Information on CWRU's unified Advocacy and Spirit Wall Policy

To our students,

Over the past few months, we have worked to review and, when helpful, revise policies that impact and support our students. To that end, I write to make you aware of Case Western Reserve’s new Student Advocacy and Spirit Wall Policy.

We have combined the previously separate policies and guidelines to develop a unified policy, after seeking out and incorporating input from the Student Presidents' Roundtable, Undergraduate Student Government Executive Board and Graduate Student Council Executive Board. This policy explains the purpose of each wall, as well as who can use each and what is permitted for posting. In addition, it outlines what will occur if postings do not comply with the policy.

I encourage each of you to read the policy in full, as we are each responsible for knowing university policies. I specifically note a few key points below:

  • The Advocacy Wall outside Eldred Hall is a space for students and groups in good standing with CWRU to express and advocate for issues that are important to them. Once painted, the registered student or student group must complete the Advocacy Wall form. 
  • The Spirit Wall between Tinkham Veale University Center and Thwing Center is meant to draw attention to campus events and activities planned and sponsored by student groups in good standing with CWRU. Once the allotted single panel is painted, the registered student or student group must complete the Spirit Wall form.
  • Each wall can be painted between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m.
  • In line with CWRU’s strong commitment to freedom of expression, material related to advocacy or social expression may be posted on the walls, so long as the material does not violate a university policy.
  • For paintings regarding political elections, candidates and political parties, the following university guidelines MUST be followed: “Student organizations may advocate publicly for a particular candidate, provided that the student organization clearly [labels on the painting that it] identifies itself as a student organization that does not represent the official views of Case Western Reserve University.”
  • Paintings will remain on the wall for two weeks before they can be painted over (except if the event listed has passed); students must paint a two-week “expiration date” in the bottom left-hand corner of the wall.

I want to thank you in advance for your cooperation, and also express my appreciation to the student leaders who provided input and feedback on this unified policy and, as always, advocated on behalf of you—the student body.

Wishing you a successful second half of the semester,

Travis T. Apgar
Vice President for Student Affairs