Advertising Policy

Advertising by businesses, organizations, entities, or individuals not associated with the University is prohibited. Products or services may be offered to faculty, staff, and students in appropriate channels (i.e. University publications or websites) or through appropriate channels when sponsored by a University department or organization. Exceptions (such as magazine advertising or other publications) may be granted by the Vice Chancellor of Strategic Communications or designee, following review and consultations by appropriate entities to ensure no conflict of interest among parties involved.

Promotion for the sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages, tobacco-related or gaming  products (such as lotteries, gambling, bingo and raffles) on campus or in University publications is prohibited.

Any corporation, organization, or individual that offers and provides support or underwriting for University events or activities may be considered a sponsor.  University entities (defined as a school, college, department, unit, or registered student organization) may choose whether to accept or decline a sponsorship offer based on an assessment of its overall benefit or impact for the University entity. When the University entity considers entering into a sponsorship relationship, it should consider the compatibility between its mission and image and that of the sponsor. The Vice Chancellor for Strategic Communications, or designee will review and approve all sponsorship requests to ensure alignment with the mission of the University .

Sponsorship of a University or registered student organization activity or event itself does not automatically give the sponsor the right to use any University trademarks, names, or logos. In limited circumstances, a sponsor may be granted permission to use University trademarks, names, or logos after receiving written approval from the Vice Chancellor for Strategic Communications or designee.

Advertising fliers and other commercial information may not be distributed in classrooms unless it is directly related to the educational nature and purpose of the class. Fliers may not be placed on windshields of vehicles parked on University-owned or leased property or in any University parking lot.

Distribution of literature through the campus student mailbox system or within residence halls is subject to guidelines that may be issued by the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. 

Advertising may not be posted on University bulletin boards unless approved by the University department or unit responsible for that bulletin board.

Sponsorship announcements may be solicited and placed in programs, publications, newsletters, magazines, and other printed materials when the purpose of such announcements is to defray the cost of producing the material and/or supporting the related program, department, or unit of the University.

1. Advertising is acceptable in publications that are prepared by a commercial vendor and made available at no charge to the University for its faculty, staff, and students under sponsorship of a University agency or organization.
2. Publications that are provided to the University as a result of the University, or a University department or unit, sponsoring the external organization’s publication may be distributed on campus by the sponsoring University unit or department who purchased the sponsorship. An example of such a publication is “Discover Greensboro,” a city-produced publication which is sponsored by the University.
3. Advertisers, sponsors, or agencies reserving space in publications for the first-time must pre-pay for space.
4. The amount of payment may not be based on a volume of sales of any merchandise or other services resulting from the placement. When an agent is used to place announcements or advertisements, royalties or income may be determined on a percentage basis.

1. Sponsorship announcements may be placed on University websites provided they do not comprise more than ten percent of the area of any single screen.
2. Sponsorship announcement placements, sponsors, and financial arrangements for such announcements are to be approved by the Vice Chancellor for Strategic Communications or designee, in consultation with the Vice Chancellor for University Advancement, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, and the Office of General Counsel, as necessary.
3. Announcements may contain links to other websites or web pages that provide additional information about the sponsor or the sponsor’s products or services.
4. Approval of links to web pages of commercial entities and organizations does not convey or imply approval to use University marks, logos, or other images without specific permission, nor does it constitute an endorsement of the entity or organization.

Pursuant to the University’s Acceptable Use of Computing and Electronic Resources Policy, University computers and information systems, which includes websites or web pages, may not be used for personal advertising or other activities or endeavors that will result in personal gain.