BOT 411: Political Candidacy

Board of Trustees Policy

POLICY NUMBER: 411

POLICY NAME: Political Candidacy

I.  POLICY STATEMENT

As citizens, the faculty/academic staff members of Michigan State University have the same rights and responsibilities of free speech, thought, and action as all citizens of the United States. Their position, however, imposes special obligations, such as emphasizing that they are not institutional spokespersons, and exercising appropriate restraint.

Faculty/academic staff members have a binding obligation to discharge instructional and other regular duties, and performance of these duties may be impaired by any private activity requiring a large portion of time.

This policy provides employment parameters for faculty/academic staff members campaigning for state or federal office.

II. RESPONSIBLE OFFICE

Office of the Provost

III. SCOPE

This policy applies to all faculty and academic staff members employed by the University.

IV. DEFINITIONS

None listed.

V. POLICY

Faculty and academic staff members campaigning as political candidates for state or federal offices shall do so on their own time. For the period of such candidacy, it is required that they obtain unpaid leaves of absence from employment at Michigan State University or continue work at the University on a part-time basis. The Office of the Provost is responsible for administering this policy.

Leaves of absence are not required of faculty members who become candidates for offices of a temporary or part-time nature.

This policy is intended to safeguard the freedom of speech, thought, and action of faculty/academic staff and to avoid impairment of the significant contributions they are capable of making toward improved local, state, and federal government.

VI. PROCEDURES

None listed.

VII. RELATED POLICIES AND INFORMATION

None listed.

VIII. HISTORY

Enacted: December 21, 1950

Amended: June 13, 2025

Retired Policy No. 03-17-04