UC election protocols and employees

As the upcoming election season approaches, we want to provide UC Davis Health staff, residents, and faculty with guidelines regarding participation in the political process. Individual employees have a constitutional right to engage in private political activities. However, it is important to be aware of systemwide policies to ensure UC maintains its nonprofit and state agency status.

UC faculty, staff, and residents should follow these important guidelines:

• The university is permitted to engage in legitimate informational activities, and the Regents may take a position on a ballot measure at an open public meeting, but university resources (phone, letterhead, email, venue, etc.) may not be used to campaign for or against a ballot measure.
• UC faculty, staff and residents may not use UC resources (such as printers, email, or social media channels)  to support or oppose political candidates or pieces of legislation.
• Testifying or serving as a spokesperson must be done as a private citizen, unless asked to do so by UC in an official capacity.
• Meetings, tours, or other interactions with elected officials should be managed through the UC Davis Health Government and Community Relations office.

More information on these policies can be found here:

• UC policy

Remaining neutral and refraining from advocating for specific candidates or political parties helps maintain the impartiality and integrity of this institution. Should you have questions pertaining to these policies, please reach out to the Government and Community Relations office at HS-community.relations@ucdavis.edu

More information about registering to vote and other election resources can be found here:

• Aggies Vote | UC Davis