Frequently Asked Questions

Demonstrations

What does “time, place and manner” mean?: Time, place and manner restrictions allow the University to designate specific times, locations and ways in which events, including demonstrations, may occur. These restrictions must typically be content-neutral, and are generally put in place to allow for continued operations of the University. Examples of these restrictions could include limits on noise levels, space and occupancy restrictions, or limits on early-morning and late-night demonstrations. Other sorts of limitations are also possible.
How long can demonstrations go on?: Demonstrations will be permitted to occur so long as they do not violate any of the guidelines and policies of the University and occur during normal operating hours, in accordance with their facility reservation. If a demonstration is preventing normal University operations, the demonstrators will be asked to disburse.
Are faculty and staff permitted to participate in demonstrations?: Faculty and staff are permitted to participate in demonstrations, including those on Pitt’s campuses, as private citizens during their nonworking hours. When participating in demonstrations on Pitt’s campus, faculty and staff — like all demonstrators — are expected to abide by all instructions given by Public Safety and Emergency Management professionals.
If a demonstration violates the rules, how will this be communicated and what are the potential consequences?: During an on-campus demonstration, participants are expected to follow all established policies and guidelines, as well as instructions from University officials. If individuals fail to comply, they may be removed and could be subject to arrest, as well as disciplinary action by the University.

Hosting Events

Who can host events on campus?: Registered student organizations, groups sponsored by a University department, and university departments or units can host events on campus.
What are the security requirements for campus events?: Security requirements vary based on factors such as the size and location of the event as well as environmental considerations. Safety planning and consultation can be arranged by contacting the University police department and the Department of Involvement and Student Unions.
What are my options for events within 21 days?: Planning an event on campus? Here’s a simple guide to help you figure out how long different tasks might take. Use this to plan ahead and keep everything running smoothly! While these are the typical time frames, we encourage you to build in extra time to allow for any logistical challenges you may encounter during the process.

Funding & Security

Who funds campus events?: Student organizations are responsible for identifying funding sources for their events. Options may include fundraising and/or requesting allocations from their respective student government. Student government boards allocate funding for events in a content neutral manner.
Who pays for security at campus events?: Student organizations will work with staff from the Department of Involvement and Student Unions to determine both specific security costs as well as responsible party for said costs.

Speakers & Events

Can the university control, influence or change what speakers student organizations invite?: The University does not dictate which speakers independent student organizations invite to campus nor the content presented at events. Student organizations must utilize appropriate contracts managed by the Student Organization Resource Center, access reservations via Involvement and Student Unions and follow all university policies.

Elections

What are the guidelines for faculty and staff around wearing political apparel, hanging signs in personal offices or using political messages as Zoom backgrounds or visible in home offices?

It depends on the context. Generally, the American Council on Education recommends that if you’re going to be in the classroom or engaging with students, whether in-person or virtually, you should not wear political attire or displaying political items. As a 501(c)3 the University is absolutely prohibited from engaging in campaign-related activity and must avoid intrusions of politics into the classroom and the student academic environment, as such actions might be construed as reflecting the University taking an improper political stance.

Outside of teaching settings, faculty and staff may wear political attire within the context of their office’s dress code and norms and may display political campaign items like postcards in their private offices or home office when not interacting with students.

Individuals should use their best judgement in determining what is and is not appropriate to wear and display and are encouraged to discuss questions with their supervisors.

Who can host a political candidate on campus?

The University, as a tax-exempt organization under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, is prohibited from engaging in certain campaign-related activities. Schools and departments should not invite political candidates to the University for the purpose of campaigning or events that could reasonably be construed as campaigning.

Political candidates may be hosted by registered student organizations in accordance with University rules and procedures.

Can I host a candidate in a noncandidate capacity?

In instances where a speaker or guest who is running for office may be invited in another capacity, such as in their role as an alumni or community leader, the host is responsible for communicating to the guest that they should not campaign while at Pitt. We strongly recommend any school or department that is considering bringing a candidate to campus in their capacity as a Pitt alum, community or business leader, or other role reach out to Government Relations and Advocacy to ensure appropriate steps are taken.

