Classroom Usage Guidelines

Campaign overview: Classroom Usage Guidelines

Help raise awareness about proper usage of classrooms outside of class hours.   

UBC is experiencing challenges with trash and disorganization in classrooms, particularly in mixed-use buildings that include both classrooms and residences, such as Ponderosa Commons. Some classrooms have garbage left behind, furniture out of place, or are being used past closing hours. When this occurs between scheduled cleaning times, it leaves the room messy and unprepared for the next class. 

A series of posters have been created to encourage students to reset classrooms after they use them, including removing and sorting their trash, resetting tables and chairs, and vacating the classroom after hours. Posters are being installed in General Teaching Spaces (centrally managed classrooms) across campus. 

Help us share the campaign with students via your newsletters and social media! 

Communications Toolkit

This communications toolkit is prepared for each department/unit to use when sharing this messaging across campus. You can find and download content here that suits your channels and audience needs. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us anytime.

  1. Newsletter/email copy: Recommended copy to reach students, faculty, and staff
  2. Social Media: Sample posts for X, Instagram, Facebook, etc.
  3. Posters: Posters are being installed in General Teaching Spaces (centrally managed classrooms) across the UBC Vancouver campus. 
  4. Digital Signage: Coolsigns: 12 15 2025 – Classroom Etiquette – VPFO
  5. Assets: Different size graphics for newsletters, web, social media, etc.

1. Newsletter/email copy

Keep our shared spaces clean and welcoming 

Classrooms can be used as a study space when classes or events are not in session.  To help keep them ready for everyone, please follow the Classroom Usage Guidelines

  • Return furniture to the posted layout 
  • Take your waste to the Sort it Out bins in the hall 
  • Respect closing hours: Classrooms are closed at 11:00 pm –  be sure to leave yourself time to pack up and head out! 

Thank you for doing your part to keep our shared spaces clean, organized and welcoming for all! 

2. Social Media

Facebook/LinkedIn/General 

Classrooms can be used as a study space when classes or other events are not in session. To help keep them ready for everyone, please follow the Classroom Usage Guidelines

🪑 Return furniture to the posted layout 

🗑️ Take your waste to the Sort it Out bins in the hall 

🕛 Respect closing hours: Classrooms are closed at 11:00 pm –  be sure to leave yourself time to pack up and head out! This allows  staff to prepare rooms for the next day. 

Thank you for doing your part to keep our shared spaces clean, organized and welcoming for all. 

X/Twitter: 

Classrooms can be used as study space when classes aren’t in session. Follow the Classroom Usage Guidelines🪑 Return furniture to posted layout 🗑️ Take your waste to the Sort it Out bins 🕛 Classrooms close at 11pm. Thank you for keeping our shared spaces clean and welcoming! 

Instagram:

Classrooms can be used as a study space when classes or events are not in session. To help keep them ready for everyone, please follow  the Classroom Usage Guidelines: 

🪑 Return furniture to the posted layout 

🗑️ Take your waste to the Sort it Out bins in the hall 

🕛 Respect closing hours: Classrooms are closed at 11:00 pm – be sure to leave yourself time to pack up and head out! This allows staff to prepare rooms for the next day. 

😊 Thank you for doing your part to keep our shared spaces clean, organized and welcoming for all. Learn more: learningspaces.ubc.ca/guidelines/

3. Posters (11×17″)

Posters have been installed in classrooms.

View posters: 2025_Toilet_Campaign_Poster_11x17

4. Digital Signage

Added to CoolSigns: Preview: 12 15 2025 – Classroom Etiquette – VPFO 

5. Assets

Rectangular and square graphic layouts available. 

Download here: Comms Toolkit – Classroom Usage Guidelines 

Contact

For questions regarding the use of this communications toolkit, please contact:

  • Katie Earle, Communications Strategist, VPFO Communications & Engagement katie.earle@ubc.ca
  • Yvonne Kwok, Communications Manager, VPFO Communications & Engagement yvonne.kwok@ubc.ca