Outside Banner (and/or other Materials) Policy

I. SCOPE

The policy applies to the hanging of banners and/or other materials either spanning streets or on the lamp poles of all George Mason University locations, owned and leased.  It does not apply to interior spaces, the exterior of campus buildings, Johnson Center North and South Plazas, or parking lots adjacent to athletics facilities, as banner policy has already been established by individual buildings and departments for those locations.  It applies to all university departments, faculty, staff, students/organizations, and general public.

II. POLICY STATEMENT

The purpose of this policy is to provide a vehicle to establish and maintain a strong visual identity for each campus that is consistent with the mission and branding of the University.  Authorization to introduce materials of any kind must be approved by the Vice President of Communications and Marketing.  Federal and Commonwealth of Virginia official signage will be posted in accordance with applicable regulations and is exempt from this policy. The University reserves the right to remove materials posted not in accordance with these policies.

III. RESPONSIBILITIES

Policy Administrator: The Vice President of Communications and Marketing is responsible for administering this policy.  The Policy Administrator will review this policy on a biannual basis, review proposed changes to the policy as necessary, and ensure all responsible parties are kept informed of any information affecting the administration of this policy.

Responsible Parties: The Vice President for Communications and Marketing will have responsibility for approving and/or generating banners in accordance with the procedures and guidelines outlined by the local permitting authority.  Decisions may be made with advisement from the University Marketing Committee, University Life, or University Administration.

IV. PROCEDURES

The procedures pertaining to this policy will be maintained by the Office of Communications and Marketing.

V. COMPLIANCE

1. Violation of these provisions constitute grounds for removal of the unapproved material.  Charges for the cost of removal of the material and any associated repairs can also be levied by the policy administrator.

2. Request for waivers or exceptions to this policy must be made to the Vice President of Communications and Marketing or his/her designated representative.

VI. EFFECTIVE DATE AND APPROVAL

The policies herein are effective as of August 23, 2004. This Policy shall be reviewed and revised every two years or as necessary.

Approved:

__/S_____________________
Maurice W. Scherrens
Senior Vice President

__/S______________________
Peter N. Stearns
Provost

Date approved: August 31, 2004

Revised: July 30, 2021