Reminder: Guidelines on campus political activities
With political activity intensifying around the state, students, faculty and staff of all affiliations are engaged in expressing their views on upcoming state and national issues.
However, by campus and UW System policy, not every campus building is an appropriate space for political activity. The following information provides guidance from UW–Madison on where political activity, including the circulation of petitions, is permissible on campus grounds.
General policies for UW employees: Per system policy, political campaign activities are restricted by Board of Regents policy and state law in three ways: employees may not engage in political campaign activities, including solicitation of signatures for petitions, during work time or in their work unit; they may not use state resources to engage in political campaign activities at any time; and they may not solicit contributions or services for a political purpose from other university employees while they are engaged in their official duties.
Campus buildings: With the exception of the Wisconsin Unions and Student Activity Center, political activities are generally not allowed inside campus buildings or spaces, recreational sports facilities, athletics facilities or campus libraries.
University Housing: Only university agencies, residence hall student organizations/interest groups/committees, and registered student organizations are permitted to engage in political campaigning with limitations in the residence halls. The details of this policy are available in the Residence Life Office in each hall. Door-to-door campaigning or petitioning is prohibited.
Unions: At both Union South and Memorial Union, petitioners can be stationed just inside main entrances. Only registered student organizations can reserve literature table space in either building. Anyone can petition outside the buildings. However, petitioning inside buildings, table to table, is not allowed.
Additional rules to assist the planning of candidate or surrogate appearances can be directed to the Campus Event Services Office.
