Ohio Administrative Code|Rule 3342-5-03.1 | Administrative policy regarding engagement with government officials and entities.

                                                
(A) Policy statement. As a state university, it is
		  imperative that the university embrace a coordinated and consistent approach to
		  its official dealings with all federal, state, and local government offices,
		  boards and agencies as provided for in rule. Under the direction of the
		  president, the office of government and community relations shall be
		  responsible for the administration of this rule.
(B) Implementation.
(1) Campus visits by officials, staff, candidates, and
			 surrogates. The university welcomes and encourages visits by officials, staff,
			 candidates and surrogates, but does not endorse individual candidates for
			 public office. In the case of requests to visit and impending visits by
			 officials, staff, candidates, or surrogates, including those initiated by a
			 student organization, the office of government and community relations and the
			 department of university communications and marketing shall be
			 notified.
(2) Public statements and expert testimony on behalf of the
			 university. Subject to the exceptions as stated in this policy, only the
			 president, or designee, shall address government officials or entities on
			 behalf of the university. All requests to represent the university before a
			 governmental body shall be submitted in writing to the office of government and
			 community relations at least ten business days prior to the scheduled
			 appearance or correspondence.
(3) Public statements and expert testimony on behalf of the
			 individual or a separate organization. When a university employee chooses to
			 address government officials or entities as a private citizen or as a member of
			 an organization other than the university, such communication or testimony
			 should clearly indicate that it is made on behalf of the individual in their
			 personal capacity, or on behalf of the individuals separate
			 organization. As a courtesy, the employee may provide a final copy of their
			 testimony to the office of government and community relations.
(4) Compelled testimony. Testimony provided under subpoena
			 is exempted from this policy.
(5) Disclosure of lobbying activities: The university is
			 required by law to disclose federal lobbying activities as defined by 2 U.S.C.
			 1602, and state lobbying activities as defined by sections 101.72, 101.73, and
			 101.74 of the Revised Code. Additionally, local governmental entities maintain
			 the right to require lobbying disclosures for their jurisdictions. The office
			 of government and community relations is responsible for gathering information
			 related to official university lobbying activities and submitting reports to
			 governmental agencies. University employees are required to document and
			 provide to the office of government and community relations information related
			 to activities and interactions with covered governmental officials in
			 accordance with the following schedules:
(a) On a quarterly basis
				at the federal level;
(b) Tri-annually at the
				state level; and
(c) At the discretion of
				local government level.
(6) Professional organization lobbying. Faculty and staff
			 should notify the office of government relations prior to accepting an
			 invitation to and/or attending a lobbying or advocacy meeting arranged by a
			 professional organization.
(7) All other interactions not otherwise provided for in
			 this rule shall be discussed with the office of the president prior to such
			 interaction.