By Marta Vallejo, Staff Writer 

Xavier has updated its Facilities Usage and Modifications Policy as of Aug. 31, outlining restrictions on items placed on or within university windows, including posters, flags and other decorations. 

The original policy was implemented in 2019 and updated in 2026 during the annual policy review which is conducted by the Office of Legal Affairs in partnership with the vice president responsible for the policy. 

“The policy incorporates fire and safety codes in addition to procedures from facilities to protect the historical integrity and visual unity of the campus. The University enforces physical standards across all facilities,” Vice President of Legal Affairs Dr. Ivy Banks said. 

The updated policy outlines facility usage standards and identifies areas that must remain unobstructed including doors, vision panels, windows, walls, hallways and building systems.  

According to the policy, for exterior facing windows, only window treatments approved and installed by the Office of Physical Plant are permitted. These include curtains, drapes, blinds and shades that meet the university’s campus design, flame-retardant and safety requirements.  

Student residential rooms are already equipped with standard university window treatments. Where available, residents may select pre-approved, fire-rated replacements such as certified blackout roller shades or approved solid-color drapery. These alternatives must be sourced and installed by Physical Plant and maintain a uniform, solid appearance from the outside of the building.  

Students who require specialized window coverings for documented medical or disability-related needs, such as therapeutic blackout coverings, can coordinate accommodations through the Office of Accessibility & Disability Resources (ADR). Any approved specialized coverings must be installed by Physical Plant. 

Beyond exterior windows, the policy also covers egress points and window clearances. It states that to comply with local and national safety and fire codes, no furniture, fixtures, storage or equipment may impede access to any window, door or designated egress point. 

It further states how a continuous unobstructed floor clearance of at least 36 inches must be maintained in front of all doors, emergency egress windows, electrical panels and exit pathways. No furniture, desks, beds, tall bookcases, filing cabinets, storage or equipment may block or impede physical access to or prevent the full opening and operation of any door or emergency egress window. 

The policy also addresses glass panels in interior doors and nearby windows. Items cannot obstruct more than 20% of the total glass surface and students cannot completely cover or black out the glass with materials such as paper, cardboard or blankets. 

The purpose of the policy is to ensure Xavier’s facilities are kept in good condition and remain compliant with safety standards. However, a lot of students have not heard of this updated policy, and with the recently conducted room checks, the lack of communication from the university has led many to fail their checks. 

Carly Parrett, a junior psychology major, said she failed her room check because of a rainbow tie-dye tapestry hanging on the wall above her window. The tapestry featured a mushroom design and was held up by command strip hooks rather than being attached directly to the window. Parrett said she had displayed the tapestry in the same room the previous year without any issues. 

Parrett also said she had reviewed the room check policies but did not expect the tapestry to be a problem because it did not touch or damage the window itself. She also said the university could communicate policy changes more clearly, particularly to returning students. 

“I think the window policy is ridiculous, especially since it’s new this year, and no one has made any explicit announcements that they’ve changed the room check policies. It infringes on our rights to express ourselves as students and Xavier’s value centered around our freedom to uniqueness, Cura Personalis,” Parrett said.