Policies adopted by the University of North Carolina Board of Governors and the Western Carolina University Board of Trustees establish processes for resolving, in advance, questions about possible conflicts between a university employee’s satisfactory performance of employment responsibilities and the employee’s involvement in political candidacy and officeholding.  The policies apply to all university employees who are exempt from the State Personnel Act ("EPA"), including faculty members.  An employee who intends to become a candidate for election or appointment to or to hold any public office is responsible for knowing the terms of and complying with the requirements of the policies.  Western Carolina University Policy #28, "Political Activities of EPA Employees", may be viewed at the following URL:  http://www.wcu.edu/chancellor/index/universitypolicy/policy28.html.  UNC Board of Governors Policy 300.5.1, "Political Activities of Employees", may be viewed at the following URL: http://www.northcarolina.edu/content.php/legal/policymanual/uncpolicymanual_300_5_1.htm.

Questions concerning the application and interpretation of the requirements of the policies should be addressed to the affected employee's immediate supervisor.   Failure to comply with the policies is a violation of the terms and conditions of university employment and may result in disciplinary action.