Division of Student Affairs - Campus Beautification Project

Division of Student Affairs

Campus Beautification Project

The Campus Beautification Project (CBP), initiated in the Spring 2001 semester, primarily evolved out of the need to evaluate and update the nearly 500 bulletin boards on campus. Approximately 25 boards are designated as open for campus community use; the remaining amount is allocated to departments, offices, and student organizations. In spite of the many available boards, some students feel that it is difficult to give and to get information on such a large campus. As a result, there has been an increasing problem of an excessive amount of unauthorized and unsightly flyers appearing on college property. When properly utilized and maintained, the bulletin boards can be an effective part of a multiple approach solution to this dilemma.

However, due to limited staffing, the large number of boards, the ever changing student population, and the considerable amount of area to cover on campus, it is difficult to routinely update and maintain these boards, while at the same time, ensuring that the posting policies are followed.

Student volunteers, who truly are Brooklyn College's “Best,” are answering the call and stepping forward to provide needed help to ensure that the boards are properly maintained and to help spot unauthorized postings on campus. They are also helping to get the word out to fellow students about bulletin board locations and to advise them of the regulation that requires that all student postings be date stamped prior to posting. Thanks to our hard working staff and the volunteer efforts of these students, there has been a noticeable improvement in the way our campus looks and functions.

Why call it Campus Beautification?

Aside from the obvious -- less unsightly flyers appearing on walls, doors, etc., -- the volunteers will be taking part in not only updating old bulletin boards, but also finding creative ways to make them attractive so that people will pay attention to them and learn useful information. They are also the eyes and extra helping hands of the college to take special care of the little details that help to keep our campus not only attractive, but also beautiful. For example, the simple act of removing old tape from doors and surfaces as they are spotted is a small act that helps to improve our daily exposure to the campus.

Campus Beautification is also reflective of the beauty of the concept of volunteer work. It is the beauty of students to willingly give of their time and energy to improve things for their community, of the ability to work amicably together as a team with a diverse group of students, and of the character development of our students. One such example occurred during the Spring Student Life Conference Volunteer Day that took place in May. Approximately ten student and staff volunteers worked together to remove and replace all the old existing paper backing and a seemingly endless amount of old staples from the Basement Boylan Hall Flyer Room. New paper and borders helped to make a noticeable improvement in the appearance of the room. The volunteers were very happy with their work and felt a sense of pride because they were able to contribute to making such a difference.

This project is part of an ongoing process. Our success and possible expansion will depend upon the cooperative participation of the entire campus community.

See also: Bulletin Board Locations

For more information about the Campus Beautification Project, to volunteer, or to pick up a copy of the Campus Bulletin Board Locations, Guidelines, and Information, contact:

Campus Beautification Project Coordinator
Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs
2113 Boylan Hall, 951-5352
E-mail: CampusBeautification@brooklyn.cuny.edu

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