Employee Engagement in Political Activity

UConn employees are permitted to participate in partisan political activities, such as running for office[1] or campaigning on behalf of a candidate for office, as long as:

• The activities do not involve the use of state funds or University resources;[2]
• The activities do not interfere with the full discharge of the employee’s obligations to UConn; and
• The employee makes clear that they are acting as a private citizen and is in no way representing the University.

Voter Education

UConn is permitted to conduct voter education activities as long as they are carried out in a non-partisan manner. Some examples of permissible voter education activities would be conducting public forums, get-out-the-vote drives, and the publication of non-partisan voter education guides. Such activities may not be conducted in a manner that favors or opposes a particular candidate, party or partisan issue.

Candidate Appearances/Related Political Events- University Sponsored

Candidates for political office may be invited to speak at events, including classroom visits and debates, as long as the events are intended to be educational in nature and consistent with UConn’s public education mission.  The Office of Government Relations should be notified in advance of any such invitation.

• If one candidate for an elected office is invited to speak at an event, the University must invite all other legally qualified candidates for that office (or their representatives) for an opportunity to speak at the same event or at a comparable event to take place within a reasonable time thereafter.  Documentation of all such invitations and responses must be retained. If an invited candidate fails to respond after multiple invitations to the event, the event can go forward, but documentation of the failure to respond must also be retained.
  • There is an exception to the general rule that all legally qualified candidates for the same office must be invited when the invited candidate is (1) already an elected official and (2) they are invited to speak about and limit their remarks to official business related to the duties of their office.
• Appropriate steps must be taken to avoid the appearance of the University’s endorsement of or opposition to any This includes a neutral introduction of any candidate or their representative and inclusion of a brief statement that the University does not endorse or oppose any candidate or organization in connection with this or any other political campaign or election. In cases where the individual candidates will appear in a conversational dialogue about issues, each candidate must have the same format of question or topic presentation; same topics in both substance and number; same amount of time for discussion; same moderator for the event; and same physical setting or staging.

Candidate Appearances/Related Political Events - Student Organization Sponsored

A student organization that is not using any University funding in connection with the event may conduct a single-candidate or single-party event.  A “student organization” in this context is any University student group that is recognized in accordance with any University-specific policies or practices.

• Note: if any funding used to pay for the event originated from the University, the student organization must invite all legally qualified candidates to participate in the event and follow the rules applicable to University-sponsored events.

A student organization may hold a meeting or event that is closed to the general public and limited to student organization members if in keeping with their normal practices.  The student organization sponsored event would be subject to any normal fees or requirements related to the student organization for facility use or other applicable fees and requirements.

A student organization may also hold a meeting or event that is open to the general public.  In doing so, the student organization’s advisor or designee must be present at the event for the duration of the event, and the student organization must include a brief statement when introducing the candidate or the candidate’s representative that the University does not endorse or oppose any candidate or organization in connection with this or any other political campaign or election. The student organization sponsored event would be subject to any normal fees or requirements related to the student organization for facility use or other applicable fees and requirements for public gatherings.

Appropriate steps must be taken by student organizations to avoid the appearance of the University’s endorsement of or opposition to any candidate.  Student organizations seeking to host a candidate appearance and/or related political event should consult with the Student Activities office.

Candidate Appearances/Related Political Events - Sponsored by Third Parties

Third parties or outside entities may use space on University property to host political events, which may be either limited audience or general public events. Any such event must be subject to normal charges assessed to other outside entities for using space with no discounts, preferential scheduling or other benefits.  This includes no free or reduced rates for related services (such as security, sound systems, parking, broadcasting or web services, etc.). Execution of a Facilities Use agreement is required.

• No exceptions to facility use practices can be made for a candidate or political party. Candidates or parties may use only those University facilities that are regularly available for use on the same basis as any other third party.
• If University facilities are permitted to be used by one candidate or political party, the same or similar facilities must be made available for use to all other candidates or political parties, if requested, on equal terms and conditions.
• Third parties that conduct events pursuant to this section should be instructed to take appropriate steps to avoid the appearance of the University’s endorsement of or opposition to any candidate or party.

 

[1] Employees whose salary are fully funded by federal grants or other federal funds may be prohibited under federal law from running for a partisan political office.

