Minnesota State Colleges and Universities

Hosting political candidates or events on campus

The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system is an Equal Opportunity employer and educator.

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State Mandate

One of the four objectives of Public Higher Education under state law is…

To promote democratic values and enhance Minnesota’s quality of life by developing understanding and appreciation of a free and diverse society.

Minnesota Statutes Section 135A.011

One way to accomplish this is hosting political candidate(s) or events on campus.

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When elected officials visit campus:

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Planning

• What is the purpose? Set agenda around this • Who needs to be present?

• Will food be served? (any special dietary needs?)

Preparation

• Take a keen look at the facilities you will use, make them tidy • What may visitors observe? – bulletin boards, walls, floors, etc.

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When elected officials visit campus:

Arrival • Mark off parking spot – make this easy to find • Host the meeting in a room close to the parking spot Greeting • Have greeters ready • You are encouraged to include students and faculty (consider gender balance and diversity) Visit • Allow legislators to focus on the topic they came to discuss • Move swiftly through the agenda to discuss all issues

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When elected officials visit campus:

Time • Do not run over your allotted time • Keep the meeting running promptly Departure • Escort the visitor out • Ask if they need directions Follow up • Send a thank you note, reinforce what was discussed • Send photos, if taken

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When elected officials visit campus:

Questions asked? • Be prepared for questions • If something is asked that you do not know, get back to them with the requested information (this is a typical response) • Ensure accuracy and credibility If elected officials visit for a campaign event …

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For a campaign event:

• • • • •

Do:

Consistently apply policies regardless of political affiliation.

Stay viewpoint neutral.

Presidents are encouraged to introduce candidates on campus when possible. (A neutral introduction does not constitute an endorsement.

Make it clear that an appearance DOES NOT give endorsement from the campus or the president. Focus on the issues, NOT the candidate.

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More tips to hosting a campaign event…

•

Do:

If candidates want to appear on campus for a town hall, fundraising, or event not sponsored by the institution, they should be allowed to rent space as any other group or organization would do. Same rules – noise, clean up, etc. – apply. (Must give similar opportunity to all candidates and charge similar rates for similar events.)

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For a candidate forum:

Do:

• Invite qualified candidates to campus. Provide similar opportunities for all major party candidates. (If one candidate declines, you can still have the other candidate(s). Keep documentation of the declined invitation.) • As a practical matter, appearances may be limited to major party candidates.

• Student political groups may invite their candidate to appear at a forum as long as other student groups are similarly treated.

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When hosting a campaign event:

Do NOT:

– Use the college or university to endorse or oppose a candidate or party.

– Use institution letterhead, emails, mailing lists or staff assistance for candidate fundraising or support. – Allow employees to use their position to endorse candidates. – Use college or university list serves or other college or university resources to support a political party or candidate.

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In the classroom:

Equally promote opportunities: – Faculty may share details about upcoming candidate forums and events, however, information about all major events should be shared, regardless of the affiliation.

– Faculty may assign students to work on campaigns, but the students must choose the campaign without influence. Alternative assignments may be appropriate for students not eligible to vote.

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In the classroom

• • Remind students to vote or be politically involved, without telling them for whom to vote or using one’s position to influence their votes. If providing extra credit or incentives for voting or wearing an “I voted” sticker offer a related alternative opportunity to students that cannot vote, e.g. foreign students.

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In your “personal” office …

• • • While an office can be viewed as personal space, business is still conducted here.

DO: – Make your office welcoming (certain political paraphernalia may turn off students, staff or administrators). – Use common sense DO NOT: – Use your position or items in your office to influence votes or students.

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Questions?

• Administrators may direct questions to the Office of General Counsel.