Policy Library
915 Public Relations/Political Activities
Authority: Approved by the Board of Trustees
Last updated on: January 01, 2001
915.1 General Statements
The maintenance of good public relations is important to the welfare of the University. The following guidelines should be observed in promoting and preserving the best interests of the University.
915.1.1 Public Controversial Issues. Neither the University name nor an individual’s title should be used in discussions of public controversial issues.
915.1.2 Professional Correspondence. University letterheads, return envelopes, postage, or an individual’s title should be used only in professional correspondence.
915.1.3 Charges for Personal Services. Charging for personal services other than services commonly associated with one's employment is an individual matter. However, tact and judgment should be exercised in the interest of community and public relations. Should charges be made for services rendered, the services should not be performed on campus or on "school time" (the time necessary in the satisfactory fulfillment of the individual’s assigned responsibilities).
915.1.4 Charges for Departmental Services. Departments of the University charging off-campus individuals or groups for services of the department must have the approval of the appropriate vice president. Arrangements for handling funds received for such services should be made with the Office of the Controller. See also Policy 360 Sponsored Programs and Institutional Research Compliance, Policy 504 Professional Consultant Service, and Policy 503 Outside Work or Other Employment.
915.2 Political Activities
Indiana State University, as a public educational institution, must necessarily be nonpartisan in all of its political and governmental relationships and does not support any political party or candidate for public office. Members of the staff who participate in political activities, support candidates, or become candidates for public office, do so as individuals and, as such, must not use the University facilities, the University name, or involve the University in any way in connection with such activities. Political parties or organizations may use University facilities for meeting purposes on a rental basis the same as other civic and social organizations or groups. Such use, however, does not in any way imply that the University sponsors or supports the organizations, their purposes, or their programs.
915.3 Governmental Relations
In conducting the official business of the University, it is necessary to deal with many state and local governmental officials and the state legislature. The Governor and the legislature of Indiana are responsible for and have authority over many aspects of the University operation. University business must be conducted through the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, the State Budget Agency, the State Auditor, the State Treasurer, the State Board of Accounts, and other state officials and boards. These relationships are conducted by the University President, or designee, as authorized by the ISU Board of Trustees. Unless authorized by virtue of his/her official position or by designation as a representative of the University by the ISU Board of Trustees or the University President, no member of the faculty or staff may speak officially for the University or enter into any negotiations which involve commitments or obligations on the part of the ISU Board of Trustees or the University administration.
915.4 News Releases
General University news and professional activities of faculty and staff are announced to the public through news releases prepared and distributed to the various media by the Public Affairs Office. Faculty and staff are advised to cooperate with that office in making the necessary information available for release. Actions by the Indiana State University Board of Trustees are announced by the President of the Board or by the University President through the Public Affairs Office.
915.5 Campus Solicitations
No canvassing, selling, or soliciting by outside individuals or organizations is permitted on the grounds or in the buildings of the University without the written permission of the University President. Any solicitation activity or violation should be reported to the Public Safety Department.
915.6 Commercial Advertising
The University does not lend its name to the advertisement and endorsement of commercial enterprises and products. Advertisement in University publications and activity programs does not imply official endorsement.
Related Information
Policy Administrator:
Office of the PresidentPolicy Contact:
Executive Director of Government RelationsParsons Hall 208
(812) 237-8281
Procedures and Standards:
Related Policies and Information:
126 Policies and Procedures of the ISU Board of TrusteesOffice of the General Counsel