APSU Spirit Rock

Guidelines

The APSU Spirit rock exists to provide an outlet for creative student expression and a way to demonstrate Gov Spirit and Peay Pride. To maximize this opportunity, students are expected to respect the following regulations.

• The APSU Spirit Rock is available to be painted by individual students, recognized APSU Student Organizations, and campus departments. The rock is located just off the corner of Drane Street and Marion Street, near the Red Barn.
• Painting the rock is voluntary. There will be no guarding of the rock. Members or potential new members of Student Organizations shall not be required or forced to participate in painting the rock; this is considered hazing.
• Suggested paintings on the rock include but are not limited to: Event Announcements, Words of support and encouragement, Congratulations, Welcome messages, Organization promotion, and messages of general University Spirit. Spirit Rock messages reflect our University, and should be kept in good taste and following the Govs Creed. 

  • “As a member of the Austin Peay State University community, I will agree to act with personal and academic integrity while interacting with my fellow students, faculty and staff members. I will charge myself to be accountable in all phases of interaction. I will respect the dignity of all persons and will appreciate and celebrate a climate of diversity. I will contribute to the greater good of the community. I will take pride in Austin Peay State University.” - Established by the SGA Student Tribunal in 2008

• Per the Code of Student Conduct: Profanity, vulgarity, discriminatory, abusive, harassing, and/or obscene messages are absolutely prohibited. APSU Student Life and Engagement reserves the right to remove or require the removal of any inappropriate content.
• With the exception of painting, the physical condition of the rock is not to be altered in any way that will change its shape, size, or orientation.
• ONLY the Spirit Rock is to be painted. Painting on sidewalks, lampposts, grass, surrounding area, or buildings is not permitted. Any instance of painting other surfaces will be considered a violation of the Code of Student Conduct.
• Only water-based latex paint may be used. Individuals / Organizations must supply the paint.
• Individuals / Organizations painting the rock are responsible for properly disposing of all waste and cleaning up area surrounding rock after painting.
• APSU is not responsible for any injury or damage (including clothing) that occurs while participating in painting the rock.
• Painting the rock may only take place during the hours of 6:00 am and 10:00 pm, with proper level of noise and respect for occupants of adjacent buildings and areas. Disorderly conduct during rock painting will be considered a violation of the Code of Student Conduct and will result in disciplinary sanctions.
• New messages should be allowed to remain for 24 hours before being painted over.
• There is no limit to the number of times a specific individual, organization or department may paint the rock, though it is expected that the opportunity be shared equally.
• In respect of the amount of time and resources required, the entire paintable face of the rock must be painted, covering the previous message in its entirety.
• Questions regarding the Spirit Rock should be directed to APSU Student Life and Engagement, Morgan University Center room 211, 931-221-7431, sle@apsu.edu

History of the Spirit Rock

In August 2017, a 200 million year old piece of limestone was placed on the campus of Austin Peay State University to serve as a student SPIRIT ROCK.

An initiative accomplished by the Student Organization Council Executive Board Officers of 2016-17 and 2017-18, the APSU Spirit rock exists to provide an outlet for creative student expression and an opportunity to demonstrate Peay Pride.

Vulcan Materials Company charitably donated the rock from the Clarksville Quarry located just across the Red River. Transportation and placement of the rock was generously provided by Morgan Construction, Inc. of Clarksville.

On August 28, 2017 this APSU tradition was unveiled on campus!