Pursuant to Wis. Admin. Code ยง UWS 18.11(9), individuals and organizations are permitted to engage in political campaigning and the distribution of political literature in UW-Eau Claire residence halls as provided by the rules below:
- For purposes of this policy, political campaigning and distribution of political literature (hereinafter, "campaigning") means advocacy and education directly related one of the following in an upcoming municipal, state, or national election:
- Voter registration or voting in the election;
- A candidate registered to appear on the ballot in the election; or
- A referendum question registered to appear on the ballot in the election.
- Campaigning is permitted only in designated tabling locations. Designated tabling locations shall be in the main lobby area of each residence hall, only when the residence hall is in use and occupied by students during the academic year, during the hours of 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM, consistent across each building.
- Outside activities are not permitted during fall move-in, as it would interfere with the business of the university at that time.
- Individuals or organizations wishing to engage in campaigning activity must register with Director of Housing and Residence Life, either via email to housing@uwec.edu or calling 715-836-3674, at least two full business days in advance of each campaigning event. Advanced approval from Housing and Residence Life of registration requests is required, and it will not be granted if the designated tabling space has already been reserved by another party at the time of request. Housing and Residence Life may require certain information about the registrants and the contemplated campaigning activity, but shall not on the basis of viewpoint, or unreasonably otherwise, withhold approval.
- Upon arrival at a residence hall for campaigning, a registrant should meet the designated Housing staff person by the main door of the residence hall, and provide proof of reservation confirmation, and an ID of all parties there for campaigning purposes.
- Door-to-door campaigning and other entry into residence hall living areas (except as may be needed to use the restroom) by individuals engaged in campaigning, with the exception of residents and their invited guests, is prohibited.
- The placement of political literature on or under residents' room doors is prohibited.
- Campaigning activity may include the distribution of political literature and the use of a table and chairs in the designated tabling area, but may not occupy ingress/egress space or otherwise interfere with normal Housing and Residence Life operations. It may not include the use of music or amplified sound (i.e. megaphones, microphones, etc.)
- Posting of political literature other than within the designated tabling area for the duration of the campaigning event, is prohibited except to the extent that the posting act at issue would be allowed generally by Residence Life Posting policy.
- Notwithstanding the above provisions, residents of a residence hall, as well as their invited guests, may communicate in their residence halls about political matters (including, for example, via door-to-door campaigning) with as much freedom as residents and their invited guests, respectively, are permitted to communicate generally under applicable Housing and Residence Life rules. All residents and guests must abide by any Housing and Residence Life rules allowing other residents to opt out of disturbances to their dwelling unit doors. Nothing in this policy shall be interpreted to violate any student's rights under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
- Violation of Housing and Residence Life policies in the process of engaging in campaigning activities may result in the removal of the parties, or disciplinary consequences for any students or residents involved in according with those policies.
- Failure to recognize a do not disturb notice will result in removal from the hall and potential disciplinary procedures as outlined in Housing and Residence Life policies.
Adopted Date: March 30, 2026
Board Approval Date: February 5, 2026