Resources for Campus Engagement

No. Using state resources, including wisc.edu email, to engage in any political activity is prohibited.

Yes. However, employees should be careful about using their official title to promote a political candidate or viewpoint. Generally speaking, when using your name and official title, you should be clear that the use of your name indicates neither support nor endorsement by the university of a particular candidate and that you are acting solely in your role as a private citizen.

No. You may not use your wisc.edu email or physical campus address to sign a petition.

In certain circumstances the chancellor, vice chancellors, or deans, may be permitted to do so.

If you are meeting with a lawmaker in your capacity as a university employee, this activity must be coordinated through the Office of University Relations. If meeting with a lawmaker as a representative of a professional association or private citizen, you are doing so on your own time, without university resources. You may identify yourself as an employee of the university, though you must make clear that you do not represent or speak for the university or any of its schools, colleges, or divisions.

If you are serving as a representative of UW–Madison and the visit is coordinated through the Office of University Relations, you may do so in pay status.

If you are advocating for an issue or idea as a private citizen or member of a third-party organization, it must be clear that you are not doing so on behalf of the university or any of its schools, colleges, or divisions. This includes taking leave if participating in these activities during work hours.

The First Amendment protects the rights of employees’ rights to free speech on social media platforms. However, an employee should not represent the views they express on their social media accounts as the views of the UW–Madison or their school, college or department.

In the event an employee lists their job title or institutional affiliation on their social media accounts, a best practice is to include a disclaimer that the views and opinions expressed on the page are their own and not those of the university or any of its schools, colleges or divisions. Please be advised that some campus units have policies requiring such a disclaimer. If you are unsure, please contact your local HR representative about whether a policy exists in your school, college or division.

No.

Yes, but there are some limitations. Before doing so, please contact the Office of University Relations. The topic and timing of the classroom visit (e.g., during election season) will determine whether this is an appropriate invitation.