University of Arizona employees may participate in political activity outside the classroom as citizens, but must not allow their interest in a particular party candidate or political issue to affect the objectivity of their teaching or the performance of any other assigned duties and responsibilities.
Employees of The University of Arizona shall not use, directly or by implication, the name of the University or their affiliation with the University in the endorsement of political candidates, initiatives, or referendums, or in supporting or opposing a position on other political issues.
Appointed personnel who desire to campaign for public office or who are elected to public office should request an appropriate full or partial leave of absence (see Section 8.04.04). The President shall determine the extent of the leave for a given case after review of recommendations by the appropriate dean or director and vice president.
Note: These FAQs do not apply to students, student organizations, or registered lobbyists advocating on behalf of the University.
What is political activity?
Political activity includes “influencing the outcomes of elections” and advocating in “support of or opposition to pending or proposed legislation” (Arizona Revised Statutes [ARS] §15-1633 and Arizona Board of Regents [ABOR] Policy 6-905). ARS §15-1633 defines “influencing the outcomes of elections” as:
supporting or opposing a candidate for nomination or election to public office or the recall of a public officer or supporting or opposing a ballot measure, question or proposition, including any bond, budget or override election and 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.
The University is also limited from engaging in certain political activities, such as endorsing candidates for public office, by federal tax and campaign finance laws.
What is a “public policy controversy”?
According to ARS §15-1864, universities are “encouraged to attempt to remain neutral, as an institution, on the public policy controversies of the day unless the administrative decisions on such issues are essential to the day-to-day functioning of the university or community college.” “Public policy controversies of the day” are not defined in the statute. If there is uncertainty about whether a political issue constitutes a public policy controversy, please contact [LINKGovernment and Community Relations for guidance.
The President determines if the University will take a position on a public policy controversy of the day and whether a decision on an issue is essential to the day-to-day functioning of the University. If members of the University community believe the University should take a position on a public policy controversy, legislation, or policy they should contact Government and Community Relations.
University Units
May university units engage in political activities or take positions on public policy controversies?
No. University units may not engage in political activities or take positions on public policy controversies. Specifically, units may not use University resources, such as letterhead, logos, websites, social media accounts, email lists, facilities, or other resources to engage in such activities or take such positions.
May units use University resources for University- and government-sponsored forums or debates related to political activities?
Yes, if the sponsor “remains impartial” and the “events are purely informational and provide an equal opportunity to all viewpoints” (ARS §15-1633).
May University units rent University facilities to private individuals or entities seeking to engage in political activity?
Yes, if the rental does not occur at the same time and place as a government-sponsored forum or debate (ARS §15-1633). If University units rent facilities, they should do so without regard to which candidates or positions are being supported by the private individuals or entities. Standard rental rates should be charged to ensure University resources are not being used for political activity.
May the University or University units create publicly funded organizations, institutes, centers, programs, scholarships, or courses for the purpose of advocating for a specific public policy?
No, doing so is prohibited by ARS §15-1633. However, according to ARS §15-1633, the University can publish reports or host seminars or guest speakers who recommend public policies.
Employees
May employees engage in political activities using University time or resources?
No, with one exception. Except for registered lobbyists advocating on behalf of the University, employees may not engage in political activities using University time or resources such as University “monies, accounts, credit, facilities, vehicles, postage, telecommunications, computer hardware and software, web pages, personnel, equipment, materials, buildings or any other thing of value” (ARS §15-1633). For example, employees may not:
- Use work time to attend a protest in opposition to proposed legislation
- Use their work phones or computers to send messages to elected officials about proposed legislation
- Use their University email accounts to invite individuals to fundraisers for candidates they are supporting
In addition, employees may not use the authority of their positions to influence the vote or political activities of subordinate employees.
May employees engage in political activities using personal time and resources?
Yes. Employees may engage in political activities using personal time and resources (e.g., not using UA office spaces, email addresses, computers, etc.), including, but not limited to, the following:
- Placing political bumper stickers on their personal vehicles
- Volunteering on political campaigns
- Circulating and signing ballot measure petitions
- Soliciting campaign contributions
- Placing political yard signs at their homes
- Posting on personal social media sites
May employees use University letterhead or email addresses when sending a communication supporting or opposing legislation?
No. Doing so could suggest that the employee is speaking on behalf of the University.
May employees use their University titles if they publish opinion pieces or post opinions to social media that constitute political activity (e.g., pieces or posts in support of legislation)?
Yes, if they make clear that they are speaking for themselves and not the University and they do not use University time and resources to draft these pieces or posts. For example, an individual may write “views my own” on a social media profile or specifically state that the views expressed in an opinion piece are personal and not those of the University. In addition, for social media or other public outlets, employees should ensure that their personal accounts do not appear to be University accounts through their use of titles, photos, or images. Please consult the University’s Social Media Guidelines for more information.
May employees express personal opinions on political or policy issues while at work?
Yes, as long as they are not using University time and resources to engage in political activity. However, the University’s Political Activity Policy states that employees “must not allow their interest in a particular candidate or political issue to affect the objectivity of their teaching or the performance of any other assigned duties and responsibilities.”
May University employees who are invited by a legislative body to provide expert testimony or guidance use their University titles?
Yes, but if the testimony or guidance could be interpreted as the employee speaking for the University, the employee should offer a disclaimer that the views are the employee’s and not the University’s. Employees who are invited to provide testimony or guidance should contact Government and Community Relations and obtain Conflict of Commitment approval from their supervisors.
May University employees who are appointed to government boards, commissions, or advisory panels provide expert testimony or guidance on public policy and use their University titles?
Yes, but if the testimony or guidance could be interpreted as the employee speaking for the University, the employee should offer a disclaimer that the views are the employee’s and not the University’s.
What are the consequences if a University employee engages in political activity that is unlawful or contrary to University policy?
According to ARS §15-1633, individuals who violate the law are subject to a personal sanction of up to $5,000 and must reimburse the University for any misused funds or resources. Additionally, employees may be subject to disciplinary action.
