The UNM Office of Compliance, Ethics & Equal Opportunity, and Office of Government and Community Relations released the following memo on Jan. 12, 2026 related to political activities.
To: All University of New Mexico Faculty, Staff, and Students
From: UNM Office of Compliance, Ethics & Equal Opportunity, and Office of Government and Community Relations
Subject: Annual Policy Notification Regarding Political Activities
As part of our annual policy notifications series, we encourage you to review the following University of New Mexico (UNM) policies and tools that pertain to political activity. UNM encourages all members of the campus community to maintain ethical behavior and report suspected misconduct. If a community member makes a report of suspected misconduct in good faith, they will be protected from retaliation.
The University of New Mexico encourages all members of the University community to be informed and engaged in the political process. UNM fully supports campus-based activities and programs that provide community members with a forum through which to participate in the democratic process. Please be aware, however, that UNM maintains policies regarding political activities.
The Office of Government and Community Relations oversees all central, health sciences, and branch campus political activities at the federal, state, county and city levels. We are here to advance the priorities of The University of New Mexico to these governmental entities and to support all our students, faculty, and staff relative to political activities. These policies do not address every potential situation. To facilitate consistent public policy outreach and most effectively pursue UNM’s shared priorities, please align your advocacy activities and communications with the OGCR team.
We want to work with you, so please do not hesitate to contact Mike Puelle, Chief Government Relations Officer, with any questions you may have regarding these policies and permitted political activities. Please feel free to contact Mike Puelle at 505-277-1670 or via email, mikepuelle@unm.edu.
Questions regarding this notification should be directed to the Office of Compliance, Ethics, and Equal Opportunity (CEEO) at (505) 277-5251 or ceeo@unm.edu or to the HSC Compliance Office at (505) 272-7371 or compliance@salud.unm.edu.
UNM Policies and Tools Related to Political Activity:
Regents’ Policy Manual – Section 6.5
All University employees have the right to engage in political activities so far as they can do so consistent with their obligations to the University, and in accordance with applicable law. To ensure its autonomy and integrity, the University shall not be an instrument of partisan political action. The expression of political opinions and viewpoints will be those of the individual and not of the University as an institution. Under state law, employees of the University may not serve as members of the New Mexico Legislature.
This policy applies to all employees (faculty and staff) of the University.
To review the complete policy, please see: https://policy.unm.edu/regents- policies/section-6/6-5.html
UNM Policy on Policy on Government Relations and Legislative Action – UAP 2050
Federal, state, and local support is extremely important to the teaching, research, and public service mission of the University. Through this support, the University can enhance current programs and develop resources to support future programs. To ensure effective development and management of federal, state, and local government support and compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations, the Office of Government and Community Relations must coordinate the University’s contacts with elected officials and lobbyists. In determining legislative priorities and other related activities, the Office of Government and Community Relations consults with a broad cross-section of the UNM community.
To review the complete policy, please see: https://policy.unm.edu/university- policies/2000/2050.html.
UNM Policy on Political Activities – UAP 2060
The University recognizes and approves the right of free speech and expression of opinion on any subject by any member of the University community, whether the subject relates to on- or off-campus issues. Those who speak or act shall do so in their personal capacities and not in the name of the University, unless there has been specific authorization by the administration to do so.
In order to assure its autonomy and integrity, the University shall not be an instrument of partisan political action. The expression of political opinions and viewpoints must clearly be those of the individual and not of the University.
This policy applies to faculty, staff, and students and addresses the appropriate use of space and resources for political activity on all of the University’s campuses.
To review the complete policy, please see: https://policy.unm.edu/university- policies/2000/2060.html.
UNM Hospitals Policy on Political Activity – HR 85
It is the policy of the University of New Mexico Hospitals to recognize the right of free speech and expression of opinion by any member of the Hospitals community. Unless authorized by the Hospitals CEO, no employee shall act on behalf of the Hospitals or any associated organizations. The Hospitals shall not be instruments of partisan political activity. All expressions of political opinions and viewpoints will be those of the individual and not the Hospitals. Like any other personal, non-official undertaking, political activity must be done on the employee’s own time. Employees may request annual leave to engage in such activity.
UNM Faculty Policy on Political Activities – C150
To review the complete policy, please see: https://handbook.unm.edu/c150/
