Posting, Fundraising, and Advertising Policies

Copyright/Use of College Name and Logo

Saint Mary’s College’s name, logos, seal, and other marks, including the image of the Chapel and the De La Salle statue, are protected under state and federal law. Unauthorized use of these marks is prohibited. Students or recognized student groups must coordinate using these marks through their sponsoring department head or contact Student Involvement & Leadership at sil@stmarys-ca.edu for permission.

Posting & Distribution Policy

Saint Mary’s College is a community dedicated to the intellectual enrichment and personal development of all its members through study, inquiry and continuing communication with one another. In accordance with its Lasallian heritage and core principles, the College encourages the expression of diverse perspectives and opinions that promote the critical examination of our world with respect to all persons. 

To help facilitate a safe, fair, respectful, and inclusive educational community, the College maintains the authority to regulate the time, manner, and place of the distribution or public display of written material. Additionally, the College also maintains the right to prohibit the distribution or display of any material that may (a) interfere with the college’s educational mission, (b) increase concern for physical danger to any individual, (c) cause damage to college property, or (d) be a violation of local, state, or federal law.

This policy applies to all publicity (e.g., banners, fliers, posters, etc.) that are displayed on premises or property owned or operated by Saint Mary’s College of California. 

The following maintain oversight regarding specific posting procedures and requirements:

Student Involvement and Leadership (SIL) - posting on SMC designated bulletin boards and oversight of all registered student clubs and organizations. SIL posting policy and guidelines. 

Campus Recreation - posting at or within the Joseph L. Alioto Recreation Center and all facilities or property owned or operated in relation to club sports; 

Department Bulletin Boards or Display cases - typically located outside of academic or administrative departments, are maintained by the respective department. Approval for posting should be obtained from the specific department head or designee. 

Residential Experience (ResEx) - posting at or within college operated residential facilities;

Prior to printing, posting, or distributing materials at college-owned or operated locations, events, or property, individuals are expected to consult with the college-recognized authority with oversight of the area(s) of desired posting or distribution.

Painting the SMC

The painting of the SMC by campus groups and individuals has been a longstanding tradition at Saint Mary’s College of California.  For generations, students have commemorated special events, heritage months and holidays by trekking up the hill, with paint supplies in tow, to give the “SMC” their special mark.  Students, staff and faculty participate in this tradition as a way to let their presence on campus be known while building community within their group.

In an effort to encourage equitable access to the letters for all, Student Involvement and Leadership has created the following guidelines:

1. Submit a request to paint the SMC to Student Involvement and Leadership two weeks prior to your proposed date via email (sil@stmarys-ca.edu.) or by submitting a web request at  www.stmarys-ca.edu/sil. Be sure to include proposed dates and the reason for painting it. Associated Students student organizations should submit their request as an event via the student organization software commonly known as SPOT. 
2. Upon receiving written approval from SIL, your group may paint the “SMC.”
3. The “SMC” shall remain painted for a period of no more than two (2) weeks, after which Facilities Services will repaint it to its original white color.
4. The SMC is to remain white during the following times:

• Move-In Day 
• Mass of the Holy Spirit
• The beginning of Fall Semester Finals’ Week through the end of the Christmas break
• De La Salle week
• The beginning of Spring Semester Finals’ Week through both commencement ceremonies
• All summer

Solicitation and Commercial Activity

The College has an obligation to preserve the student’s right to personal privacy, safety, and security. Individuals or organizations wishing to engage in commercial activity on campus may do so only with the written approval of the Vice President for Finance and Administration.  The College does not allow door-to-door solicitation of products or services in the residence halls.  This policy applies to all College and off-campus organizations, groups and individuals.

Fundraising Policy

The following principles, policies and procedures govern all student fundraising activities at Saint Mary’s College of California.  The purpose of this policy is to guide Saint Mary’s student organizations in planning their fundraising activities for the benefit of the campus community. Fundraising is the responsibility of the College’s President and the Vice President for Advancement in accordance with the priorities established by the Board of Trustees.  

1. Student clubs, classes and organizations may conduct on-campus fundraising after seeking the approval of their advisor and Student Involvement and Leadership.
2. Student organizations are permitted to conduct infrequent collection of food, clothing or change for charities; make requests for donated labor or donated products; and hold activities like bake sales that by and large do not solicit significant cash gifts.  These student fundraising activities are only permitted on campus.
3. Student groups may solicit from individuals and businesses that have given money to the group in the past five years or that have a previous relationship with the group.  
4. Student group solicitation of off-campus businesses for in-kind product and food donations is permitted on a limited basis subject to the approval of the Director of Student Involvement and Leadership, in consultation with the Advancement Office.  An advance list of businesses to be solicited is required to be submitted to the Director as well.
5. Off-campus door-to-door and telemarketing type fundraising activities by student clubs and organizations are not permitted.
6. Students are not permitted to solicit alumni directly.
7. Students may not raise funds from foundations or from corporations.
8. The Vice President for Advancement will have final discretion in approving all fundraising activities. For questions, please contact the Advancement Office.