We ask that you exercise good judgment; messages should be thoughtful, respectful, uplifting and considerate of everyone. Please adhere to Embry-Riddle’s Values, Mission and Vision, with an emphasis on collaboration, teamwork, and ethical behavior.
Students owe it to the community to consider the impact of their painting, especially on those who may disagree with their point of view. We encourage you to ask yourself:
Would I say this to someone in person?
Do I want to see a positive change in the community?
Is this the best way to achieve my goals?
More information along with a link to the Sign-up form is below. To download a PDF of the full Spirit Rock Guidelines, click here.
Content
All artwork and messages must focus on school spirit. Prohibited content includes violence, threats, hate speech, harassment, defamation, obscenity, unlawful speech, and political statements.
A political statement is any expression that promotes or opposes specific political ideologies, candidates, policies, laws, or governmental actions. It includes messages that support or critique political parties, movements, or social issues tied to governance, public policy, or violence. These would all be considered inappropriate for the focus on school spirit.
Special messages regarding non-partisan encouragement of voting, messages related to natural disasters, and messages celebrating a national or international holiday or day of significance may be approved by the committee.
Considerations Before Painting:
1. Does the message promote ERAU School Spirit?
2. Does it foster collaboration?
3. Could the message be perceived as offensive or insensitive?
4. Does it reflect professionalism and respect?
Inappropriate or offensive content will not be permitted. All submissions will be reviewed by a committee to ensure they meet the established guidelines. The Dean of Students Office will act as the final authority for appeals.
Timing
Each message may remain for one day, after which a new reservation is allowed. The exception is for a memorial to a fallen Eagle, which takes priority over other messages and should be allowed to stay untouched for one week.
The committee will communicate whether the submission is approved or disapproved within two business days. Clarifications may be requested, so please make sure to submit the form well in advance of your requested date.
Sign-up
Anyone wishing to paint the rock must sign up online through the Spirit Rock registration form in Campus Groups. All artwork and messages must be specified in the request. Any discrepancies may result in denial or removal of the painting.
A committee will review the submission and determine if it meets the established guidelines. A group may only be represented by one member each month (to avoid multi-day reservations).
Painting Guidelines
When painting, the new message must cover the entire Rock (unless sharing with another group has been worked out in advance). Paint on the sidewalk or grass is prohibited. Only water-based latex paint may be used.
There is a surveillance camera recording the Spirit Rock. Content can be reviewed in case of an incident. The Dean of Students will be the final arbiter of whether content is appropriate. Anyone witnessing inappropriate content should notify Campus Safety (226-6480). Individuals and/or organizations found responsible for violating these policies will be held accountable through the appropriate processes within the Dean of Students and/or Student Engagement offices.
Questions regarding these policies can be addressed to the Center for Faith & Spirituality (chaplain@erau.edu) or the Student Engagement & Student Union department (dbsesu@erau.edu). These two departments are charged with overseeing the Spirit Rock.
