Whiteboard Policies 

for Interaction Spaces in New Facilities

Approved by UPOC 6/16/22

Revised and approved by Leadership Council 4/15/24

Scope: These policies apply to the glass writing surfaces (or whiteboards) located in the common areas of the Chemistry North Tower. Whiteboards are found in interaction spaces on the subbasement, basement, 1st, 2nd, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th floors. The policies also apply to whiteboards in the common areas on the basement, 1st, and 2nd floors of Daniels. These policies do NOT apply to the glass surfaces or whiteboards located within any classrooms, write-up rooms, offices, meeting rooms, or laboratories. 

Purpose: The whiteboards in the interaction spaces of the new facility provide new and unique opportunities to encourage student engagement, collaboration, and community building. The primary purpose of the whiteboards is to enhance chemistry learning by providing spaces for instructors to work with a small group of students (during office hours or impromptu meetings) and for students to work together on their courses. However, other types of writing on the boards - such as chemistry event announcements, artwork or doodling, or other comments on topics relevant to the Chemistry Department. Users should expect that boards will be erased frequently, at least once a week, and without prior notice. Markings left on the glass for too long are difficult to erase and may leave ghost images. The goal of the policies outlined here is to set boundaries and expectations while at the same time fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Policies

• The primary purpose of the whiteboards is to enhance chemistry learning and foster collaboration among chemistry students and instructors.

• Users are encouraged to erase their work when done and leave the board clean for the next user. 

• One panel of the whiteboard on each floor is designated to promote special chemistry-related events organized by chemistry staff and intended for chemistry students.  

  • Examples include undergraduate research events, career panels, and chemistry major information sessions. 

  • These advertisements may remain for no more than two weeks and should be erased promptly after the event has passed.

  • The designated panel may only be used by chemistry staff and faculty for advertising events that have a direct benefit to chemistry students. Students or others wishing to advertise an event must address requests to undergrad@chem.wisc.edu. 

• Advertisements endorsing a particular political candidate, a political party, or a political campaign are prohibited. Please see UW campus policies surrounding political activities for Registered Student Organizations and for employees for further guidance.

• Advertisements that openly endorse a particular commercial interest or product are prohibited.

• Agencies or individuals unrelated to the university are not permitted to use the whiteboards. 

Curators

All staff and faculty should feel empowered to enforce these guidelines. Any concerns or disagreements may be addressed to undergrad@chem.wisc.edu. Staff will forward concerns to the appropriate parties.

Routine Maintenance

All users are encouraged to erase the boards when they are done using them. The staff who occupy each floor are responsible for ensuring that the boards are periodically cleaned. They may wish to designate a point person for their floor.