University of Washington Policy Directory

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*Formerly part of the University Handbook
Presidential Orders


Executive Order


No. 35


Policy on Candidacy for Public Office


1. A faculty member, as a private citizen, is entitled to be a candidate for public office to the extent such candidacy is not inconsistent with his or her obligations to the University community. When appropriate, leaves of absence without pay may be granted by the Board of Regents under circumstances which provide adequately for the interests of the University.
  A. A faculty member may hold appointive public office, the holding of which will not interfere with the interests of the University.
  B. A faculty member may run for and hold local (especially non-partisan, part-time) elective office without mandatory leave of absence if the performance of his or her University duties is not impaired thereby and if it can be demonstrated that election to the office will not create a conflict of interests detrimental to the University.
  C. A faculty member may run for and hold other elective offices provided that prior arrangements are made to protect the interests of the University, such as reduced load with an equitable adjustment in compensation during extensive campaigning or leave of absence without pay when full-time service is required.
2. A request to hold appointive office or to run for and hold local office without leave, or a request for an adjustment in the terms of his or her University appointment in order to run for and hold other public office, must be forwarded to the President through the chair of the department and the dean of the college concerned. When significant adjustments are required, they will normally be granted for reasonable but limited periods.
3. This policy shall apply to staff members also to the extent permitted by applicable civil service laws and regulations.

BR, May 1966; Executive Order No. 35 of the President: June 1, 1972;
May 1, 1985.

For related information, see:

  • Executive Order No. 32, "Employee Responsibilities and Employee Conflict of Interest"
  • Executive Order No. 43, "Policy Governing Acceptance of Honoraria"
  • Executive Order No. 57, "Outside Professional Work Policy"