Creating a bulletin board area for ads offers a functional use for the space. Students can post ads to sell or buy items or to offer services such as tutoring. Campus group can post ads regarding upcoming events. Monitor the ads posted on the bulletin board to make sure they are appropriate. If many students want to post ads, limit the amount of time a given ad can stay on the bulletin board. This keeps the ads fresh and keeps students coming back to visit the board. This bulletin board display option works well in the lobby, laundry room or other high-traffic areas.
This idea is simple to set up and allows maximum participation from the dorm residents. Cover the board with plain paper. Add a border if you like to make the edges look clean. Leave a container of markers or pens near the display. The residents can add drawings, notes or other contributions to the bulletin board. Establish the expectation that the residents will keep the material clean and appropriate for all eyes. Choose a busy location or one near the resident assistant's room to discourage inappropriate content.
A similar option is to let the residents write thank you notes or notes of recognition to one another and post them on the board. Leave pieces of paper near the display with the markers and encourage students to make public the kindnesses and accomplishments of others.
College is the first time most students are away from their parents and making daily decisions on their own. Health and safety bulletin board displays offer students advice for making healthy choices. The topics might include healthy eating habits, exercise ideas, staying safe on campus, handling drug and alcohol issues, social interactions and sexual safety. Offer practical tips for these topics so that students get useful information. You can also post information about school services on these topics.
Living in a dorm comes with its share of difficulties. Sharing common spaces such as restrooms and lounges means dealing with different personalities. Noise levels, cleanliness and general care of the areas becomes an issue in some dorms. Create a bulletin board that addresses dorm etiquette issues. This might include cleaning up the lounge when you're finished, keeping shower time to a minimum, closing your door if you're playing music at night or respecting the privacy of roommates. If there are particular issues causing problems in the dorm, use the bulletin board to bring them to light and offer solutions.
Top 10 lists are a way to add humor while providing useful information. Similar to David Letterman's Top 10 lists on his late night show, the board can focus on a topic and offer 10 ideas that relate to it. You might do the top 10 late-night snacks, ways to stay healthy, places to visit on campus, hangout spots or ways to get a date. Change the top 10 list on a regular basis to keep the display interesting. Invite residents to contribute their own lists for variety.