Are political candidates permitted to rent space on campus?

Most spaces on campus require departmental sponsorship to be rented for an event. However, certain spaces at the University, such as The Petersen Events Center — which is managed by an outside vendor — are able to be rented by outside entities without a Pitt sponsor. Such spaces must also be made available to all other candidates on the same terms and at a fair market prices.

Are Pitt faculty and staff permitted to run for political office?

The University recognizes the rights of members of its faculty and staff to seek and/or serve in elective or appointed public office at the municipal, county, state, and federal levels, provided such campaign, election, appointment, or service does not constitute a conflict of interest nor interfere with the proper performance of the employee's primary responsibilities to the University.

In order to ensure that potential conflicts of interest do not arise, it is necessary that no employees seeking or serving in public office deliberately exploit their University affiliation to further their political position. If serving in public office will interfere with an employee’s primary duties, they must request a leave of absence without compensation for the duration of their term(s).

Are Pitt faculty, staff and students permitted to campaign for a candidate?

Yes, faculty, staff and students may campaign for a candidate so long as they do so during non-working hours using their own personal resources (computer, vehicle, phone) and funds.

Are Pitt faculty, staff and students permitted to donate to political campaigns?

Yes, Pitt faculty, staff and students may donate to political campaigns using their own personal funds.

Are Pitt faculty, staff and students permitted to write op eds in support of a candidate?

Yes, Pitt faculty, staff and students may write op eds in support of a political candidate so long as they make it clear they are doing so in their individual capacity and not speaking on behalf of the University of Pittsburgh.

Can the University participate in political campaign activity?

No. The University, as a tax-exempt organization under § 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, is prohibited from engaging in certain campaign-related activities. Specifically, the University is prohibited from endorsing candidates, making donations to political campaigns, engaging in political fundraising, distributing statements on behalf of a candidate or party, and directly or indirectly engaging in any political campaign activities on behalf of or against any candidate or group of candidates. These prohibitions apply to candidates for federal, state, and local offices

Can the University encourage, and hold “get out the vote” activities?

Yes, as long as such activities are conducted in a non-partisan manner. For example, hosting or presenting public forums and publishing voter education guides to encourage, enable, and inform the democratic process are permissible if such activities are conducted in a non-partisan manner.

Can signs be placed, or images projected on University property (or other spaces while in use for University purposes) in support of a particular candidate?

No. The placement of text (e.g., signs or images) in support of any candidate(s) on University structures or in spaces while in use for University business is prohibited, including but not limited to benches, brick, bus stops, buildings, campus signage, classrooms (including virtual classrooms), columns, concrete, doors, emergency call phones, fixtures, lights, lawns, poles, glass, mailboxes, newsstands, painted surfaces, railings, seating, sidewalks, staircases, trash cans, tresses, walls (interior and exterior), windows (facing interior or exterior), wood surfaces, etc.

What else should I know as an employee about elections and campaigning?

You may participate in off-campus political activities (e.g., rallies, forums, fundraising events) as long as such activities are conducted as a private citizen and do not imply that your personal actions and opinions are those of the University.

The use of University resources (e.g., University letterhead, affiliated social media accounts, email, funds, equipment) for political activity is prohibited.

As a faculty member can I discuss the election in class?

Genuine curricular activities aimed at educating students with respect to the political process are acceptable provided they are germane (i.e., relevant to the subject of course) and do not advocate for any particular candidate(s).

Can a Registered Student Organization set up a booth or table to distribute candidate information?

Yes, Registered Student Organizations may set up booths and tables, provided such activity is conducted in accordance with the Policy.

Can a Registered Student Organization invite a candidate to speak on campus?

Yes, Registered Student Organizations can invite candidates to speak on campus, provided such activity is conducted in accordance with the Policy. However, Registered Student Organizations may not use University facilities to raise funds through admissions, fees, contributions, donations etc. to benefit a political party, campaign or candidate. Also the use of University funds (including the student activity fee) to pay honoraria or cover transportation or any other expenses for speaking engagements involving a candidate for political office is also prohibited.

