The Rock

Students standing in front of the rock.

The rock is a long-standing tradition at Detroit Mercy. Student organizations are encouraged to paint The rock throughout the year to publicize various events or accomplishments on campus. The rock is located behind the West Quad and represents the ever-changing spirit of the Quads, which houses members of many student organizations and teams.

If your organization wishes to paint The rock, please to view the rock policy and rules all student organizations must follow.

If you have any questions, concerns or would like to report a violation of the rock policy, please contact Student Life at 313-993-1150.

Rock Painting Policy - Effective August 1, 2025

The tradition of painting the rock, properly regulated, has a positive impact on campus. It provides an outlet to show school spirit and pride in individual organizations. This policy and corresponding guidelines are put forth to address the following needs relative to painting the rock:

  • To foster pride within student groups
  • To keep the campus beautiful and environmentally sound, and to protect investments in new and renovated facilities

Rock Painting Guidelines

  • Absolutely no writing or painting of any sort is permitted on any University property other than the rock located outside of west quad residence hall.
  • Interfering with the freedoms of speech and expression is prohibited by the University of Detroit Mercy (i.e. harassment, intimidation, bullying, obstruction, defacing, physical or verbal abuse, etc.).
  • The rock is able to be painted by any Registered Student Organization (RSO) and University Sponsored Organization (USO), as recognized through the Office of Student Life. Upon discussion with the Office of Student Life, University departments may also paint the rock.
  • An open-walled canopy is allowed to be used in the event of inclement weather. No canopies with closed walls or tents of any kind are permitted over and around the rock. Camping out on campus grounds is not permitted.
  • Vehicles are not allowed on the sidewalk or grass at any time, nor are fires of any kind permitted on university grounds.
  • Organizations are expected to respect each other and to enjoy the tradition of painting the rock. An organization may be held responsible for the actions of its members if deemed inappropriate and not in accordance with this policy. A member is defined as anyone associated with an organization including, but not limited to, active, current, initiated, alumni, transfer, inactive, intercollegiate, associate, and/or new members.
  • Those painting the rock will ensure that the area is left in a clean condition. They will remove all materials and litter from the site and properly dispose of all paint. *Some options for paint disposal include but are not limited to: Take it home to dry/store, buy paint drying liquid from hardware store, contact facilities, contact the RA on duty for Mike Cunningham, etc.*
  • Nearby objects shall not be painted (benches, signs, windows, ground, etc.).
  • Only water based latex paint is allowed. Oil based paints and other materials are prohibited.
  • Considering concerns regarding unhealthy competition to get the rock painted, please observe the following rock Painting Etiquette:
    • The rock may only be painted between 8:00 am. and 11:00 p.m. The only exception to this will be Friday and Saturday night when the end time can be 2:00am. A member from the Org/Club Leadership team must be present during the painting of the rock.
    • Once painted for 24 hours, other groups may paint over the work.
    • Tagging letters, names, or symbols over other groups’ paintings is prohibited.
    • The entire rock must be painted. Due to the amount of time and planning it takes to paint; it is expected that the new painting will completely cover the rock.
    • Painting the rock should be a fun, voluntary activity. Members or potential new members shall not be required or forced to paint the rock; this is considered a hazing/harming activity.
    • Other groups will not interfere with those painting the rock. People have the right to paint the rock without being bothered, harassed or demeaned.
    • There will be no guarding of the rock. Members or potential new members shall not be required or forced to guard the rock; this is considered a hazing/harming activity.
    • All rock painting will be done sober. No drinking or drug use is permitted while painting the rock.
    • Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated at the rock. This includes loud music.
  • Situations arising outside of those defined in this document are subject to be ruled upon at the discretion of the Student Affairs staff.
  • ORL (Office of Residence Life), DPS (Department of Public Safety), and SLO (Student Life Office) reserve the right to enforce reasonable quiet hours, including requirement to vacate the rock. ORL and Student Affairs will enforce the 2-strike policy if there are violations of the rock rules.

UDM Rock Rules (addendum)

  • In keeping with the University’s posting policy in the Student Handbook, The rock should be painted in good taste and be respectful of the values and mission of the University of Detroit Mercy.
  • Painting out of compliance with this policy or failing to adhere to this policy may lose rights and privileges determined by the University.
  • Dean of Students Office, 3/21/13

Rock Violation Repercussion Guidelines

If a student organization is found to violate the rules of the rock or prove to be difficult/combative when dealing with campus authorities Student Affairs staff will be notified. Residence Life or Student Affairs will administer sanction to the offending organization. Under no circumstances is it acceptable OR tolerable to be uncooperative with campus staff when the complaint is being addressed. If the organization is uncooperative, the staff has the right to dismiss the organization from the rock. Being disrespectable of the rock or the university’s property will make the organization eligible to receive these offenses. The sanction given to the organization will follow the guidelines set in this document, though adjustments can be made at the discretion of the University based on severity of offense or other factors. Quiet Hours start at 11:00pm and run until 8am.

The sanctions will be in the following 2 strike format:

  • First Offense:
    • $200 fine
    • Calendar week suspension
  • Second Offense:
    • $300 fine
    • Banned from painting the rock for the duration of the semester

The "Rock Rules" time and details are for ALL organizations on campus. Each organization is accountable for their visitors.

For additional information, please contact the Office of Student Life.

Policy owned by: Office of Student Life & Office of Residence Life

Last reviewed: 5/2025

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