3.1.5 Political Activities

As citizens, employees of Michigan Technological University have the same rights, privileges, and responsibilities of free speech, thought, and action as all other American citizens. Their position, however, imposes special obligations, such as emphasizing that they are not institutional spokesmen and exercising appropriate restraint.

Obviously, employees have a binding obligation to discharge instructional and other regular University duties; and performance of these duties may be impaired by any private activity requiring a large portion of their time. For the mutual protection of the employee and the University, employees who become candidates for elective state and federal offices shall be required to obtain a leave of absence for the period of such candidacy. If elected, employees will be required to resign their position with the University before taking office. Employees may not hold University appointments, even if on leave, while holding elective state and federal offices. Determination of the period of such candidacy and of the time of the required leave of absence shall rest with the President of the University.

Employees who become candidates for elective or appointed non-state or non-federal offices of a temporary or part-time nature, such as a municipal charter revision commission, a local school board, or a county or municipal board or council, or employees who serve in such offices will not be required to obtain a leave of absence provided suitable and mutually satisfactory arrangements are made with appropriate administrative officers for performance of the employee's regular duties.

This policy is intended to safeguard freedom of speech, thought, and action of Michigan Technological University personnel, and to avoid impairment of the significant contributions they are capable of making toward improved local, state, and federal government. (Board of Trustees Policy 4.5)


Revised:
12/08/2016 - Annual Review: No changes made to content.
06/04/2015 - To reflect current University titles, "Board of Control" is now "Board of Trustees".
01/27/2015 - Annual Review: To reflect current practice, the email address for questions is now policy@mtu.edu. No changes made to content.
02/12/2014 - Annual Review: Updated Michigan Tech and Handbook banners, no changes made to content.
07/14/2011 - Annual Review: To reflect current University titles and practice, MTU is now Michigan Tech and the email address for questions is now hbwebmaster. 03/07/2011 - Revised to reflect updated Board of Control Bylaws and Policies.