Political Campaigning and Contacting Elected Officials
Engaging with Elected Officials
Outreach to elected officials and government agencies must be coordinated through External Relations to ensure alignment with university interests, avoid duplicative efforts, and to ensure correct protocols are followed. In addition, it is crucial that any engagement with public officials complies with lobbying and ethics regulations at the federal, state, and local levels to avoid severe consequences for the University.
Please notify us:
- Before engaging with elected officials and dignitaries: Inform External Relations before inviting current or former government leaders or dignitaries, or current political candidates to LMU’s campuses for events, appearances, or meetings. Contact us directly or by submitting the Dignitaries and Elected Leaders form.
- Before engaging in policy advocacy: Consult with External Relations prior to testifying at legislative hearings or engaging in any policy advocacy on behalf of LMU.
- Before making requests of any government office: Any activity that could be considered lobbying, including funding requests or congressional appropriations, must be coordinated through External Relations.
Participating in Political Campaigns
Individuals, including students, faculty, and staff, are free to endorse candidates, contribute to campaigns, and participate in campaign activities on their own time. When making public comments, they must clearly state that these opinions are personal and do not reflect the views of LMU. If a university title is mentioned, it should be noted that it is for identification purposes only.
For more information, please see these University policies: