124.01 Employees

As responsible and interested citizens in a democratic society, employees of the University System are encouraged to fulfill their civic obligations and otherwise engage in the normal political processes of society. Nevertheless, it is inappropriate for System personnel to manage or enter political campaigns while on duty to perform services for the System or to hold state or federal office while employed by the System. Therefore, the following policies governing political activities are hereby adopted:

1. Employees may not manage or take an active part in a political campaign while on duty to perform services for which he or she receives compensation from the System.
2. Employees may not hold public or political office at the state or federal level.
3. Employees seeking political office at the state or federal level must first request a leave of absence without pay beginning prior to announcement of candidacy or campaigning and ending after the general or final election. If elected to state or federal office, such persons must resign prior to assuming office.
4. Employees may seek and hold elective or appointive office at other than the state or federal level when authorized to do so by the president of an institution and when candidacy for or holding of the office does not conflict or interfere with the employees' duties and responsibilities to the institution or System.

124.02 Use of Property in Political Campaigns

The president of each institution may authorize the use of institution facilities for political speeches. However, such use shall be limited to meetings sponsored by recognized organizations of the institution and shall be held only at places designated by the president.

The use of System material, supplies, equipment, machinery, or vehicles in political campaigns is forbidden.