[2] University resources include but are not limited to the University’s name, marks and logos; University funds, facilities, students, staff, office supplies, photo equipment, letterhead, telephones, fax machines, and computers; and all University information technology resources such as email, websites, video conferencing and on-line discussion boards. University resources also include all property and facilities owned, leased or otherwise under the University’s control and includes employee work time.

Endorsements

The University must not expressly or impliedly endorse any candidate for public office.  Employees (or Student Organizations using University funding) are not permitted to use their UConn-provided email or other communication tools to engage in partisan political activity to advocate on behalf of a particular candidate or party.

Political fundraising

Political fundraising utilizing University resources of any kind is prohibited.  In this context, political fundraising includes encouraging financial support of a particular candidate or party, or inviting others to political fundraisers, whether hosted/sponsored by the candidate or by others in support of the candidate. Political fundraising at University-sponsored events is strictly prohibited.

Distribution of campaign materials

Employees (or Student Organizations using University funding) may not use University email, campus mail, or University social media accounts to forward or otherwise distribute messages, invitations, solicitations, or campaign literature from or on behalf of a candidate or political party.

Campaign Events

The University, including its employees and student organizations using University funding, may not co-sponsor a campaign event with an outside entity, including a candidate, campaign or political organization, not-for profit, and any other outside group.

Residence Halls

Recognized student organizations (registered with Student Activities), candidates for any elected university position, or local, state or national candidates for elected office may apply to canvass in a residence hall.  All applications must be completed and received at least three (3) business days (Monday-Friday) prior to the desired canvassing date, so that applications can be reviewed and access to buildings can be arranged. Applications can be submitted to livingoncampus@uconn.edu or by going to the Residence Education office in Holcomb Hall.

University departments, faculty, recognized student organizations, and candidates for student government office and current UConn students are eligible to post materials in the residential areas in accordance with the residence halls' Posting Policy.

Dining Halls

The Department of Dining Services allows student groups to utilize the Dining Units foyers for student table solicitation. If a student group wants a table, they must register with the Student Union Events Services at (860) 486-3421. The name of the sponsoring organization must be on all advertising. Groups are not allowed to post flyers, banners or similar advertising on walls. Groups may use existing bulletin boards if they are available.

The University encourages all faculty and staff to fully and freely exercise their constitutional right to vote, as well as express their personal opinions regarding candidates and issues. These rights, however, must be exercised in such a manner as to ensure that the University is not endorsing a candidate political party. The following frequently asked questions provides some guidelines about permissible political and campaign activity. For more information, contact UConn Government Relations.

What is “political or campaign activity”?

Political or campaign activity is activity that includes fundraising for a candidate or ballot measure, advocating for or against a political candidate or ballot measure, and performing work for a candidate, ballot measure or political party. If you are not sure whether something is political or campaign activity, contact Government Relations.

What are the rules?

There are two general rules that need to be followed:

1. The University may not participate in political/campaign activity. Therefore, care must be taken to ensure that personal political/campaign activity does not suggest that the University is participating in political / campaign activity; and
2. No University resources may be used for political/campaign purposes [1]

May I give my class assignments related to the election?

Yes. You may establish curricular activities aimed at educating students about the political process. However, you may not use a class assignment to influence your students in favor or against a particular candidate/ballot measure.

May my office/department conduct a voter registration drive?

Yes. Your office or department may sponsor a non-partisan voter registration drive. The activities and location of the drive must not target voters of a particular party or help a particular candidate.

May I hang a partisan political poster in my private office?

It depends.  If your office is one not intended to be accessed by the public, and if it is clear that the University itself is not supporting or endorsing the partisan message, then it is likely permissible.

May I put a partisan political bumper sticker on my car?

Yes, if it is a privately owned vehicle.  Partisan bumper stickers may not be affixed to UConn owned vehicles.

I want to support a specific political party or candidate on my Facebook/other social media page. Is that permissible?

Employees may post partisan political messages, including support for any particular party or candidate, on personal social media outlets.  If the social media outlet identifies you as a UConn employee, then steps must be taken to make clear that the message is not supported or endorsed by the University.

I am supporting a particular political candidate. I want to ask my colleagues to donate money and/or time in support of the candidate.  Is this permissible?

Under certain conditions, this is permissible.  For example, you may not use any university resources in doing so, including university-provided email accounts, or do so on university time (i.e. -during the typical workday or when you otherwise would be expected to be working) and you should not make such requests to any of your subordinates.

