In light of the upcoming November election, I am writing to encourage all members of the university community–faculty, staff, students, and alumni–to exercise their right to vote. The decisions made on Tuesday, Nov. 8, will be of great importance to all Americans. More information about the November election and about registering to vote can be found on the California Secretary of State’s website.
I also want to take this opportunity to remind the UC Santa Cruz community that university resources (including paid time of university employees and non-incidental use of university equipment and facilities) should not be used to campaign for or against any candidate for public political office or any initiative proposition that is on the ballot. University employees have a constitutional right to participate in political advocacy in their capacity as private citizens, but may not lawfully use public resources to engage in political campaigning for or against candidates or ballot measures and should take care to avoid any implication that their private political activities are carried out in their university capacities or are otherwise endorsed by the university.
The university has posted guidance on the applicable rules governing use of University resources in connection with campaign activities, particularly in the context of ballot initiatives. The posted guidance includes questions and answers to some common questions, but is not exhaustive. Campus faculty and staff should consult with the UC Santa Cruz Government and Community Relations Office if they have questions about whether any proposed activity is permissible.
Thank you–your attention to the applicable rules and policies in this area is greatly appreciated.
