Every faculty and staff member has the right to participate (or not) in the election process. Miami University embraces the rights of political expression and affiliation. However, Miami University itself does NOT participate in any campaign for public office. No member of the University community may speak or act on behalf of the University in a political campaign. Members of the University community holding an official position with a campaign (i.e. treasurer, member of a campaign advisory committee, etc.) must make it clear that such participation is in their individual capacity, should request that the campaign make no reference to their position with the University and should use their personal contact information.

Other restrictions are set forth in the University’s Policy on Political Activity (below). As a result, University policy is read as prohibiting faculty and staff from:

• Using University facilities or resources, including email, faxes, copiers, support services, or equipment, for partisan political activities. This prohibition also includes using university work time for such activities;
• Placing campaign materials (signs, banners, etc.) on University facilities including, but not limited to, bulletin boards and office windows;
• Carrying partisan political activity into the classroom; Writing letters in support of or in opposition to a candidate or ballot issue using University letterhead or using a University title as part of the signature; and
• Inviting any candidate for public office to come to campus to speak without notifying the Office of the President so that we can assure compliance with federal law. Depending on the circumstances this may include an obligation to provide an equal opportunity to other candidates to appear at a comparable event within a comparable time frame.

Yes, encouraging students and others to vote is entirely appropriate as long as it is done in a nonpartisan manner that does not favor or oppose one or more candidates. Each fall, as required by federal law, the University and Associated Student Government conduct a voter registration drive for students.

No, it is a violation of Ohio’s elections laws for a college professor to give extra credit (or anything of value) to a student in exchange for voting in a primary, general or special election. (See Ohio Attorney General Opinion 96-033)

Yes, however the legal boundaries between voter education (permissible) and issue/ candidate advocacy (NOT permissible) can often be difficult to ascertain. Voter education material ls must be carefully prepared to reflect candidates’ positions on a broad range of issues. Please consult the Office of General Counsel for advice.

Yes, please see the University’s policy for those who are running for office.