Is it permissible for a center/institute/department to endorse a candidate, cause or piece of legislation?

It is not permissible for a center, department or other unit within the university to endorse a particular candidate.  However, units within UConn, such as centers and institutes, are allowed to take public positions on state or federal legislation as subject matter experts, if the legislation relates to the work/expertise of the center/institute with the approval of UConn’s Office of Government Relations. 

May I endorse a candidate?

Yes, in your personal capacity as a private citizen.  Care must be taken to make sure that your endorsement is not seen as an endorsement by the University. If an endorsement identifies you using your University title, you must seek to clarify that use of your name does not indicate endorsement by the University.

May I sign a petition in support of an issue/candidate?

Yes, but only outside of working hours and in your personal capacity.

May I distribute flyers about a candidate/ballot measure?

Yes, but only outside of working hours and not on University grounds (unless it is property open to the public for dissemination of flyers). You should not distribute flyers to, or otherwise solicit votes from, your students or anyone who works for you.

May I host a fundraiser for a candidate?

Yes, but you may only host a fundraising event, or take any action in connection with the fundraising event, in your personal capacity, outside of working hours and away from University grounds. You may not invite, or otherwise solicit contributions from, your students or anyone who works for you.

May my department invite a political candidate to campus?

Your department may invite a candidate to campus in one of the following ways:

1. As part of a debate or candidate forum in which all legally qualified candidates are invited and given equal opportunity to speak; or
2. If the individual was chosen to speak for reasons other than his or her candidacy and where no campaign activity is conducted and no reference to the election is made. For example, you may invite a sitting legislator who also happens to be a candidate in the upcoming election to come to campus to speak in connection with a matter unrelated to their candidacy.  In that case, it would be permissible to create a flyer and/or send an email invitation to the campus community or post on social media the fact of the legislator’s upcoming visit and/or to share information via email, social media, UConn Today or other medium summarizing the visit after the fact.  Care should be used to ensure that nothing sent or created could be construed as an endorsement for a candidate or party or to in any way promote the candidate for office.

To avoid confusion, invitations and other material related to the event must include the following disclaimer:

This event is sponsored by         . The use of The University of Connecticut facilities for this event does not constitute an endorsement by The University of Connecticut. The University of Connecticut does not endorse any candidate or ballot measure in this or any other election.

If you plan to invite a person who holds a public office or is a candidate for public office, you must consult with Government Relations to ensure adherence to the various state ethics and election enforcement rules.

May I invite a political candidate to campus?

You may invite a candidate to campus in your individual capacity (and not using any university resources) as long as you adhere to the same requirements applicable to all other members of the general public, such as executing a Facilities Use Agreement and paying any attendant usage or other fees. For UConn Storrs see conferences.uconn.edu and for UConn Health see health.uconn.edu/park/room-scheduling/.

To avoid confusion, invitations and other material related to the event must include the following disclaimer:

This event is sponsored by                   . The use of The University of Connecticut’s facilities for this event does not constitute an endorsement by The University of Connecticut. The University of Connecticut does not endorse any candidate or ballot measure in this or any other election.

Also see FAQs 16-20.

May a student organization invite a political candidate to campus?

A student organization that is not using University funding may invite a candidate to campus and invite the University community, so long as it reserves campus facilities in the same manner that student organizations usually do. Because of the student organization’s affiliation with the University, invitations or other material must include the following disclaimer:

This event is sponsored by                   . The use of The University of Connecticut’s facilities for this event does not constitute an endorsement by The University of Connecticut. The University of Connecticut does not endorse any candidate or ballot measure in this or any other election.

 A student organization that is using University funding may invite a candidate to campus in one of the following ways:

1. As part of a debate or candidate forum in which all legally qualified candidates are invited and given equal opportunity to speak; or
2. If the individual was chosen to speak for reasons other than his or her candidacy and where no campaign activity is conducted and no reference to the election is made. For example, a sitting legislator who also happens to be a candidate in the upcoming election may be invited to come to campus to speak in connection with a matter unrelated to their candidacy.

To avoid confusion, invitations and other material related to the event must include the following disclaimer:

This event is sponsored by         . The use of The University of Connecticut facilities for this event does not constitute an endorsement by The University of Connecticut. The University of Connecticut does not endorse any candidate or ballot measure in this or any other election.

