At Indiana University many of our community members are engaged in the political process and we are encouraged by such participation. It is, however, imperative that all faculty and staff members understand the procedures that must be followed under our Contact with State Officials, Federal Officials, and Political Campaigns, and Other Political Activity policy.
The simplest way to avoid any issues is to reach out to our office each time you are faced with a question regarding advocacy, elected officials, or political activity. There is no question too small or issue too complicated to ask our office. Please call or send an email to Trevor Foughty, Associate Vice President of State Relations. You can reach him by email here or by calling (317) 274-2139.
While it is necessary to underscore the seriousness with which Indiana University treats the Contact with State Officials, Federal Officials, and Political Campaigns, and Other Political Activity policy, your rights as a citizen and your participation in our democracy are in no way limited; members of the IU community may undertake political activity as frequently as they wish on their personal time.
It is imperative that a faculty or staff member makes it clear when they participate in the political process they are doing so as an individual and not as a representative of Indiana University.
As a state supported public university with a tax-exempt status, Indiana University may not participate or intervene in any political campaign and must prevent its resources from being used in any way that could appear to support a political campaign and faces strict limitations on its lobbying activities. Consequences for violations of these laws range from loss of tax-exempt status and fines to imprisonment, all of which could be extremely detrimental to our mission and reputation.
Again, the simplest way to avoid any issues is to reach out to our office each time you are faced with a question regarding advocacy, elected officials, or political activity. There is no question too small or issue too complicated to ask our office. For federal contacts, please call or send an email to Doug Wasitis, Assistant Vice President for Federal Relations. You can reach him by email here or by calling (812) 320-4635.
In order to help ensure compliance with the revised federal law and regulations, Indiana University has established a policy and quarterly reporting procedure for those who may be in contact with the aforementioned categories of federal elected officials and appointed staff/employees. Only approved individuals are authorized to lobby or represent Indiana University’s interests with these federal officials. The responsibility for authorizing such persons rests with the Office of Government Relations and Economic Engagement. This office is also responsible for the preparation and submission of the required federal reports associated with lobbying activities.
It is also important to note that there are separate federal guidelines related to legislative contacts and lobbying procedures for persons who have been awarded federal grants. Information about these guidelines is available in Contracts and Grants Administration Important Notice 95-10.
