely to serve as a source for announcing the many functions that take place on campus.

SIUC provides the electronic message boards (EMB) for communication of information to the community within the framework of the University's mission: education, research and public service. All messages appearing on the boards should clearly support and advance this mission.

The message board is located to the south of the SIU Arena and along U.S. Route 51 in Carbondale. This gives messages posted on the board access to those who travel along one of the main arteries serving SIUC and Carbondale. The message board is viewed by both the campus community and the general public. The board will, therefore, be operated in a manner that enhances SIUC's image, welfare and reputation.

Prospective users are encouraged to implement a variety of communications media for announcements rather than relying solely on the message board. Any event posted on the board must also be posted on the University's Public Events Calendar. (Those needing information about the calendar should call Tom Woolf, Public Relations, at 618/453-6796.

Users also are cautioned that the University offers no guarantee with respect to the appearance of any messages on the board. Placement and use of all messages are subject to constraints of priorities and electronic or mechanical limitations.

The number of messages which can appear in any given time period is limited, and precedence will be given to the earliest messages submitted, and priority rank (See priorities below). Messages may be edited for clarity and conformity to style of space requirements. This is a free service for departments and events associated with the University.

REGULATIONS

1. Messages must be submitted two weeks ahead of the requested posting date AND may be submitted in online. (Late submissions will be considered on a case-by-case basis.)
2. Sign requests must be submitted on an Submission Form.
3. ALL electronic submissions regarding registered student organization requests will be verified with the adviser by telephone or e-mail.
4. Non-electronic forms -- TYPED or printed LEGIBLY -- may be delivered the following ways:
   • Faxing a typed form to University Communications at 618/453-6796 (printed forms are available through University Communications or online).
   • Sent through campus mail, to University Communications, Electronic Message Board, Mail Code 6819, if not urgent.
   • Electronically ... the preferred method.
5. Each message will appear for no more than seven days. No more than one message per event will be considered. Duration of the message ends at the time the event ends. Messages should not exceed two frames of three lines, 12 characters/spaces per line. You must notify this office if your event cancels. Failure to do so will result in scrutiny of the messages your organization submits in the future.
6. Events that do not appeal to a wide university or community audience do not qualify for the message boards. (See Note above and Priorities listing below.)
7. Message boards are not available to commercial advertisers and may not be used to promote commercial functions.
8. Messages from organizations not affiliated with SIUC, unless sponsored by an SIUC organization, will not be considered. Community-wide events that the University participates in are eligible with an identified sponsor such as the Office of the Chancellor.
9. Messages must not state or imply University endorsement or approval of any goods or services.
10. Promotion of alcohol, tobacco or any candidate is prohibited. Publishing any political, factional, sectarian, racist, sexist, bigoted, false, misleading or deceptive viewpoints is prohibited.
11. All messages will be approved by the Director ofPublic Relations or a designee, and may be edited for clarity, grammar, spelling or readability.
12. Messages will be posted in a timely manner, but not necessarily immediately upon submission.

PRIORITIES

1. Emergency announcements such as snow emergencies or recesses.
2. Announcements from the administration of the University.
3. Announcements from the offices that collectively purchased the sign. They are the SIU Arena, the Office of the Chancellor, all Vice Chancellors' Offices, the SIU Foundation and the University Communications Office.
4. Announcements of University-wide interest and concern.

Go to Electronic Signs Message Submission Form
Go to Printed Version