| Policy Title | Campus Banners, Flags and Displays |
|---|---|
| Responsible Office | Division of Communications and Marketing |
| Policy Type | Facilities and Property |
| Policy Number | 411 |
| Last Revision Date | 3/4/2026 |
Audience
This policy applies to all Binghamton University students, faculty, staff, departments, offices, academic units, affiliated programs and any entity that wish to place signage on university property, together with any third party that intends to use property owned, controlled, or maintained by Binghamton University.
Purpose
This policy is to regulate the placement and display of banners, signs, flags, light projections and other visual displays on university property—specifically those located on the exterior of buildings or affixed within campus green spaces. It is intended to preserve campus aesthetics, ensure safety and prevent unauthorized messaging.
Definitions
- University Property – All University, Foundation or other University related entity property, including, but not limited to, grassy areas, buildings and flag poles.
- Banner – a temporary sign made of fabric, vinyl, mesh, or similar material that is typically hung, suspended, or affixed to buildings, structures, poles, fences, or other surfaces. Banners are generally used to promote campus events, programs, or initiatives and are larger and more prominent than standard posters or flyers.
- Sign – any temporary or permanent display printed, drawn, painted, posted, or constructed that conveys information, direction, promotion, or identification. This includes, but is not limited to: yard signs, directional and wayfinding signage, posters and placards, A-frame or sandwich board signs, foam board or mounted displays, event-specific signs on easels, stakes, or walls. Signs could be free-standing, affixed to a surface, or placed on campus grounds.
- Flag – is defined as a piece of fabric or similar material, typically rectangular, that is designed to be flown or displayed on a pole, mounted bracket, or suspended in a manner that allows it to hang freely. Flags often contain symbols, logos, text, or imagery and are commonly used to represent nations, organizations, causes or affiliation.
- Light projection – is the use of projectors, lasers, LED devices, or other lighting technology to display words, images, logos, animations, or patterns onto buildings, walkways, or other campus structures or surfaces.
- Campus Green Space – outdoor areas that are primarily open and landscaped, including lawns, courtyards, plazas, gardens, and other grassy or recreational spaces.
Policy Statement
This policy is to establish clear guidelines governing the placement and display of banners, signs, flags, light projections and other visual materials on owned, controlled, or maintained university property. It applies specifically to displays affixed to the exterior of university property or situated within campus green spaces in a manner that renders them visible from public areas of the campus. This policy is designed to uphold the visual integrity of the campus environment and safety.
No individual, group, or organization may install, display, or affix any banner, sign, flag, or other visual display on the exterior of any university-owned building or structure, in campus green spaces, without prior written authorization from the Division of Communications and Marketing.
Any signage or visual display installed without the required approval will first be subject to a removal request. If the request is not honored within a reasonable timeframe, the display may be removed without further notice. Repeated violations or willful noncompliance with this policy may result in disciplinary action in accordance with applicable university policies and procedures.
Banners
All banners on the approved exterior locations are for institutional use only and require advance coordination and approval from the Division of University Communications and Marketing. Student groups are encouraged to use other approved campus channels for promoting their events, as these banner locations are reserved for university departments and units.
Banners for university departments may be displayed in the following approved locations:
- The top level of the parking structure
- Across Bartle Drive (large over-the-road banners only)
- The exterior of the University Union (reserved exclusively for University-wide marketing of events and admissions events)
Banner requests for Bartle Drive and the parking structure must be submitted via the online request form.
Signs
To maintain a consistent campus appearance, reduce visual clutter, and support safety, all temporary exterior signage must be approved and coordinated through the appropriate campus offices below. This applies to any temporary sign placed outdoors, including wayfinding, directional, promotional, event-related, or commercial signage located on lawns, sidewalks, building entrances, or other exterior campus areas. Lawn or yard signs are not permitted. Unapproved exterior temporary signage placed in unauthorized locations will be removed.
Exterior signage is intended for official University purposes only; retail advertising or commercial promotion of external businesses, products, or services is not permitted.
Requests for exterior signage should be submitted to the Division of Communications and Marketing with sufficient lead time to allow for review. Signs installed without approval may be removed.
Requests for exterior directional, temporary signs for campus events can be made to Parking Services at parking@binghamton.edu. All signs must be removed promptly after the event concludes. If needed, the University Police Department and/or Parking Services will determine the appropriate type and location of directional signage.
If needed, exterior directional signs (sandwich boards) will be created by the campus sign shop. The installation and removal of any signs will be performed by campus personnel. A charge may be levied to the organization/department sponsoring the event for signage creation, installation or removal.
*(Parking/Transportation Services, Residential Life and certain Student Affairs departments are exempt from this section)
Flags
In accordance with SUNY system policy, the university’s policy permits only the following flags that may be flown on facilities and flagstaffs adjacent to, or in conjunction with, the U.S. flag:
- New York State flag
- United Nations flag
- Red Cross flag
- The National League of Families POW/MIA flag and
- Unique campus flag.
No other spaces on university property are provided or authorized for the placement of any type of flag. The University prohibits the mounting or displaying of any flags, banners, signs or similar displays on the exterior walls of university buildings. This includes wall-mounted hardware or temporary adhesive installations. This restriction helps maintain the visual integrity, safety, and neutrality of campus buildings.
Light Projections
The University prohibits light projections on buildings and semi-permanent or permanent surfaces on university property without permission. Projection of content through lighting or other means on the outside university facilities, or any outdoor areas requires prior written permission from the Division of University Communications and Marketing.
Related Information
| Date | Description | Responsible Party |
| 11/22/2024 | Policy reviewed; no changes | Division of Communications and Marketing |
| 3/4/2026 | Clarified language regarding approved locations for banners. Approved by Senior Officers Group on 2/24/2026. | Division of Communications and Marketing |