MSU Denver Civic Guide

While the University encourages civic engagement, the institution, its employees, and students must comply with federal and state laws, including those that prohibit engaging in political activity while at work.

Fair Campaign Practices Act

The Fair Campaign Practices Act (section 1-45-117. State and political subdivisions – limitations on contributions), aka Campaign Reform Act, generally prohibits public entities, including institutions of higher education, from expending any public resources from any source for contributions to a campaign for elected office, or to urge electors to vote in favor or against any ballot issue or referred measure.

Employees acting on their own time and not using MSU Denver resources do not face any legal restrictions, but best practice is to make clear the views and activity are their own.  

In Colorado, state employees are subject to certain restrictions regarding political activities while at work which are intended to ensure that state resources are not used for political purposes and to maintain a nonpartisan public service. The key law governing this issue is the Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) Section 24-50-132, which outlines prohibited activities such as:  

• participating in campaign activity while at work; 
• the use of state resources, tools or equipment for political advocacy; and 
• wearing campaign apparel while at work that urges support of any political candidate, ballot issues or initiatives including clothing, buttons, other accessories.  

Campaign Activity must take place on personal time. 

• Employees engaging in any campaign activity, lobbying or advocacy should do so outside of work hours or take personal leave. These activities include urging voters to cast ballots for or against any candidate for public office, ballot issues initiatives. Faculty members that do not have personal leave should engage in advocacy activities in accordance with applicable department or campus policies on their personal time.  

Employees may not use any University resources for political campaigning including:   

• office supplies or equipment – including computers, telephones, printers or facsimile machines – to create materials urging voters to support or oppose a political candidate or issue.  
• University e-mail accounts to urge citizens to vote for or against a political candidate or campaign issue, or to forward materials that urge electors to vote for or against a campaign issue.  
• University social media accounts or websites, including departmental and programmatic accounts and sites, to advocate publicly for political issues. These include any properties with the University name and/or logo.   

MSU Denver does not endorse any personal opinion, product, private business cause or political candidate. Representation of personal opinions as being endorsed by the University or any of its organizations is prohibited by University policy.

In effort to support faculty, staff and students in civic engagement and democratic efforts we’re providing these tips for fruitful advocacy and engagement.  

Students:

MSU Denver encourages students to engage in activism, supporting their rights to protest both on and off campus while ensuring the safety and rights of all involved.

• Secure Necessary Approvals: Always seek permission from the university when planning events, especially for large gatherings or demonstrations.
• Communicate Clearly: Inform participants and university officials about the purpose, time, and location of your event.
• Prioritize Safety: Have a plan in place for managing crowds and ensure your activities don’t interfere with classes or campus services.

Employees: 

• Employees should disclose that any political activity and opinions are their own and expressed on personal time. 
• Employees sharing opinions on personal social media properties or other platforms should clarify their opinions are not on behalf of the University and include this disclaimer whenever possible. “Opinions expressed are solely my own and do not express the views or opinions of my employer.”  
• A disclaimer should be made on any printed materials and/or at events that the University does not endorse the candidate, and that any opposing candidate or advocacy group will be offered a similar opportunity to speak.  

Learn more employee best practices for civic engagement on campus here.

Classroom Management

 To maintain the continuity of our academic mission it’s important to maintain a productive learning environment.  

• Engagement over potentially “hot button” topics should be discussed within the framework of the course topic and/or discipline. 
• The most effective role a faculty member can take is one of “facilitator.” Be sure to emphasize respectful dialogue and rules of engagement (see “Tips for productive advocacy & engagement below) to allow for multiple viewpoints without judgement or dismissal. 
• Repeat, outline, and summarize what is being stated so conversations can be directed towards words, not perceptions or personalities. 
• Do not discuss personal opinions of students’ comments or perspectives, especially in public settings. This could be seen as a breach of trust and might effectively “shut down” continued productive conversation and dialogue. 

Know your resources 

The Dean of Students office and the Student Care Center provide training on classroom behavior and can guide students and faculty to the appropriate resources. Please contact them during business hours for help with debriefing or planning discussions with any student at 303-615-0220.  

Mental Health Needs 

• Health Center at Auraria (Psychiatry): 303-615-9999 
• Crisis Line: 303-615-9911 (staffed 24/7) 
• Counseling Center (On-going support): 303-615-9988 

Student Behavioral and Academic Concerns: Dean of Students Office  

• Incident Reporting Form
• Academic Integrity Report
• CARE Referral (one-time support needed)
• Emergency: 911 (then report via incident report form) 

MSU Denver values open dialogue as a cornerstone of the educational experience, upholding a proud tradition of student activism and diverse viewpoints. Our commitment to free expression is balanced with the responsibility to respect the rights of others. While the University embraces a broad spectrum of perspectives, including controversial ones, disruption of lawful activities or speech is not permitted. As a public institution, MSU Denver is bound by First Amendment principles and will address any substantial disruption to our mission or campus experience. Our policies and accountability measures are designed to protect these values, ensuring that free speech and peaceful assembly are maintained. 

Freedom of Expression 

MSU Denver is committed to the search for and dissemination of knowledge through open inquiry. As outlined in MSU Denver’s Free Expression and Inquiry Statement, free expression should respect the freedom and human dignity of others while upholding their ability to fully engage in their academics and attain their full potential. 

Time, Place and Manner Restrictions for Campus Gatherings

To protect the safety of our community and continuity of our academic mission, the Auraria Higher Education Center and MSU Denver have the responsibility to establish content-neutral “time, place and manner” restrictions for gatherings on campus. These restrictions may require individuals to adjust when, where and how they gather.

MSU Denver may prohibit dangerous or overly disruptive activities that threaten campus safety or the University’s ability to carry out its mission. For example, if an assembly is overly loud, blocks passage across campus, compromises academic endeavors, significantly disrupts another’s experience or threatens the physical safety of others, then the University may require that the timing or location of the assembly change. 

Per the Auraria Campus’ Peaceful Assembly Policy, gatherings may not: 

• present a threat to health or safety of persons or damage to property; 
• interfere with the administration or conduct of campus business, normal campus functions, classes, regular schedules or events;
• threaten to incite a riot, violence or an immediate breach of the peace; 
• obstruct access to, or exit from, any building or enclosed area on the Auraria Campus; or 
• unreasonably interfere with a pre-existing reservation or planned use of the location.

Specific guidelines to foster peaceful assembly include: 

• All activities must occur during campus operating hours, unless permitted otherwise. 
• Large events must complete an event permit application at least 45 business days in advance
• Room reservations must take place at least 24 hours in advance. 
• All event-related activities must be completed, and the area vacated, by 1 a.m. To ensure campus safety and security, no overnight functions are allowed.  
• Signage must be approved through AHEC’s Event Services Offices and meet requirements in the Campus Signs Policy. 

All events should follow Auraria Campus’ Event Services Policies and Procedures.