Political Activities

Policy Number

V.11.01

Reason for Policy

This policy expresses the University’s position on political activities of employees.

Entities Affected

All employees of the university.

Responsible Office

For questions about this policy, please contact the Office of Government and Community Relations at 541-346-5020, talutz@uoregon.edu. 

Website Address

Political Activities Policy direct hyperlink

Enactment & Revision History

  • May 12, 2026 – Recommended policy updates approved by the university president.
  • February 25, 2016 – Renumbered as UO Policy V.11.01 and related resource to ORS Chapter 260 added
  • September 2, 2015 – Technical revisions enacted by the university secretary
  • March 22, 2015 – Sections B and C (former OARs 580-022-0015 and 0020) amended by the university president upon recommendation of the university senate
  • July 1, 2014 – Became a University of Oregon Policy by operation of law
  • Former Oregon Administrative Rule Chapter 580 Division 22, Sections 0010-0020

Policy

  1. Political Activities and Campaigning

    1. In accordance with state law (ORS 260.432) and subject to limited exceptions, employees may not solicit any money, influence, service or other thing of value or otherwise promote or oppose any political committee; promote or oppose the nomination or election of a person to a public office; promote or oppose the filing of an initiative, referendum or recall petition; promote or oppose the gathering of signatures on an initiative, referendum or recall petition; or promote or oppose the adoption of a measure or the recall of a public office holder while on the job during working hours.  This section does not restrict the right of a public employee to express personal political views. 
    2. No employee shall take action that might be construed as committing the institution or the Board to a position on public issues.

  2. Candidates for Public Office

    1. It is university policy to allow employees to seek political office and to serve in the event of election. Before an employee shall become a candidate for any public office, whether for a salaried or nonsalaried position, the employee is expected to consult with the President or designee.
    2.  Political activity shall in no way interfere with the performance of the major duties prescribed by the university.
    3. Because circumstances under which a campaign is conducted will vary widely depending on the nature of the elective office and the extent of opposition, the determination of whether an employee may continue full-time duties while conducting or engaged in a campaign rests with the employee's President or designee. In the event of election to the State Legislature, an employee normally will be placed on leave of absence without pay during the period of full-time responsibility. If elected or appointed to a full-time salaried office, the employee may be placed on leave of absence without pay during the term of office or may be required to resign.

  3. Relationships with Government Bodies and Policymakers

    1. Except for the President and designees, no employee of the university is authorized to represent the university to the government bodies including but not limited to Congress and State Legislature or its members or committees, to the Office of the Governor, and to Executive branch officers, agencies, divisions or commissions.
    2. Nothing in this policy shall be construed as inhibiting an employee of the university from exercising the right of citizenship in a personal capacity, or be construed as inhibiting any employee of the university from appearing before a body of government identified in this policy in response to a request from that body.

Related Resources

Chapter 260 of the Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) controls political campaigning by public employees. Full text of ORS Chapter 260.

Policy Type

Oregon Administrative Rule