Administration

University updates policy on political campaign activities on campus

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — With the 2016 election cycle well underway, Penn State has updated the administrative policy that covers procedures for hosting or using University resources for political events and activities.

The policy, AD 92, ensures the University is in keeping with rules regarding its tax-exempt status, while remaining committed to the exchange of viewpoints and ideas, and encouraging students and employees to participate in political pursuits as private citizens.

The updated Political Campaign Activities policy (AD 92: guru.psu.edu/policies/AD92.html), in effect since its approval by the University President’s Council Oct. 10, clearly explains the policies to be followed for hosting University-sponsored events, such as forums and debates; student organizations that host political events; and non-University related groups that wish to rent University facilities for political events.

Requirements at both University Park and all Penn State campuses include:

  • notifying the Office of Government and Community Relations and other offices before the visits so those visits can be coordinated;
  • inviting all legally qualified candidates to participate in University-sponsored debates and forums;
  • not allowing the University to endorse or give preference to any candidate;
  • not allowing employees to use University resources, such as facilities, funds or telephones, for partisan political campaign activities unless permitted by the policy;
  • not allowing appropriations from Student Activity Fees to be used to contribute to any political campaign;
  • ensuring that voter registration efforts are non-partisan.

As noted in AD 92, the intent is not to limit the rights of students or employees to express their personal opinions or participate in political activities. However, employees, when acting as representatives of the University, shouldn’t endorse or intervene on behalf of candidates.

Last Updated October 24, 2016