Medical College of Georgia Administrative Policies and
Procedures
Office of Primary Responsibility: Legal Office
No. 6.0.06Political Activities
1.0 Purpose
To set forth the official policy of the Medical College of Georgia
pertaining to political activities by members of the MCG community by clarifying
appropriate personal political activities from those related to the mission and
purpose of the institution.
2.0 Policy
Political Campaigns and Holding Office
Source: The Policy Manual: Board of Regents, University System of
Georgia, Section 802.1603
As responsible and interested citizens in a democratic
society, members of the Medical College of Georgia community are encouraged to
fulfill their civic obligations and otherwise engage in the normal political
processes of society. Nevertheless, it is inappropriate for MCG employees,
including faculty and staff, to manage or enter political campaigns while on
duty to perform services for MCG or to hold elective political office at the
state or federal level while employed by MCG. Therefore, the following policies
governing political activities are hereby adopted:
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Employees may not manage or take an active part in
a political campaign that interferes with the performance of duties or
services for which he or she receives compensation from the system.
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Employees may not hold elective political office at
the state or federal level.
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A candidate for or holder of an elective political
office at the state or federal level may not be employed or hold a faculty,
staff, or other position at an institution of the University of Georgia
System, with or without compensation.
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Employees seeking elective political office at the
state or federal level must first request a leave of absence without pay
beginning prior to qualification as a candidate in a primary or general
election and ending after the general or final election. If elected to
state or federal office such persons must resign prior to assuming office.
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Employees may seek and hold elective office at
other than the state or federal level, or appointed office, when such
candidacy for holding of the office does not conflict or interfere with the
employee’s duties and responsibilities to MCG or the University System.
Lobbying and Other Political Communications
Individuals in their roles as private citizens are free to express their own
opinions. However, certain guidelines apply when representing or speaking on
behalf of the Medical College of Georgia. Members of the MCG community are not
to participate in individual political activity while on duty or under color of
office or position. When participating in political activities, individuals
should clarify that their expressions are not on behalf of the institution.
University System and MCG resources such as MCG name, logo, trademark,
letterhead and electronic communications (e-mail, wireless devices, etc.) are
not to be used for individual political activity. Except as approved by the
President or by independent action of the publisher, editorial letters and
similar communications should not identify the author as affiliated with MCG.
MCG employees must not use their positions or titles for political gain.
Interaction with Political Officials on Behalf of MCG
The Division of University Advancement is the official liaison between the
MCG community and the elected officials in our federal, state and local
governments. Individuals who intend to represent or speak on behalf of MCG with
any governmental official or body or about a political matter must coordinate
their plans through that office at least three business days in advance.
Political Campaign Fundraising and Material on Campus
Political campaign solicitations and contributions are prohibited on MCG
property or under color of office or position. In addition, MCG office or other
space shall not be used for political campaign or fundraising purposes. See
MCG Administrative Policy
2.2.01.
Employees are not to wear, display or distribute political
campaign literature or materials such as buttons, badges, signs or pamphlets on
University system property or under color of office or position. (Excepted are
political bumper stickers on privately owned vehicles.)
Political Functions
Members of the MCG community who wish to participate in political functions
such as partisan campaign rallies or similar events must do so as a personal
activity, and not on behalf of MCG or under color of office or position.
Employees are not to engage in such activities during their work hours.
Off Campus Voting Leave
If circumstances preclude voting before or after work, all employees may be
excused a reasonable length of time (maximum of two hours) for this purpose. See
MCG Administrative Policy
1.4.29.
Compliance with Law
Members of the MCG community may not participate in political activity in
violation of federal, state or local law.
Date: 17 May 2006 | Rev. No.: NEW
| Rev. Date | No. 6.0.06 |