Can a Registered Student Organization use the University’s name or resources in partisan political activity?

No, Registered Student Organizations may not use the University’s name or seal in connection with partisan political activity. This includes the use of the University name or seal on letterhead, envelopes, email accounts, telephone lines and voicemail systems for communications. Likewise, Registered Student Organizations may not use University funds (including student activity fees) for partisan purposes, such as to purchase promotional material, pay for campaign ads or contribute in any way to a political campaign.

What other type of political activities can a Student Organization participate in on campus?

Student Organizations can participate in nonpartisan political activities such as properly organized voter registration activities and voter education programs, provided these activities do not evidence a preference for or opposition to a political party or to candidates who have taken a particular position. Please refer to the event planning guidelines for further information.

Registered Student Organizations hosting an event or advertising on behalf of or in opposition to a candidate for political office, or taking a position on an issue for the purpose of supporting or opposing a candidate, must make it clear they are speaking as individuals and should at all times include the following disclaimer:

“This event/publication/solicitation is sponsored solely by the [name of student organization] without support or endorsement of The University of Pittsburgh. The University of Pittsburgh does not participate in political campaigns on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for public office.”

How can students get involved in voting initiatives on campus?

Students wanting to support voter registration drives can contact Pitt Votes. The Pitt Votes initiative was established in 2019 by the Office of PittServes to create a more accessible and consistent political environment on Pitt’s campus. By making voter registration & education tools widely available to students, Pitt Votes aims to stimulate greater civic engagement across Pitt’s student body. Contact Pitt Votes by email at pittvotes@pitt.edu.

University Employees

What types of activities are prohibited during demonstrations involving faculty and staff?

Like student demonstrations, all on-campus demonstrations must comply with all applicable laws and Pitt policies and procedures, including those for facility use. Faculty and staff must refrain from disrupting the educational process or infringing upon the rights of other members of the University community, accordingly, below are examples of some activities that are generally prohibited during demonstrations:

Impeding pedestrian and/or vehicular traffic on Pitt property
Blocking or otherwise interfering with any person’s ability to enter or exit any University property (buildings/patios/plaza/gathering spaces, etc.)
Using Tiki lamps, oil lamps, torches, or similar open flame
Using sound/voice amplifiers inside university owned or operated facilities (using sound/voice amplifiers outside is also prohibited if it disrupts activity related to the University’s educational process)
Picketing indoors with signs attached to rigid supports or frames
Engaging in activity that causes or threatens to cause physical injury to another person Installing a temporary structure, including tents, without prior authorization from Facilities Management as outlined in Policy AO47: Management of University Facilities and Grounds

Does the University offer whistleblower protections?

Yes, in addition to state and federal protections, Pitt has a statement on confidentiality and non-retaliation in connection with complaints.

Can I speak to the media as a private citizen about topics related to the University? For example, could I share my support for a staff union if a reporter asks, or criticize leadership?

Generally, yes. If you are speaking as a private person about a topic that is of general concern to the public and not tied to your official duties, that is typically ok, as long as it is not disruptive of University operations. For example, depending on the specific circumstances, high-level criticism of the University might be permissible, whereas disrespectful or insubordinate statements regarding a supervisor would likely not be. In most situations, staff members are free to express support for unionization.

Can I sign a petition asking the University to or not to do something?

Yes, you may generally sign your name, as well as your job title and department, to a petition to the University, as long as you are doing so in your private capacity and it is not related to your job duties.

If I’m approached by media and asked to speak on behalf of Pitt, what should I do?

Please refer media looking for a University statement to media@pitt.edu, and they’ll take it from there.

What does academic freedom mean?

At the University of Pittsburgh, we recognize the critical importance of fostering an environment that values intellectual pursuits, free inquiry, and open discourse, with academic freedom being a cornerstone. In an effort to aid the University community in understanding both the rights and responsibilities that accompany an environment that embraces academic freedom, this page serves to collect University resources to inform faculty, students, and administrators.