Students use the free expression tunnel to share messages around campus.  The free expression tunnel changes daily.  

The free expression tunnel is the University’s answer to combating graffiti on campus since the 1960’s. The free expression tunnel connects North campus to the Central campus which is split by the railroad track.

Students can express their thoughts and feelings about anything in the tunnel.  Students paint announcements of upcoming events or express their art on the tunnel walls. As a result the tunnel never looks the same.

David Hatch, the director of repair and renovation said students should act responsibly when using the tunnel.

“Students should paint within the defined region on the both sides of the tunnel, as it costs us a lot for cleaning up the areas outside the tunnel,” Hatch said. “Students should not paint beyond the signs “No painting beyond this point” which are placed at the northern and southern extremes of the tunnel.”

According to policies in REG 11.55.4 specified by Student Activities and Services, there is no restriction regarding painting over the sections of the tunnel that other people or organizations have painted – no matter how recently they have been painted. However, in the past a lot of animosity has been generated toward groups who paint over sections that are advertising events not yet held or sections painted very recently. Students should use some courtesy and common sense when selecting an area of the tunnel to paint.

Only the lights and railings inside the tunnel are repaired, according to Hatch.

“Before we would paint and clean up the tunnel walls and ceilings, but we no longer do it as it is not practical,” Hatch said.  “But we do fix the lights and railings inside the tunnel when needed.”

According to Hatch, students should not paint on the lights inside the tunnel.

“We prefer if students do not paint on the light coverings. It is not practical to clean up the paint on the light coverings as it gets sprayed on once again,” Hatch said.

Hatch said the tunnel is the only place on campus students are allowed to paint.

“Students should not paint on any other buildings on the campus, as it costs us a lot to clean it up. Many students are not aware of the rules regarding putting up posters and chalking the sidewalks. Students should learn how to do it properly. They can learn this by reading the student handbook which is available online,” Hatch said.

According to policies regarding Poster/Painting/Sidewalk Chalk in REG 11.55.4, posters should be displayed only on designated surfaces like bulletin boards and kiosks. They should be mounted with tape and pushpins so as to allow removal without surface defacement.

Students are not supposed to use chalk on building walls.

“Students should chalk only on horizontal surfaces, which can be washed off by the rains. Only water soluble chalk has to be used. They should not use chalk on any other building walls on campus as we need to clean it up which could be costly,” Hatch said.

Cathleen Brooke, a junior in natural resources said the free expression tunnel was a good place to express thoughts and advertise.

“The free expression tunnel is a good place for the student organizations to advertise for upcoming events which people might be interested in. For the most part students are responsible when painting inside the tunnel,” Brooke said.

Sara Babcock, a freshman in accounting said that people abuse the free expression tunnel.

“Students abuse it. They do some offensive drawings inside the tunnel. They should use to express positive thoughts instead. Students should not paint on the light coverings, so that there is sufficient light in the tunnel at nights,” Babcock said.

Zach Sherman, a sophomore in civil engineering said he liked the concept of the free expression tunnel.

“It is pretty original; it is uncommon for a school to have a tunnel where students can freely express their thoughts. I am a transfer student and my previous school did not have it,” Sherman said.

Sherman said he found the tunnel to be informative.

“I learn about many upcoming events when I pass through the tunnel on my way to classes. Just today, I learned about the Shack-a-thon,” Sherman said.