Policy: Campaigning & Related Activities

The University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) encourages civic engagement and participation in the political process. We have compiled some resources as a guide to help students and student organizations (groups) navigate the University as you plan any campaigning, outreach, advocacy, or other election related activities on campus. If you have any questions, consult with Kirby Student Center; we are happy to help.

Compliance With Laws and University Policies

  • All students and student groups are required to follow all policies outlined in the Student Conduct Code, all University (UMD and University of Minnesota system) policies, plus all applicable local, state, and federal laws. Student groups must also follow all policies in the UMD Student Organization Handbook.
  • Consult with the Kirby Student Center staff if you’re not sure of the guidelines for an event or activity you’re thinking of doing, or if you think your activity has the potential for large crowds and/or media involvement.

Events in UMD Campus Buildings and Outdoor Spaces

Distribution, Solicitation, Posting, Chalking, and Free Speech/Free Expression

  • Under the U.S. Constitution, freedom of speech (freedom of expression) is a guaranteed right. Accordingly, the University community is asked to be tolerant of differing points of view and respect the rights of others to express themselves. Any member of the University community who finds posted or distributed materials to be offensive or disrespectful is encouraged to contact the responsible organization or individual to address their objections.
  • Freedom of expression is not an unfettered right: the University is able to set policies that govern the time, place, or manner of that speech/expression but not the content or viewpoint of the speech/expression. Please consult the policies carefully; it is vital that you understand what your responsibilities and rights are. Posting (flyers and posters) at UMD is governed by UMD posting policies. Note there are separate policies for on-campus housing areas and for the rest of campus.
  • Distribution of literature not for sale, solicitation, and speaking on outdoor campus grounds is permitted within set criteria. For specific guidelines, consult the University policy and UMD Student Organization Handbook.
  • Chalking on University of Minnesota campuses is limited to registered student organizations and campus life programs, official University departments or offices, faculty members, staff members, and registered students. Please reference the Digital Signage, Display Cases, and Chalking policy in the Student Organization Handbook for specific guidelines on permissible and prohibited activities.

Use of Student Services Fee (SSF) Funds

Collaborating with External Organizations and Campus Departments

  • Students and student groups may be approached due to the unique access they have to campus, as well as their connection to other students. It is important to engage in positive collaborations and to recognize when you or your group is being approached in a manner that is not consistent with University policy.
  • The benefits you are able to access as a student or as a student group are for your group’s use alone. Groups cannot reserve spaces for use by another student group, University department, outside group, or individual use to provide access or reduced costs in using University facilities, services, or staff.
  • The organization or individual who holds the reservation must be primarily responsible for planning, implementing, and financing the event. A co-sponsorship agreement or a facility use agreement may be required; contact Kirby Student Center staff for details.
  • If intentional misrepresentation occurs, this may result in the group that holds the reservation being charged the external or departmental rate for the room or venue. This could also impact the group’s access to benefits and/or ability to reserve space in a campus facility.
  • Please contact Kirby Student Center to discuss collaborations or partnerships you are considering, if you’d like us to review any partnership agreements, and/or if you have any questions regarding student group (student organization) policies and procedures.

Responsibility and Accountability

  • Individuals and/or student groups are subject to the University of Minnesota Student Conduct Code, and student groups are required to be in compliance with all applicable policies and laws.
  • Students and/or student groups found to be in violation of the Student Conduct Code are subject to sanctions through the Office of Student Conduct.
  • Student groups found to be in violation of Student Organization Handbook policies or other applicable University policies are subject to sanctions through Kirby Student Center, including (but not limited to) restriction of the benefits accorded to registered student organizations and campus life programs, suspension of campus life program status, or suspension of registered student organization status.
  • When student groups register with Kirby Student Center, they assume responsibility for the actions of their group. Student group members are encouraged to thoroughly read the Student Organization Handbook and to consult relevant University policies.
  • The responsible officers of any student group must make sure that they are aware of the activities and events that members of the group will be participating in or organizing on behalf of the group.

For more information: 

Address comments, questions or concerns about this policy to:

Jeni Eltink, KSC Director / [email protected] / 218.726.6526
Lesa Radtke, KSC Associate Director / [email protected] / 218.726.7166

Revised 11/30/21