Policies on
Politics and Government

IU faculty and staff frequently inquire about university policies regarding contacts with elected officials and political activities. These policies are posted here to facilitate ready access. Some of them also can be found on pages 158 to 161 in the Indiana University Academic Handbook.

Contacting State Officials on Behalf of a University Department or Unit

In order to maintain professional working relationships with public officials and keep our IU messages coherent and effective, the Office of Government Relations requires that all university departments and units contact the office prior to any written or verbal communications with public officials relative to university-based interests. Learn more about our policy on Contacting State Officials on Behalf of a University Department or Unit.

Lobbying Disclosure: Overview of Federal Lobbying and Ethics Rules and Regulations

Congress passed the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act (HLOGA) in September 2007. The goal of this law is to shed more light on the role of lobbyists in influencing federal legislation. Read our Overview of Federal Lobbying and Ethics Rules and Regulations.

Policy on Contacts with Federal and State Government Officials and Agencies

Indiana University has established certain policies, guidelines, and procedures pertaining to contacts being made on behalf of the University with federal and state government officials and agencies. Learn more about IU’s Policy on Contacts with Federal and State Government Officials and Agencies.

Political Activities of Academic Personnel

The University recognizes the right of academic appointees to engage in political activities beyond those normally entailed in voting and participating in routine community, state, and national programs, provided that the participation does not prevent the full discharge of the faculty member’s academic responsibilities. Learn more about IU’s Political Activities of Academic Personnel policy.