Elected/Appointed Officials on Campus

Policy Number: 12.91
Effective Date: March 14, 2023
Revision History: November 1, 2019; May 26, 2016
Policy Contact: Director, Government Affairs

I. Purpose and Policy Statement

The policy establishes the Georgia Gwinnett College Office of Government Relations as the College’s primary point of contact for communications and interactions with elected and appointed officials. The Office of Government Relations, in cooperation with the Office of the President, is solely responsible for coordinating and scheduling visits of elected officials and/or members of their staff. 

II. Scope

This policy is applicable to all members of the campus community. 

III. Definitions

Elected/appointed officials: Individuals currently or previously holding elected office or appointed roles in the federal, state, or local government, including but not limited to: the president or vice president of the United States, U.S. senators, members of Congress, governors, lieutenant governors, state secretary of state, state senators, state representatives, state school superintendent, state attorney general, state agriculture commissioner, state insurance commissioner, state labor commissioner, chancellor of the University System of Georgia, members of the Board of Regents, mayors, county commission chairs, members of city councils and members of county commissions.

Campus community: Includes, but is not limited to, all faculty, administrators, staff (including student workers), students, alumni, interns, members of the Board of Trustees, and members of College-sponsored advisory committees and volunteers.

IV. Requirements for Contacting Elected or Appointed Officials

1. Because the Office of Government Relations is responsible for building and sustaining relationships with defined external constituents, any member of the campus community who wishes to contact and/or invite an elected/appointed official to campus will contact the Office of Government Relations prior to action. Consultation with the Office of Government Relations will enable the institution to coordinate interactions and balance internal needs with the larger political environment.
2. Elected or appointed officials who contact Georgia Gwinnett College faculty or staff about a visit will be referred to the Office of Government Relations for initial review. Upon notification, the Office of Government Relations will provide guidance regarding appropriate action.
3. Student organizations interested in inviting elected/appointed officials to campus must consult the Office of Government Relations so the institution is coordinated in its approach and interactions. At a minimum, student organizations must notify the Office of Government Relations two weeks prior to an elected/appointed official’s visit to campus.