Political Candidates and Elected Officials

Northwestern University’s status as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code prohibits it from participating or intervening in any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office. In order to ensure that Northwestern remains in compliance with this code, the Office of the General Counsel manages invitations of all elected officials and political candidates to the university. This includes faculty and guest speakers. If you are a faculty member that is seeking elected office, please contact your academic coordinator immediately. If you are considering inviting an elected official or political candidate to campus as a guest speaker, you must notify your academic coordinator before you extend an invitation. For more information on this university policy, visit: http://www.northwestern.edu/general-counsel/policies/political.html.