Political Activity Policy

Effective Date:	September 24, 2024
Last Revised Date:	July, 2025
Applies To:	Classified Staff, Appointed Personnel, University Staff
Responsible Units:	Government and Community Relations, Human Resources
Responsible Unit Email:	hradmin@arizona.edu
Status:	Active
Reference:	University Handbook for Appointed Personnel 2.10 Classified Staff Human Resources Policy Manual 412.0 University Staff Manual HR-104

Purpose and Summary

Members of the University of Arizona (University) community have the right to participate in Political Activity on their personal time using their personal resources. This Policy defines when a member of the University community may engage in Political Activity within the scope of their affiliation with the University.

Scope

This Policy applies to all University Employees and Designated Campus Colleagues. It does not apply to students in their capacity as students, nor does it apply to the University’s registered lobbyists when they act on behalf of the University.

Definitions

Designated Campus Colleagues (DCCs) means, for the purpose of this Policy, affiliates, associates, volunteers, interns, and Emeritus Faculty, who contribute their time, services, and expertise to help the University accomplish its missions of teaching, research, and service.

Influence the Outcome of Elections means, as defined by state law, supporting or opposing a candidate for nomination or election to public office; supporting or opposing the recall of a public officer; supporting or opposing a ballot measure, question, or proposition, including any bond, budget, or override election; and/or supporting or opposing the circulation of a petition for the recall of a public officer or a petition for a ballot measure, question, or proposition in any manner that is not impartial or neutral.

Political Activity means any activity intended to Influence the Outcome of Elections, to advocate for or against a candidate for public office, or to advocate support for or opposition to any proposed or pending legislation or other official government action. Political Activity includes activity at the local, state, and federal levels of government.

Unit means any University college, school, department, program, or other operating unit.

University Employee means all University employees, including faculty, staff, graduate and undergraduate student employees, and temporary employees, whether full-time or part-time.

University Resources means, but is not limited to, monies, accounts, credit, paid employee time, facilities, vehicles, postage, communications, computer hardware and software (including Zoom, Microsoft Suite applications, and Adobe), web pages, employees, equipment, materials, buildings, services, letterhead, marks and logos, or any other University items of value.

Policy

Engaging in Political Activity
1. University Employees and DCCs may not use University Resources for the purpose of:
  1. Influencing the Outcomes of Elections, including influencing the individual vote of a subordinate employee; or
  2. Engaging in Political Activity.
2. University Employees must not allow their interest in a particular party, candidate, or political issue to affect the objectivity of the performance of their University duties.
3. The prohibition against using University Resources to Influence the Outcome of Elections or engage in Political Activity does not preclude or prevent:
  1. A University from reporting on official actions of the University to the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR);
  2. A registered lobbyist, or a University Employee or DCC assisting the registered lobbyist, in their official capacity, from advocating on behalf of the University or ABOR;
  3. A University Employee or DCC who is appointed to a government board, commission or advisory panel from providing expert testimony or guidance on public policy;
  4. A University Employee or DCC from providing classroom instruction on matters relating to politics, elections, laws, ballot measures, candidates for public office and pending or proposed legislation;
  5. University-sponsored forums or debates if the University remains impartial and the events are purely informational and provide an equal opportunity to all viewpoints;
  6. The publication of reports or the hosting of seminars or guest speakers by the University that recommend public policy; and
  7. A University Employee or DCC expressing their personal opinion on a political issue or public policy controversy, regardless of whether that opinion is expressed inside or outside the classroom, in accordance with the tenets of academic freedom.
4. When engaging in Political Activity as a private citizen:
  1. A University Employee or DCC cannot represent that they are speaking on behalf of the University or ABOR unless expressly authorized to do so.
    1. University title and affiliation may be used for identification purposes only.
    2. The individual must clarify that the views expressed are personal and not those of the University or ABOR.
  2. A University Employee or DCC cannot use University Resources, including paid work time.
Violations of Policy
1. Violation of this Policy may result in disciplinary action.
Individual Penalties for Violation of State Law Regarding Political Activity
1. Any use of University Resources for Political Activity is a violation of state law. The Arizona Attorney General or County Attorneys may order compliance with the law and assess significant financial penalties on individuals found in violation.
University Employees Running for or Serving in Public Office
1. Service in the Arizona State Legislature. Under state law, no University Employee may serve in the Arizona State Legislature except for a faculty member whose primary responsibility is course instruction.
2. Election to Any Other Public Office. To run for any public office, and to serve if elected, a University Employee must comply with all ABOR and University policies, including Conflict of Interest & Commitment Policy, and Consulting or Other Outside Employment Policy.