Reminders for Campus Regarding Political Activity and Facility Use

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As this year’s Election Day draws near, there may be questions about how University of Arkansas employees can participate in the political process. 

Now is a good time to review University policies regarding political activity as well as the use of university facilities and outdoor space.

ENGAGING IN POLITICAL ACTIVITY

The U of A respects the right of all employees to engage in political activity. However, employees may not involve the institution’s name, symbols, property or supplies in political activities. 

For example, U of A employees cannot use their titles, emails, letterhead, logos, or any university-related communications to participate in political activity. It is also not permissible to engage in political activities during work hours or with U of A-issued technology and devices at any time.

It is also advised that U of A employees refrain from wearing attire that would identify them as employed by the U of A when attending political events and should not represent their opinions as being those of the U of A.

Other applicable policies can be found at:

• Board Policy 465.1 Political Activity
• Board Policy 100.7 Use of University Name and Trademarks
• Human Resources Employee Handbook – 9.6 Political Activities
• Faculty Handbook – 3.10 Political Activity
• Faculty Handbook – 3.11 Relations With Legislators and Members of Congress

USE OF UNIVERSITY FACILITIES AND OUTDOOR SPACES

When not required for educational programming or official functions, University facilities and outdoor spaces may be made available for use by members of the campus community and non-University entities, but generally must be reserved ahead of time.

The University’s facilities use policy broadly addresses permissible use and reservation processes for university facilities and outdoor space, including a link to a reservation form for outdoor space.  

• Use Of University Facilities and Outdoor Space (Fpp 708.0) 

Those requesting a reservation of an indoor space must contact the building executive for that location and follow all policies and procedures for that site.

For outdoor spaces, a reservation must be completed and submitted to Facilities Management or the office responsible for the location.

At all times this policy is implemented consistent with the University’s core purpose of the advancement of knowledge, including fostering vigorous discussion among members of the University Community, and consistent with First Amendment principles. 

The Fayetteville Policies and Procedures online resource includes all campus and academic policies as well as links to UA System policies and Board of Trustees policies.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $2.2 billion to Arkansas’ economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research News.