Looking ahead to the 2012 University of Nebraska Board of Regents elections, Bob Bartee, vice chancellor for external affairs, urges UNMC employees to become familiar with policies regarding their participation in such campaigns.
“It is very important that our employees become familiar with the policies that govern their participation in regents’ elections,” said Bob Bartee, vice chancellor for external affairs. “The policies are meant to protect employees and the integrity of the elections.”
Restrictions for senior leaders
According to University of Nebraska Board of Regents policy, senior administrative officers in the NU system cannot participate, directly or indirectly, in the campaigns for election of members of the board of regents.
This policy — which doesn’t prohibit such officers from voting in regent elections — applies to senior administrative officers such as:
- The university president;
- Vice presidents;
- Chancellors;
- Vice chancellors;
- Deans and equivalent ranks;
- Associates and assistants to any senior administrative officers;
- Department chairpersons/heads;
- Directors;
- Assistant directors; and
- Head coaches and equivalent ranks.
As per the policy, senior administrative officers are not to:
- Contribute to regent campaigns;
- Help organize campaign fundraisers or personally solicit, accept or receive campaign contributions;
- Speak at or attend campaign fundraisers;
- Allow their names to appear on invitations to campaign fundraisers or in advertisements as supporters, sponsors or points of contact;
- Wear campaign buttons;
- Place campaign yard signs at their homes; and/or
- Display campaign bumper stickers on their cars.
Other employees
While employees who aren’t senior administrative officers can participate in such campaigns, they are not allowed to use university resources or time to do so. This applies to the use of university computers, telephones and other resources.