Committee on Postering, Building Use, and Demonstrations

A new committee was formed to address policies on postering, building use, and demonstration, sponsored by SVP and Dean for Student Affairs Jim Hoppe and SVP and Dean for Academic Affairs Jen Scanlon.

• Read the message sent to the community on January 22.
• View the report from that committee in full (PDF).

Frequently Asked Questions About New and Updated College Policies

How did the committee’s recommendations inform the policies?

Our senior officer team consulted with the committee to review the recommendations contained in their report. The senior officer team then created policies that could be implemented by the College. 

What was the process to implement the new policies?

The committee asked to review our existing policies worked diligently to consider our existing policies—some of which applied only to specific campus locations—and provide recommendations for comprehensive, campus-wide policies that would apply to all community members, seeking to ensure that their recommendations would work for our community. Our senior officer team then reviewed these recommendations and created final policies. Our priority throughout this process was to ensure that any changes would be suited to our community.

Why are you requiring faculty and staff groups to register with the College in order to use campus facilities?

Understanding who is using Bowdoin’s facilities and when is critical to maintaining the safety and security of our community members on campus. Registering with the appropriate office in advance will help the College work toward ensuring that all campus spaces are being used appropriately.

What happens if I violate one of these policies? 

Any violations of these policies will be handled through our normal channels in accordance with our existing procedures.

What prompted these policies?

President Zaki announced the review in March 2025, explaining that the College would review our policies on the use of campus space and related issues. This review was undertaken in response to requests to clarify policy statements and how they applied across campus. The policies introduced are a product of that commitment.

Where may I provide feedback?

Community feedback is encouraged. You can submit feedback to workingtogether@bowdoin.edu. The new policies will be evaluated, taking into account community feedback, after the 2025-2026 academic year.

Last Updated: January 21, 2026

We are providing expanded dialogue and learning opportunities for members of our community. These include:

• A campus-wide series on contemporary challenging topics that will include talks and interactive sessions to encourage respectful engagement on issues, including the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
  
  
• Opportunities for expanded education and dialogue on combating antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of hate.

Viewpoint Exchange Speakers, Spring 2026

All first years were invited to one of five Disagreeing Together Over Dinner events this past fall semester with their residential floormates.

At the dinners, they discussed strategies for responding to what they hear and asking constructive questions when in a conversation where there is disagreement.

They then had the opportunity to observe two Bowdoin faculty and/or staff members modeling how to engage in a disagreement with curiosity and respect.

• September 7
  Angel Matos (Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies) and Maggie Solberg (English)
  
  
• September 14
  Aaron Kitch (English) and Todd Berzon (Religion)
  
  
• September 28
  Abbie Killeen (Theater and Dance) and Sarah Seames (McKeen Center)
  
  
• October 19
  Chris Braun (Computer Science) and Karen Rose (Information Technology)
  
  
• November 2
  Theo Greene (Sociology) and Jeff Selinger (Government and Legal Studies)

We will offer opportunities for our employees to participate in conversation and engagement on important issues, hosted by the Bowdoin College Ombuds, in units and teams across campus as requested. 

These sessions will help participants better communicate with each other through challenges, and assist in improving how faculty and staff work together.

These events are an opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to meet as a community with senior officers of the College.

These conversations invite the community to come together to ask questions about multiple areas of campus life, with a focus on encouraging dialogue on challenging subjects.

The next "Ask Us Anything" event will be announced soon.

The first in this series was held on Monday, March 31, 2025.

The Bowdoin Community Conversation Fellowship has recruited students to be the inaugural Bowdoin Conversation Fellows.

This group of students, hired by the office of inclusion and diversity, will participate in a series of student-led community conversations while learning how to facilitate dialogue through their respective spaces of campus life.

This model will be informed by the work at the University of Virginia’s Karsh Institute of Democracy and Karsh Institute personnel will provide training and technical assistance for the project.

In coordination with the Campus Emergency Management Team, we will broaden campus community participation in emergency planning exercises.

Following a robust policy review, the College will provide enhanced support and additional training to assist community members in responding to reports of discrimination and harassment.