UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY NO. 3
Subject: Participation in Political Activities
Responsible Offices: All University Departments and Activities
Table of Contents
I. Scope
II. Policy Statement
III. Responsibilities
IV. Procedures
V. Amendments and Additions
VI. Effective Date
These policies and procedures provided herein apply to all George Mason University Faculty and Staff of the University. Administrative Policy Number 3 applies to all George Mason University locations, owned and leased, including Fairfax Campus, Arlington Campus, GMU at Prince William, GMU at the Center for Innovative Technology.
George Mason University recognizes and encourages the exercise of the right of George Mason University employees to engage in political activities on their own time. Should a faculty member or staff member campaign for, be appointed to, or be elected to local, state, federal, or other office, it is necessary that the individual give assurances, through their department head and vice president/provost, to the President and the Board of Visitors that the individual's duties at the University are being carried out fully and with no diminution of effectiveness caused by absences that might be required as a public official.
University resources may not be used in the conduct of political activities nor may they be used to otherwise enhance participation in such activities except for use of meeting space for University approved activities.
It is the responsibilities of the employee engaged in political activities and their respective department head to comply with the policy and procedures set forth in this Administrative Policy Number 3. All employees must inform the Vice President for University Relations of their political activities.
Participation in community or political activities may require changes in workload or absences from work ranging from short periods to weeks, months or indefinite periods. It is the employee's responsibility to coordinate all absences or changes in workload with his/her dsupervisor regardless of duration. Short-term absences may be coordinated with the department head only. Extended absences or changes in workload require approval of the supervisor and responsible vice president or Provost, as appropriate, and the notification of the President. Requests must be submitted in writing to the supervisor, preferably 60 days prior to the absence.
Absence to participate in political activities must be covered by paid or unpaid leave. Faculty on ten-month appointments may use partial or full leave without pay. Partial leave requires the faculty member's appointment be changed to part work and part leave. Salary and FTE are reduced accordingly. Full leave without pay places the faculty member on leave of absence with no pay pending completion of the activity for which the leave is granted. In addition to partial or full leave, faculty on twelve-month appointments may use accumulated annual leave.
Classified employees who participate in political activities may use paid or unpaid leave to account for absence from work. Use of paid leave is restricted to overtime leave, compensatory leave or annual leave. Classified employees may also use leave to serve on council, commissions, boards and committees that are non-work related (partial or full leave without pay may be used).
Those who run for and are elected to political or other office, or who are appointed to office, may be required to take extended paid and/or unpaid leaves of absence or consider separation if the needs of the University and the individual cannot be balanced. Determination as to the length and type of leave and employment status will be based upon the circumstances in each case. Benefits entitlements may be affected by a partial or full leave without pay. The Human Resource Department should be consulted to determine the impact upon benefits.
All amendments and additions to Administrative Policy Number 3 are to be reviewed and approved by the Office of the Executive Vice President for Administration and the Office of the Executive Vice President for Finance and Planning.
The policies herein are effective March 5, 1993. This Administrative Policy shall be reviewed and revised, if necessary, annually and to become effective at the beginning of the University's fiscal year, unless otherwise noted.
H. Randall Edwards
Executive Vice President for Administration
Maurice W. Scherrens
Executive Vice President for Finance and Planning
Approved: George W. Johnson, President
Date: March 5, 1993
Office of the Associate Vice President for Operational Services:
(703) 993-8754