In a reversal of long-standing policy, the Office of the Dean of the Students will now permit student groups to publicize their events by placing posters on Thayer Gate.

For years, posters publicizing speeches, concerts and other events have covered and other events have covered the brick walls of Thayer Gate-officially known as Meyer Gate-although the Office of the Dean prohibited Postering on spaces other than bulletin boards and kiosks.

The decision to change the Postering policy was designed to facilitate publicity efforts by students organizations, according to Laurie Harriman, assistant to Dean of Students Archie C. Epps III.

"We recognized that there is very limited Postering space available for student organizations and there is a growing number of student organizations, so we are trying to accommodate the increased need for Postering space," she said.

Built in 1879, Thayer Gate-located in front of the most Science Center and in one of the most heavily traversed sections of the Yard-is a prime location for Postering, according to many student group leaders.

"There's a lot of traffic that goes through there," said Jennifer Tye'97, president of the Harvard-Radcliffe Callbacks.

"It's the perfect place to publicize concerts".

Under the new policy, each student group is permitted to place two posters on each wall of the gate. Weather and staffing permitting, Posters will be removed every Monday and Thursday, according to a letter sent to the leaders of all student organizations on campus.

"Hopefully if everyone abides by it, it will give all student groups a chance to publicize their events," Tye said.