As we head into another election season, we write to remind our campus community of the University’s policy on political activities. We anticipate that a number of departments, student organizations and even individuals will be contacted by campaigns or other third-party entities on behalf of candidates and organizations seeking a platform to reach college students. As faculty and staff of the University, you are encouraged to engage in political activity for those candidates and causes you believe in during non-working hours only.
UC policy prohibits the use of university resources, staffing or funding for activities that might reasonably be viewed as partisan or political in nature. Examples of university resources that may not be used include, but are not limited to, the use of:
- Facilities without payment in advance for associated fees including room rental, security, janitorial, AV, etc.
- University telephones or email
- Letterhead or other university-printed materials
- University-linked social media and-or websites
- Classrooms during instruction including Zoom and other university sponsored online forums for online education
Student organizations may sponsor political events as long as university resources are not used and the event complies with the university’s major events policy. University institutes, centers, colleges and departments cannot sponsor such events. Improper use of university resources may result in disciplinary actions.
Additionally, it is not permissible to use one’s university title in printed materials or ballots in support of a candidate or ballot initiative or proposition. UC has developed guidelines that are intended to assist in drawing the difficult distinction between legitimate informational activities and unlawful campaign activities. Click here to learn more about these policies for faculty and staff advocacy.
With respect to legislation currently under consideration by the legislature, employees may not act, or give the appearance of acting, on behalf of the University when communicating with State or Federal officials unless they are authorized by the Office of the President to do so. See legislative advocacy policy here: Regental Delegation of Authority: UCOP Policy Regarding Contact with State/Federal Officials.
When corresponding with State and Federal officials, university letterhead may be used only when the writer is authorized to represent the University.
Letters expressing personal views must be written on personal stationery.
When employees give opinions as independent professionals, they must state clearly that they are speaking for themselves and not on behalf of the University of California.
Additional guidance from the UCOP Office of General Counsel can be found here: Prohibition on Political Campaign Intervention. If you have questions, or are not sure about restrictions on political activities within the workplace, please contact the Office of Government and Community Relations at gcr@berkeley.edu or the Office of Legal Affairs 510-642-7791.
David Robinson
Chief Campus Counsel
Christine Treadway
Assistant Chancellor, Government and Community Relations
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