 If you plan to invite a person who holds a public office or is a candidate for public office, you must consult with Government Relations to ensure adherence to the various state ethics and election enforcement rules.

 May my office/department host a fundraiser for a political party/issue/candidate?

No.

Can my department or school advertise a UConn program or campus using the name, image or voice of a candidate for office?

You may not use public funds or other University resources in connection with an advertisement or promotional campaign.  This includes advertisements for a for a UConn program or activity using the name, image or voice of a candidate for public office in the 12 months preceding the election.  Please also refer to FAQ# 21 and contact Government Relations with any questions.

The Governor/other elected official has asked to use a campus facility to host a fundraising event. Is this permissible?

Yes, as long as the Governor/other elected official is provided access to the space in such a manner as any other third party would be, including executing a Facility Use Agreement and paying any applicable fees.  No discounts or preferential treatment may be provided.

Can the University invite sitting legislators, who are also running for reelection, to attend, or participate in a sponsored event, such as a forum, panel discussion, meeting, summit, etc.?

Yes, under the following two circumstances:

1. As part of a debate or candidate forum in which all legally qualified candidates are invited and given equal opportunity to speak; or
2. If the individual was invited and selected to speak for reasons other than his or her candidacy and where no campaign activity is conducted and no reference to the election is made.

If you plan to invite a person who holds a public office or is a candidate for public office, you must consult with Government Relations to ensure adherence to the various state ethics and election enforcement rules.

Can the University recognize the legislator’s attendance image or quote in an after-event summary; for example in a UConn Today Story? Can the legislator be included in promotional materials for the event; for example, “Among the panelists for the economic forum is state Senator Smith”?

 If the legislator who also happens to be a candidate in the upcoming election is invited to come to campus to speak in connection with a matter unrelated to their candidacy then it would be permissible to create a flyer and/or send an email invitation to the campus community or post on social media the fact of the legislator’s upcoming visit and/or to share information via email,  social media or other medium, including a UConn Today Story, summarizing the visit after the fact is permissible. Using the legislator’s image and comment on the event is also permissible. Care should be used to ensure that nothing sent or created could be construed as an endorsement for a candidate or party or to in any way promote the candidate for office. Further, if using the name, image or voice of a candidate for office in the 12 months preceding the election, see FAQ#18.

To avoid confusion, invitations and other material related to the event must include the following disclaimer:

This event is sponsored by                     . The use of The University of Connecticut facilities for this event does not constitute an endorsement by The University of Connecticut. The University of Connecticut does not endorse any candidate or ballot measure in this or any other election.

If you plan to invite a person who holds a public office or is a candidate for public office, you must consult with Government Relations to ensure adherence to the various state ethics and election enforcement rules.

May a political candidate or campaign distribute flyers about the candidate or election generally in university spaces including residence and dining halls, classroom spaces, administrative spaces?

Please see the Other Related Activities section on page 5 for information related to residence and dining halls.  Distribution of campaign-related flyers is permissible in public spaces- which would not include administrative offices or classrooms - consistent with distribution of non-political or campaign flyers.  Individuals should consult any applicable policies related to the specific areas in which they seek to distribute or post materials.

Can a political candidate hold a press conference on university property concerning their campaign?

The University may permit its facilities and grounds to be used for such purposes consistent with permissions for third party use of space.  This may include entering into a Facilities Use Agreement, a prohibition on use of the University’s makes and logos, and clarity that the University is not endorsing any particular candidate. For UConn Storrs see conferences.uconn.edu and for UConn Health see health.uconn.edu/park/room-scheduling/.

 Is canvassing for a campaign or political candidate permitted in the Student Union?

 Any registered student organization (or candidates for an elected office in a registered student organization), any University department or official University committee, or Non-affiliated individuals or entities may submit an application for canvassing.  Restrictions and Application materials can be found on the Student Union website.

 

Please contact the Office of Government Relations at 860-486-5519 or email govrel@uconn.edu if you have any questions concerning this guidance.

 

[1] University resources include but are not limited to the University’s name, marks and logos; University funds, facilities, students, staff, office supplies, photo equipment, letterhead, telephones, fax machines, and computers; and all University information technology resources such as email, websites, video conferencing and on-line discussion boards. University resources also include all property and facilities owned, leased or otherwise under the University’s control and includes employee work time.