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.
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.
Designated Campus Colleagues (DCCs) means affiliates, associates, volunteers, and interns 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. Political Activity does not include application for or advocacy related to seeking a government sponsored grant or contract.
Unit means any University college, 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, facilities, vehicles, postage, telecommunications, computer hardware and software, web pages, personnel, equipment, materials, buildings, services, letterhead, marks and logos, or any other University items of value.
Human Resources, Faculty Affairs, Government and Community Relations, and individual supervisors are responsible for promoting and understanding this Policy and for taking appropriate steps to help ensure University Employees and DCCs are compliant with this Policy. Violation of this Policy may result in disciplinary action.
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” (A.R.S. section 15-1633 and ABOR Policy 6-905). A.R.S. section 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 A.R.S. section 15-1864(G), 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” is not defined in the statute. If there is uncertainty about whether a political issue constitutes a public policy controversy of the day, please contact Government 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.
Employees/DCCs
What are examples of Political Activity that is or is not allowed?
University Employees or DCCs may engage in Political Activities using personal time and resources (e.g., not using University office spaces, email addresses, computers, etc.). The following examples are not an exhaustive list.
An Employee or DCC may, with their personal time and resources:
An Employee or DCC cannot:
What if a University Employee wants the University to take a position on proposed or pending legislation or other public policy matters?
University Employees should contact Government and Community Relations to raise concerns with proposed or pending legislation. Government and Community Relations can provide University Employees with guidance on engaging in permitted Political Activity and the University’s ability to take a position on public policy controversies.
May University Employees or DCCs 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 writing 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 are my own” on a social media profile or specifically state that “the views expressed in an opinion piece are those of the writer/speaker and not those of the University or the Arizona Board of Regents.” In addition, for social media or other public outlets, University Employees or DCCS 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 Social Media Guidelines or Government and Community Relations for more information.
May University Employees or DCCs 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 University Employee or DCC speaking for the University, the University Employee or DCC should offer a disclaimer that the views are the employee’s or DCC’s and not that of the University. University Employees or DCCs who are invited to provide testimony or guidance should contact Government and Community Relations, obtain Conflict of Commitment approval from their supervisors, and ensure the activity aligns with the University Policy on Consulting or Other Outside Employment.
May University Employees or DCCs 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 University Employee or DCC speaking for the University, the University Employee or DCC must provide a disclaimer that states “the views expressed are those of the writer/speaker and not those of the University or the Arizona Board of Regents.”
What are the consequences if a University Employee or DCC engages in Political Activity that is unlawful or contrary to University policy?
According to A.R.S. section 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.
University Units
What University- and government-sponsored activities are permitted on campus?
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” (A.R.S. section 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 (A.R.S. section 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 will 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 A.R.S. section 15-1633. However, the University may publish reports or host seminars or guest speakers who recommend public policies.
09/24/2024: This revision includes:
1. Policy name changed from Political Activity and Lobbying Policy (Interim) to Political Activity Policy (Interim).
2. Substantive revisions to Purpose and Summary, Scope, Definitions (added DCC, Unit, and University Employee), and Policy sections.
3. Compliance and Responsibilities section added.
4. Updated Employee-specific FAQs to include DCCs.
5. Removed requirements for registered lobbyists. Those requirements remain in effect under state law and are captured in the Arizona Lobbying Handbook.
01/11/2022: Updated link to Government and Communications Relations under the FAQ: What is a “public policy controversy."
02/18/2020: New Political Activity and Lobbying Policy - interim status.
* Please note that sections titled Frequently Asked Questions, Sources, Related Information, and Revision History are provided solely for the convenience of users and are not part of the official University policy.
