When FA members campaign for elected positions within the FA—such as officer, delegate, or Executive Council positions—it is critical that they learn, understand, and adhere to rules governing how to campaign on campus. Some are included in the FA Elections Procedures document below, but for even greater clarity on the basic do's and don'ts of campaigning, the FA Elections Committee has developed a Policy for Candidate Campaigning. This policy is shaped by not only FA rules but also college policies and federal election law. While the FA is a separate organization, we are still college employees and must adhere to college policies at all times. This document has received approval from the FA officers, the FA elections committee, our NYSUT Labor Relations Specialist, and college counsel. The two most common questions we receive are below ("candidates" includes the candidates themselves as well as others acting in support of the candidates). More information is in our Policy for Candidate Campaigning and, again, candidates are strongly encouraged to contact the Elections Committee chairperson if they have questions or need clarification.

 
  1. Can I email colleagues to ask them to vote for me? — Candidates may not use SCCC or FA email to send campaign material and candidates may not direct campaign materials to colleagues' SCCC or FA email accounts. Candidates may not use college computers to campaign while at work. This is considered a misuse of college resources and an interference with colleagues' workday. However, candidates may campaign using personal email accounts. If a candidate receives an unsolicited campaign-related inquiry at their SCCC or FA email accounts or phone number, they should move the conversation to their personal email account or phone number immediately.
  2. Can I post flyers on campus? — No. The only place campaign materials may be posted on campus is on union-designated bulletin boards and we currently have none. Campaign materials may not be posted on bulletin boards, on office doors or office walls, or in other workspaces (e.g., by department/area copy machines or mailboxes). Candidates may, however, print (not using college computers/printers/copiers and off campus at their own expense) and hand deliver campaign materials into colleagues' physical mailboxes on campus. As long as you're not using interoffice mail (which involves college resources), this has been allowed throughout the FA's 55-year history. You may also personally distribute campaign materials directly into colleagues' hands as long as it is outside their work hours. Again, more information is in our Policy for Candidate Campaigning.