Colleagues - As we once again enter the campaign season, I am sending text from a note Joel Pedersen, Vice President and General Counsel, sent prior to the last election cycle. He reminds us about the Board of Regents policy relative to appropriate campaign activity by University employees. This policy is specific to Board of Regents campaigns.
As I’ve suggested in years past, please send this information on to any employee within your department that may meet the criteria noted below. In this case, I would suggest over-communicating the policy instead of not communicating because you may not be sure if a particular employee meets the criteria.
Thank you!
“All,
I am sending this reminder to you of the regents policy related to campaigns for election of members of the Board of Regents.
Regents Policy 4.1.2 Regent Campaigns
No administrative officer of the University of Nebraska shall be asked to participate or shall participate, directly or indirectly, in the campaigns for election of members of The 'Board of Regents. This prohibition shall not be interpreted as limiting an administrative official from exercising his or her right to vote for a candidate for public office.
Reference: BRUN, Minutes, 33, p. 151 (July 12, 1971).
The attached legal opinion, http://go.unl.edu/m5hn , provides guidance on the scope of administrative officers included under the policy as follows:
"under the administrative structure of the University, it is my opinion that the following officers are prohibited from participating in the campaign of a Regent under Regent Policy 4.1.2:
Senior Administrative Officers (President, Vice Presidents, Chancellors, Vice Chancellors, Deans and equivalent ranks); Associates and assistants to any Senior Administrative Officers; Department Chairpersons/Heads; Directors; Assistant Directors; Head Coaches; and equivalent ranks."
The opinion also includes a list of questions to provide additional guidance on what is considered as "participating in the campaign," either directly or indirectly.
Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Joel D. Pedersen
Vice President and General Counsel
University of Nebraska
3835 Holdrege Street
Lincoln, NE 68583-0745
Phone (402) 472-1201
Fax (402) 472-2038
jdpedersen@nebraska.edu”
Michelle R. Waite
Assistant to the Chancellor
For Community Relations
201 Canfield Administration Building
Lincoln, NE 68588-0419
(402)472-2116