Purpose

This policy outlines the parameters for university units issuing Public Statements on External Matters using University Communication Channels.

This policy is intended to ensure that public statements made by or on behalf of the University or a University Unit and the use of University Communication Channels (i) uphold the university’s mission, (ii) align with the university’s commitment to diversity of thought, academic inquiry, and the open exchange of ideas, (iii) respect constitutionally protected free speech and academic freedom as set forth in university Statutes and (iv) comply with applicable Guidelines and Requirements.

Scope

University Communication Channels and Public Statements on External Matters

Authority

The Office of the Chancellor and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost

Policy

1. University Units may use and manage University Communication Channels in furtherance of the University Unit’s activities and operations, such as carrying on programs of instruction, research and public service, and to address issues of internal governance.
2. University Communication Channels must not be used in violation of applicable Guidelines and Requirements, including but not limited to applicable policy and law regarding prohibited political activities, appropriate use of information and technology resources, digital accessibility, nondiscrimination, social media account security and guidelines developed by university administration, or for unauthorized commercial purposes.
3. The president, chancellor, and others at the executive leadership level of the university may issue official public statements within the scope of their university duties and authority. In these cases, University Units are encouraged to share those statements, rather than issue their own. See university statements webpage for an archive of statements.
4. If a University Unit wishes to issue a Public Statement on External Matters, it must:
   1. Comply with applicable Guidelines and Requirements;
   2. Follow an established process that has been set in accordance with the University Unit’s applicable policies and procedures and is consistent with Guidelines and Requirements.
   3. Include a clear and conspicuous Public Disclaimer on the statement indicating it does not necessarily represent the views of the university or any other unit of the university.
   4. Public Statements on External Matters published on University Communication Channels that do not include a Public Disclaimer may have a Public Disclaimer added.
5. University Units can seek guidance from appropriate senior administrative leadership (including the appropriate vice chancellor office for administrative units and the dean and vice chancellor for academic affairs and provost for academic departments) to ensure all applicable guidelines and requirements are followed.

Definitions

Guidelines and Requirements include university Statutes, the General Rules Concerning University Organization and Procedure, bylaws, guidelines and policies, and state and federal law.

A Public Disclaimer indicates when a statement is issued on behalf of a department or other unit, the statement does not represent the institution or any other unit. An example includes, “This statement does not imply or signify the university’s endorsement, sponsorship, approval, or disapproval of the views expressed.”

A Public Statement on an External Matter is any statement directed to or reasonably anticipated to reach students, faculty, staff, alumni, media, the public, or other university stakeholders by or on behalf of a University Unit about a local, state, national, or international issue that is not directly related to matters of internal governance or activities or operations of the University Unit.

A University Unit is any academic or administrative unit recognized within the university operating structure, including departments or similar units, centers, institutes, schools, colleges, and offices.

A University Communication Channel is any university or University Unit website, and any University Unit email account, digital platform, online tool, or social media channel (including but not limited to all verified Illinois social media accounts) that is university branded or owned, controlled, used, or otherwise provided by the university or a University Unit. A university Communication Channel does not include a personal account that does not issue statements by or on behalf of the university or a University Unit, nor an account operated by individuals in support of their scholarly or instructional activities that does not issue statements by or on behalf of the university or a University Unit.

References

Appropriate Use of Information and Technology Resources

Digital Accessibility

The General Rules Concerning University Organization and Procedure

Nondiscrimination Policy

Social Media Account Security

University of Illinois Statutes

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Senate Guidelines on Departmental Statements

University Resources for Political Campaign Activities

Contact

For questions about this policy and its application for academic units, contact the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost, provost@illinois.edu.

For questions about this policy and its application for administrative units, contact Strategic Communications and Marketing, stratcom@illinois.edu.

For questions or advice about developing or issuing a statement, contact Strategic Communications and Marketing, stratcom@illinois.edu