Policies

Each employee of the college retains all rights and obligations of citizenship provided in the Constitution and laws of North Carolina and the Constitution and laws of the United States.  The college encourages its employees to exercise these rights and obligations of citizenship.

It is the policy of the college that an employee shall neither engage in political activities while on duty, nor do so at any time in a manner which interferes with the functions and/or mission of the college.  An employee shall not use his/her position as an employee of the college to influence the political activities of college employees or students.

The following conditions apply to the President or any employee who seeks public office:

1. "Public office" means any national, state, or local government position of public trust and responsibility, whether elective or appointed, which is created or prescribed or recognized by constitution, statute, or ordinance.  Membership in the North Carolina General Assembly is a full-time public office under this definition.
2. All employees who decide to run for public office shall notify the Board of Trustees through the President of the intent to run for office and certify that he/she will not campaign or otherwise engage in political activities during his/her regular work hours or involve the college in his/her political activities.  The President shall notify the Board directly.
3. All employees who are elected to a part-time public office shall certify through the President to the Board of Trustees that the elected office will not interfere with carrying out the duties of the position with the college or shall request leave.  The President shall notify the Board directly.
4. All employees, including the President, who are elected or appointed to a full-time public office or to the General Assembly, shall be required to take a leave of absence without pay upon assuming office.  The length and conditions of the leave of absence will be determined by the Board of Trustees.
5. All employees are prohibited from soliciting support, either financial or for volunteers, for a candidate for public office on college property or while on duty.  However, college employees retain the same rights and privileges as other candidates concerning the use of facilities and participating in candidate forums while they are not on duty.

The Board of Trustees shall notify the State Board of Community Colleges if the President of Stanly Community College should become a candidate for, is elected, or is appointed to a public office.

Revision: 02/20/2014 (policy); 01/02/2014 (procedures)

Reference: 1C SBCCC 200.99