Decorating Guidelines

The Residence Hall Decorating Guidelines are adapted from the CUA Holiday Decorating Guidelines which are published annually by the Office of Environmental Health and Safety. The purpose is to provide a framework for the decoration and personalization that occurs within residential facilities on the CUA campus. In addition, it attempts to clearly define the parameters of which items are allowed and how/where to place them. Generally, all decorations should adhere to the guidelines listed below. For specific questions about decorating please contact Housing Services.

1. Where possible it is encouraged that decorations, other than university-approved publicity/posters, be made of noncombustible materials.
2. Bulletin boards are provided on each floor for use by Residence Life staff. Coverings should be limited to publicity/posters and decorations.
3. In hallways, coverings on walls should not occupy more than 10 percent of the surface area. This means that in general wall decorations should be limited to the approved bulletin board locations and individual resident's doors.
4. In lounges, coverings on walls should not occupy more than 10 percent of the surface area. This means that in general wall decorations should be limited to the approved bulletin board locations and doors.
5. Interior lighting should use only U.L.-approved decorative lights inside the residence halls. Decorative lights should be kept away from combustible materials (i.e., curtains, paper, etc.) at all times. When a resident is not in the room it is recommended to turn off all decorative lights. Metal staples or nails should not be used as fasteners for lights as they can damage the protective insulation covering the wires. Lights should not be strung along walls, across hallways between rooms, or around fire safety equipment.
6. When accessing an interior power source electrical cords should not be routed through doorways, under carpeting or routed across hallways as they can cause a tripping hazard. For additional outlet use a U.L.-approved power strip with a fuse or a circuit breaker should be used. No multi-plug adapters may be used.
7. Exterior lights should not be strung between windows or installed on the exterior of the building in which the decorator would be subject to any type of fall hazard (including on roofs, ledges, etc.). Installation and removal of the lights must not cause damage to the building. Use of wire ties is recommended.
8. For exterior lighting use only UL approved outdoor approved decorative lighting and extension cords. Cover electrical connections with electrical tape to provide protection from the weather. Use exterior electrical outlets; extension cords should not be run from windows or through doors as this will compromise the integrity of the cord. Do not run extension cords across walkways or driveways.
9. Decorations must be kept away from fire protection equipment to allow for emergency access to these devices. Fire Protection Equipment includes: exit signs, fire alarm devices (pull stations, smoke and heat detectors, etc.), fire extinguishers, and emergency and normal-use light fixtures. At no time may decorative or other items be attached to or hung from sprinkler heads or sprinkler system piping.
10. Specific Christmas guidelines include:
    • Live Christmas trees are prohibited.
    • Artificial Christmas trees are permitted, provided the placement does not create an obstruction to egress.
    • Canned snow or other flammable sprays are not to be used inside the residence halls.
    • See interior lighting guidelines for Christmas tree lights.