BOARD OF REGENTS POLICY

Subd. 1. Scope. This policy governs appearances by University of Minnesota (University) employees before the Minnesota Legislature (legislature) and other public bodies.

Subd. 2. Definition. Public bodies shall mean governmental organizations and agencies, including, but not limited to, federal, state, regional, county, or municipal legislative bodies, governing boards, councils, or commissions.

Subd. 3. Guiding Principles. The following principles shall guide the appearance of University employees before the legislature and other public bodies:

(a) University employees are encouraged to appear before the legislature and other public bodies as private citizens, as sources of expert testimony, and, if requested by the University, as University representatives. This policy does not limit the activities of University employees as private citizens or as sources of expert testimony.

(b) University employees are considered private individuals when appearing before the legislature and other public bodies unless they have been asked by the administration to appear as a representative of the University.

(c) The University benefits from a coordinated approach to appearances before the legislature and other public bodies on significant matters regarding institutional business.

Subd. 4. Disclosures. University employees:

(a) shall make clear whether or not they are appearing as a University representative when they appear before the legislature and other public bodies;

(b) shall inform the president or delegate when appearing before state and federal legislative bodies on matters of University business or regarding the University's legislative program; and

(c) are requested to inform the president or delegate of any invitation to serve on a committee or commission appointed by the governor or the legislature.