EXPANSION INITIATIVE GUIDELINES AND Q&A FOR THE FIU COMMUNITY
FIU is a public institution that engages in problem-solving research, forges win-win partnerships in our community and prepares our graduates with the skills they need to compete. We are 200,000 graduates strong. Our alumni not only get good jobs but create good jobs.
FIU is on the cusp of doing even greater things. Our proposed expansion onto 64 acres adjacent to the FIU Modesto A. Maidique campus will enhance our ability to create new jobs for the South Florida economy and produce greater student talent in engineering, the sciences, and entrepreneurship - areas that are state priorities and keys to economic development.
This initiative is important for our institution and our community. What FIU’s expansion will mean to our community:
FIU’s increased capacity will provide a world-class college education to a greater number of young men and women in our community.
An initial economic impact of $1.8 billion and an additional annual recurring economic impact of $541 million to our community, above the $8.9 billion FIU already provides.
Job creation to support FIU’s expanding student population.
No cost to Miami-Dade County or students:
FIU will raise funds for the expansion without affecting tuition.
We have received a number of inquiries about what university employees and students are permitted to do to support FIU’s expansion efforts.
FIU’s expansion will be part of a countywide referendum during the general election on Nov. 4, 2014. Our employees and students are encouraged to fully and freely exercise their constitutional rights to express their personal opinions regarding the referendum. However, as a state university in Florida there are laws that limit the political activities FIU and its employees may engage in to protect against coercion and undue influence. These general guidelines are intended to help employees and students understand how to balance their rights to participate in the political process and help FIU and its employees comply with the law. Students who are also employees should comply with both sets of guidelines.
ADMINISTRATION AND FACULTY
Q&A
Q: May I express my support about the referendum at work?
A: Yes, in personal conversations on your own time, you may express your own personal opinion; however, you should not do so in the workplace for the express purpose of influencing others to vote the same way. You may not directly or indirectly coerce or influence any FIU administration or faculty member to support the referendum.
Q: Are there any limitations that I need to be aware of if I decide to fundraise for the referendum?
A: Yes, administration and faculty cannot solicit contributions from co-employees. You may in your free time, off-campus fundraise in support of the referendum.
Q: Is it okay for my department to use surplus supplies or purchase promotional materials or anything else to support the referendum?
A: No, use of FIU office equipment, stationary, or other supplies, email accounts, telephone lines or computers to support the referendum is prohibited. You may not use university resources to advocate concerning the referendum.
Q: What if someone asks me how to participate in fundraising to support the referendum?
A: FIU employees are strictly prohibited from engaging in fundraising regarding the referendum. If you are asked, please advise the inquirer that FIU is prohibited by Florida law from engaging in fundraising.
Q: As part of my job responsibilities, I am frequently involved with the community and I am being asked questions about or need to be able to communicate with others about the expand initiative. How do I know where to draw the line?
A: You can continue to provide facts and information regarding the expansion. Any information on expand.fiu.edu is appropriate to communicate. However, FIU employees should not be communicating, on their FIU time or on behalf of FIU about the referendum or fundraising for it. Please refer to the Dos and Don’ts if you have additional questions.
STUDENTS
Q&A
Q: Can I set up a table to raise funds for the referendum during an official FIU event such as tailgating before a football game?
A: No, FIU facilities may not be used to fundraise; however, setting up a table or a tent to provide information and/or communicate support or disapproval of the referendum is okay in the University’s outdoor free speech areas in accordance with university regulations, policies and procedures. See FIU Regulation-110 for guidance.
Q: Is it okay to fundraise or campaign in my dorm room?
A: Yes, you can use your dorm room to fundraise and campaign; however, keep in mind, this answer is fact specific. For purposes of participating in political activities, individual student rooms in FIU housing facilities are not considered to be a “University facility”. You may not fundraise in FIU facilities including, campus buildings, other indoor facilities, parking facilities/areas, athletic or recreational facilities, fields and/or stadiums.
Q: My fraternity wants to rent meeting room space on campus to bring in a speaker to discuss the referendum. Is that okay?
A: Yes, University Organizations (as defined in FIU Regulation-110) and groups whose activities are related to the mission of FIU may sponsor meetings using FIU facilities, including lecture halls, outdoor reservable space, and any other space available in accordance with FIU policies and procedures to discuss the referendum.
Q: A news reporter approached me to be interviewed regarding my views on the referendum. May I do so?
A: You have the right to express your personal views concerning the referendum. You also have the right to passively advocate concerning the referendum (i.e., display bumper stickers). You may not speak on behalf of the university concerning the referendum unless designated by the university. If you are asked to speak on behalf of FIU, you should direct media inquiries to the Media Relations staff.
Q: Is it permissible for me to place posters, banners and other items on FIU property?
A: In limited areas on campus where permissible to place posters, banners and other items, you may express your personal views in writing on FIU property only in accordance with FIU policies.
If you have any questions regarding the guidelines, please contact:
Office of University Compliance and Integrity
Karyn Boston
305-348-2024