Brand Ambassador Campus Engagement Guidelines

We’re proud to support student leadership and recognize that many of our students participate in exciting opportunities as brand ambassadors for local and national companies, teams, brands, and more. While we celebrate these experiences, it's important to maintain the integrity of our student organizations, leadership positions, and campus policies.

Please note the following guidelines for students serving as brand ambassadors or working with third-party companies:

Brand Activations Must Have Prior Approval Before Commencing Anywhere on Campus

All brand-related activations—whether through tabling, giveaways, signage, pop-ups, or product sampling—must receive prior approval from Student Centers or the Office of Student Involvement before taking place in any campus location.  This includes informal or “guerrilla-style” promotions in hallways, classrooms, outdoor spaces, residence halls, or dining areas.

Activating without approval may result in the removal of materials, a request to leave the premises, and possible referral to the Dean of Students Office for policy violations for a failure to comply with Reasonable Directives from the University.  Students are responsible for ensuring that any brand they represent adheres to all DePaul University policies, including those around use of space and the Display of Materials Policy.

If you are interested in hosting an activation and do not plan for it to be affiliated with a campus event, please reach out to the Office of Student Involvement at least two weeks in advance of any proposed activation to discuss options.

No Use of Student Leadership or Organization Benefits for Brand Promotion

Students may not use their role as a student leader, or the name, benefits, or resources of a registered student organization, to promote or activate on behalf of a third-party brand. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Reserving space on campus
  • Hosting events under the name of a student organization
  • Tabling or distributing free products under the name of a student organization
  • Advertising via student org channels or social media without an established partnership

Sponsored Activations Must Follow Campus Policies

Brand activations, giveaways, and product promotions are considered sponsored activations. As such, these companies or brands (and you as a representative for these companies or brands) must follow university protocols for external vendors, which may include:

  • Paying rental fees for tabling (Find information on tabling at go.depaul.edu/promotables)
  • Sponsorship for event participation (Typically includes a cash or in-kind donation)
  • Securing university approval through the Office of Student Involvement, Student Centers, or other designated areas.
  • Providing insurance and/or agreements, as required
  • Establishing an agreement through DePaul's Corporate and Foundation Relations Office if there is a monetary fee or sponsorship amount involved with the experience

Want to Involve Your Brand in a Campus Event?

If a student wishes to explore ways to incorporate their affiliated brand into a broader event or program, they must:

  • Get advance approval from the Office of Student Involvement or collaborating area.
  • Potentially ensure the brand provides financial support (e.g., covers tabling/event costs or offers sponsorship)
  • Avoid any suggestion that the organization or university is endorsing the brand

We welcome meaningful collaborations that enhance campus life, but all brand-related activity must be transparent, appropriately sponsored, and compliant with university policy.

For questions or to begin the process of requesting a promotional opportunity, please contact the Office of Student Involvement at involvement@depaul.edu.