Public Office

As stated in the Faculty Handbook

 

Recognizing the rights of faculty and staff members to engage in responsible political activity, the Board of Trustees adopted the following policy in March 1973:

The university faculty member is a citizen and, like other citizens, is free to engage in political activities consistent with their obligation as a teacher and a scholar at Texas Christian University.

Many kinds of political activity (e.g., holding part-time office in a political party, seeking election to an office under circumstances that do not require extensive campaigning, or serving by appointment or election in a part-time political office) do not interfere significantly with academic duties and responsibilities; where such is the case, this activity is consistent with effective service as a member of the faculty. Other kinds of political activity (e.g., intensive campaigning for elective office, serving in a state legislature, or serving a limited term in a full-time position) do interfere significantly with academic duties and responsibilities; for such activity, a faculty member will seek a leave of absence from the university.

In recognition of the legitimacy of political activity by faculty members, the university will provide institutional arrangements to permit it, similar to those applicable to other public or private extramural service. Generally speaking, the equivalent of no more than one day a week should be devoted to the duties of the office. Some extramural offices may require a reduction of the faculty member’s workload or a leave of absence for the duration of an election campaign or term of office, accompanied by equitable adjustment of compensation when appropriate. A faculty member may take an approved leave of absence without pay up to two years, with further extensions which the Chancellor, after consultation with appropriate divisional heads, may grant.

A faculty member planning to undertake public office or seeking a leave for that purpose should recognize that they have a primary obligation to the institution and to their  growth as an educator and scholar. Mindful of problems which political activities may create for the administration, colleagues, and students, they shall consult with their administrative superior to determine the feasibility of pursuing such activities. The results of this consultation, if favorable, will be put in a written proposal and submitted through channels for concurrence or other decision by the Chancellor. If approved, an agreement shall be signed in duplicate by both the Chancellor and the faculty member.