The Briefcase

Rock Painting Policy

Effective April 1, 2013

The tradition of rock painting, properly regulated, has a positive impact on campus.  It provides an outlet to show school spirit and pride in individual organizations.  

This policy and corresponding guidelines are put forth in an effort to address the following needs relative to rock painting:

• To foster pride within student groups
• To keep the campus beautiful and environmentally sound, and to protect investments in new and renovated facilities

The painting of rocks and other forms of University of Connecticut landscape is prohibited with the exception of the following list of rocks, which are the official “paintable” rocks located on University of Connecticut Property:

• The Rock – across from North Garage
• Towers Rocks – bottom of the walkway to Towers behind St. Thomas Aquinas Church
• Buckley/Shippee Rock – on the south side of the road leading to the Buckley/Shippee parking lot

NOTE:  The rock face on South Eagleville Road, across from Mansfield Apartments, is NOT a paintable rock as of April 1, 2013.   

Rock Painting Guidelines

• Those painting rocks will ensure that the area is left in a clean condition.  They will remove all materials and litter from the site and properly dispose of all paint. 
• Nearby objects shall not be painted.
• Only water based latex paint is allowed.
• In light of concerns regarding unhealthy competition to get the rocks painted, please observe the following Rock Painting Etiquette:

• Entire rock must be painted. Due to the amount of time and planning it takes to paint, it is expected that new painting will completely cover the rock. 
• Painting the rocks should be a fun, voluntary activity. Members or potential new members shall not be required or forced to paint the rock; this is considered a hazing/harming activity.
• Other groups will not interfere with those painting rocks.  People have the right to paint rocks without being bothered, harassed or demeaned.
• There will be no guarding of any rock. Members or potential new members shall not be required or forced to guard the rock; this is considered a hazing/harming activity.
• Once painted and dry, other groups may paint over the work.
• Tagging letters, names, or symbols over other groups’ paintings is prohibited.
• All rock painting will be done sober.  No drinking or drug use is permitted while painting rocks.
• Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated at the rock sites.  This includes loud music.

Enforcement

A plaque will be installed near each of the designated rocks indicating:  “This rock is one of the ‘Spirit Rocks’ on the University of Connecticut Storrs Campus.  Painting these rocks has become a well-established and valued tradition for student organizations.  The rocks are used to promote pride and excitement within student groups, as well as providing an opportunity for students to show their spirit to the University Community.” 

Information about appropriate types of paint, as well as Rock Painting Guidelines / Etiquette (listed above) will also be placed on/near each rock. 

Enforcement of the policy and rock painting guidelines will be coordinated by Student Activities and associated staff, as well as University law enforcement personnel and Community Standards.  Violations of the policy and guidelines may result in disciplinary action toward individuals and/or groups.