Utah Tech University encourages faculty and staff to personally engage in the political process and advocate for issues that matter to them. When engaging with legislators or participating in political activities, employees must adhere to the following:
- Personal Capacity: Employees may engage in political activities such as contacting legislators and campaigning during their personal time and using personal resources like personal email accounts and devices. It is crucial that employees make it clear that they are acting as a private citizen, not as a representative of the University.
- University Resources: University resources such as email accounts, stationery, computers, internet, spaces, positions, etc. cannot be used for political activities, including lobbying or campaigning. Political engagement during work hours or using university resources can be considered a violation of university policy and state law.
- Communication with Legislators: If you choose to contact a legislator, clearly indicate that you are sharing your views as a constituent and do not mention your affiliation with Utah Tech University. If contacted by a legislative representative in your official University capacity, contact Assistant to the President for Government and Community Relations Henrie Walton at Henrie.Walton@utahtech.edu or 652-7511 to gain guidance on how to approach the situation.
- Legislative Testimony: If invited to testify before a legislative committee, contact Henrie Walton to gain guidance on how to approach the situation and determine whether you can represent the University’s position.
- Affiliated Organizations: Employees who are part of off-campus organizations or advocacy groups should be mindful that working on political activities in an official University capacity could be perceived as representing the University’s position. It’s best to consult with Henrie Walton if you are not clear.
- Media Interviews as a UT Employee: If a representative from the media reaches out to you for any story connected to your University responsibilities, please contact PR Director Jyl Hall at jyl.hall@utahtech.edu or 652-7547 to discuss the interview before participating. UMAC will help you create talking points, connect with the reporter, and give you permission to use your University title. For more tips and details on interacting with the media, please visit UMAC’s Media Relations page.
- Media Interviews as a Private Citizen: If a representative from the media reaches out to discuss political activity not connected to your University responsibilities, do not identify yourself as a University employee. When the reporter asks for your title, use what is relevant to the story. For example, if you volunteer for a cause being impacted by legislation, identify yourself as a volunteer of the specific organization. Do not be on University time or use University resources, such as UT facilities, your @utahtech.edu email address or phone line.
- If speaking as a private citizen but on a topic connected to your University responsibilities, you cannot mention University happenings or knowledge or experiences you have from your role here. Indicating that you speak as an individual and not on behalf of the University does not separate you from the University if you are sharing knowledge you have gained through your role at the University. If you would be sharing knowledge gained through the University, you need to work with UMAC.
Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring that our University remains compliant with state law and university policies.