Partisan Political Activity Policy

Responsible Office or Person: Compliance Officer
Date Revised: November 2014

• When endorsing or opposing a candidate for political office or taking a position on an issue for the purpose of assisting or opposing a candidate, individuals and groups within Carroll University must make it clear that they are speaking only for themselves and not the University.
• Carroll University's name and insignia may not be used on stationery or other documents intended for political purposes, including soliciting funds for political support or carrying on a political campaign.
• Funds or other contributions may not be solicited in the name of Carroll University for political support or carrying on a political campaign.
• Carroll employees may not perform tasks related to partisan political activities during working hours.
• The following may not be used for political campaign purposes:
  • The University's mailing resources;
  • University mailing lists-including the addresses and e-mail addresses of students, faculty, staff, emeriti and alumni;
  • University-provided office supplies, computers, telephones, facsimile machines, copiers, etc.;
  • The University's sales tax exemption for purchases of goods and services.

• University organizations may reserve through the Office of Reservations and Event Services available University building space (University facilities regularly reserved for student use and other University space such as lecture halls and meeting rooms) to engage in partisan political activities within the University community, provided that such organizations:
  • Pay for the costs of such activities and
  • Pay rental fees for the use of such facilities that they would otherwise be charged. University funds, including student organization budgets, may not be used for campaign materials.
• No campaign fund-raising is allowed.
• A disclaimer must be included in all written materials and advertising, and announced at the beginning of all events: "Carroll University does not support or oppose any political candidates. The views expressed are those of [the candidate or other partisan political speaker] only. The [Carroll-related group] is sponsoring this event." The distribution of written materials must be limited to time and location of the event.
• Organizations that are composed of non-University members, participants or employees are ineligible to use University space to engage in partisan political campaign activities.
• Certain non-partisan political activities (such as properly organized voter registration activities, voter education programs, and candidate debates) may be permissible if they do not evidence a preference for or opposition to a political party or to candidates who have taken a particular position.