Mural Policy
One of Caltech's unique undergraduate traditions is the painting of murals in the North and South houses. The Housing Office and the Office of Student Experience works closely with student leaders to support self-expression and also help foster an enjoyable and safe living environment for all house members.
Policies and Procedures
- It is the Institute's policy that all murals must be approved in advance.
- Murals will be approved on a house-to-house basis, taking into consideration House specific issues.
- The Housing Office will photograph and catalog all murals.
- Murals are not permanent, and the current approval may expire to support new murals and opportunities for new generations of House members.
- Murals must be free of offensive material, including any images or language that reasonable persons would find offensive, or which would reasonably interfere with other residents' or guests' enjoyment of the facilities.
- Murals may not include reference to alcohol or other drugs.
- Portrayals of Caltech community members in the murals are also prohibited.
- No modifications to murals will be made without permission.
- Neither the Housing Office nor Student Affairs will bear costs associated with unapproved murals or those which differ from the submitted design.
- Murals are not permitted in the Student Activities Center (SAC), Marks, Braun, Avery, or Bechtel.
- Only house crests are permitted in the dining rooms.
- Murals are not permitted on doors.
- Proposals for murals in formal lounges, courtyards, and entryways are discouraged and will only be considered under special circumstances.
- New Murals are not permitted in bedrooms or bathrooms and painting rooms will result in fines for current residents.
- Murals may not be painted over electrical boxes or outlets, other utility panels or fire pull stations, etc.
- Ceilings must stay white to ensure adequate brightness.
- All House door frames will be white and there will be six inches of white surrounding the door frame.
- Murals must be signed and dated by the creator.
- Mural proposals must first receive house approval and must agree on the purpose, location, and design of the mural.
- The house president then submits the proposal form above along with a complete drawing or picture of the mural.
- The Associate Director of Undergraduate Housing and the Director of Residential Experience will review the proposal. In some cases, students may be asked to adjust their designs.
- If the proposal is approved, the Director of Residential Experience will inform the house RLC and RAs along with the approved six week timeline for completion.
- If murals are not completed by the end of the academic year, they will be painted over during summer renovations.
- The Housing Office will make paint available for approved murals and the cost will be charged to the Project Leader or House.
- Students cannot use spray paint because it can damage the walls.
- The cost of removing a mural is the responsibility of the House.
- Violations can be reported to the Housing Office or the Office of Student Experience.
- The Institute is obligated to paint over offending murals as soon as possible.
- In all cases where a mural or part(s) of a mural must be removed, the problem will be considered remedied when the wall and all other surfaces have been restored to their prior condition.
Hours
Mon-Fri
8:00am-5:00pm