Section I

1.1 WHEREAS, the transition to a new Board of Trustees for the University under the law popularly known as Senate Bill 270 of 2013 removed the State Board of Higher Education as a future source of policies for the University of Oregon; and

1.2 WHEREAS, a number of rules adopted by the State Board of Higher Education in the past (primarily known as “Oregon Administrative Rules 580-[various]” or herein as “580 rules”) involve academic matters as commonly understood in higher education, including 580-022-0015 on candidacy for public office (contained within Chapter 580, Division 22, http://policies.uoregon.edu/sites/policies.uoregon.edu/files/uploads/OAR%20580%20-%20Division%2022.pdf)); and

1.3 WHEREAS, the University of Oregon appears to have no adopted Policy of its own regarding candidacy for public office; and

1.4 WHEREAS, the terminology in Policy 580-022-0015 regarding candidacy for public office requires updating of language so as not to refer to the former State Board of Higher Education, but instead to the University; and

1.5 WHEREAS, Section 170 (8) of Senate Bill 270 provides:

(8) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the lawfully adopted rules and policies of the State Board of Higher Education pertaining to a university with a governing board that are in effect on the effective date of this 2013 Act continue in effect until lawfully superseded or repealed by the standards or policies of the governing board or the university [emphasis added]; and

1.6 WHEREAS, linkages and comments are provided on the Senate’s “Master List” of rules and policies, including unique, easy-to-track identifying numbers (see Policies of Senate Interest Excel workbook),

Section II

2.1 BE IT HEREBY MOVED that Rule 339 (580-022-0015) be amended as follows and enacted as a regular University of Oregon Policy:

580-022-0015

Candidates for Public Office

(1) In accordance with the Oregon Constitution, it is Board University policy to allow employees to seek political office and to serve in the event of election. Before an employee shall become a candidate for any public office, whether for a salaried or nonsalaried position, the employee is expected to consult with the president.

(2) Political activity shall in no way interfere with the performance of the major duties prescribed by the Board and the presidents University.

(3) Because circumstances under which a campaign is conducted will vary widely depending on the nature of the elective office and the extent of opposition, the determination of whether an employee may continue full-time duties while conducting or engaged in a campaign rests with the employee's president. In the event of election to the State Legislature, an employee normally will be placed on leave of absence without pay during the period of full-time responsibility. If elected or appointed to a full-time salaried office, the employee may be placed on leave of absence without pay during the term of office or may be required to resign.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 351.070

Stats. Implemented:

Hist.: HEB 3-1978, f. & ef. 6-5-78; HEB 1-1993, f. & cert. ef. 2-5-932.2