Not every student finds out about happenings at the University from e-mail lists or Facebook. At the beginning of the month, the University Policy Office unveiled new regulations about exterior posting of flyers and chalking.
Many of the rules for flyering are often violated, such as those forbidding postings on the outside of buildings or on columns.
Chalking rules, however, are almost always obeyed -- only nonpermanent chalk is permitted on uncovered, cement walkways. With repercussions for violations including loss of posting privileges, clean-up costs or University Judiciary Committee charges, Life asks which is the best way to publicize events -- flyering or chalking?
Second-year College student Geoff Skelley, University Democrats communications director, said he makes use of both methods through a combination of "mainly just flyering with some chalking."
Skelley said he and another University Democrats member post flyers for their organization's events every week.
"We only chalk for really big things," Skelley said.
He said the only time he has chalked this year was when Representative Bobby Scott, D-Va., came to Grounds.
Skelley also said he felt chalking was more difficult.
"From an efficiency standpoint, flyering is better," Skelley said.
Skelley said he wondered if chalking is worth the extra effort.
Second-year College student Kory Smith said chalking could be effective if done right.
"I think it's noticeable if it's bright and big," she said.
Smith said she felt if advertisers "do something unique" then chalking can be good.
Third-year College student Adrienne Chargois said one specific case of chalking caught her eye.
"I like the chalking on the construction fence," she said.
Chalking on the construction wall is, however, a violation of the University's policies on chalking.
Third-year College student Gabbie Strickland said she prefers flyers to chalk.
"Chalkings are on the ground. I see it once, then I just walk over it," she said.
Students also mentioned that chalking could be ruined by rain or just covered by others' creative efforts.
"I don't really know if chalking is effective ... if there's a lot, it becomes a blur," Skelley said.
Skelley said he also uses other forms of advertising, noting that the University Democrats often send press releases to local newspapers before large events.
Fourth-year College student Elizabeth Chu, Student Council director of university relations, said Student Council uses many other methods of publicity before flyering or chalking.
"There are many other easier and more accessible options for advertising than flyering and chalking," Chu said, noting that Council uses such alternatives as table tents, the Student Council display box and LCD screens in O'Hill.
Chu said the policies and many rules regarding flyering and chalking are a deterrent for Student Council.
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