Board Policy D-700.01
Institutional Effectiveness Criterion: Culture

Political Activities

As a public educational institution, both Michigan and federal law govern the behavior of Northwestern Michigan College and individuals representing it when engaged in campaign or other political activities and communications. It shall be the policy of NMC that any activities affecting political campaigning and ballot measures be conducted in compliance with applicable federal and Michigan laws and regulations. Under state and federal law, NMC employees may exercise their rights of free speech and association by participating in political activities on their own time and employing their own resources. And nothing in this policy restricts the ability of an NMC employee to engage in political activities, including running for elected office, on their own time.

Section 57 of the Michigan Campaign Finance Act, however, prohibits public employees from using public funds, personnel, office space, computers, or other public resources to make a contribution or expenditure for political purposes. Thus, faculty and staff are prohibited from participating in political activities during working hours or utilizing NMC funds, personnel, equipment, materials, facilities, or other NMC resources in furtherance of political activities.

If any provision(s) of this policy or set of bylaws conflicts with laws applicable to Northwestern Michigan College, including the Community College Act of 1966, the Freedom of Information Act, or the Open Meetings Act, as each may be amended from time to time, such laws shall control and supersede such provision(s).