Hello Wildcats,
Welcome back from winter break to our returning students, and to all new students joining our community mid-year – welcome to UNH! While the start of every semester is marked by great anticipation and energy, the new year is especially exciting as we embark together on the election season ahead.
Coincidentally, the first day of classes tomorrow is also New Hampshire’s presidential primary date. As a university committed to educating and developing our students into civically and democratically engaged citizens, we encourage everyone to take part in this election. If you are unsure about voter eligibility and registration requirements or if you haven’t yet planned to vote in the presidential primaries here in the Granite State or your home state, find more information about voting on the UNH Votes website. Students who live in Durham can also register to vote at the polls on Election Day in Durham tomorrow. UNH Transit will be offering shuttles to the polls, with buses scheduled to pick students up from Holloway Commons and on Garrison Avenue starting at 7:00 a.m. We highly recommend students registering for the first time in NH bring a photo ID.
New Hampshire is often closely watched during elections, and as the presidential process gains momentum, you can expect to see a rise in political activity across colleges and universities nationwide. While this can be an exciting time, it can also bring with it some tension.
We encourage everyone to build their capacity to tolerate contrary viewpoints and work constructively with those they disagree with both on and off-campus.
To help with this, we've put together some frequently asked questions and informative resources on the topic of engaging with different viewpoints.
- Does UNH extend invitations to political candidates to visit one of our campuses?
- Generally, UNH does not invite specific candidates to campus. Campus facilities are rented to campaigns as with other external organizations when we’re approached. Recognized student organizations may invite speakers, including politicians and political candidates, to campus, but these are otherwise not UNH-sponsored events.
- Does UNH make money or lose money by hosting political candidates?
- UNH does not make money or lose money by hosting candidates. All external speakers are invoiced for the cost of hosting (facilities rentals, security, etc.), just like other external rental groups.
- Why would UNH host this particular candidate?
- As a public institution, UNH has a legal responsibility to provide equal access when approached by a campaign seeking to use campus facilities. If we rent space to any outside organizations, we are required to rent space to all outside organizations. We are not permitted to accept or reject candidates based on their views.
- How can I express my views if I disagree with a candidate or speaker that is coming to campus or with my peer?
- The key to engaging across differences is to consider each argument in turn. Fortify your counterstatements with evidence and analysis to shape a different conversation. Express ideas freely and with the full understanding that acts of harm, property damage, and activities that hinder ingress and egress do not guarantee approval or immunity from consequences. Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Freedom of Expression and Guidelines on Peaceful Dissent policy which also describes alternative forms of expressive activity.
- Why doesn’t this department or staff member issue a statement or say something about this speaker or candidate?
- UNH employees are not permitted to engage in political activity in their official capacities or using UNH systems, devices, accounts, or resources. This includes posting on departmental social media or issuing statements in their capacity as a staff member endorsing or condemning a particular candidate.
- How does UNH ensure the community is safe during major events?
- Law enforcement works extensively with the town of Durham, other law enforcement agencies, and other staff at UNH to ensure the safety of the community during events. The community also plays an important role in the safety and security of our members. If you suspect violations of law or university policies, please report it to a campus official or to University Police.
While our Freedom of Expression and Guidelines on Peaceful Dissent policy reflects constitutional parameters as a public institution, it should be viewed as an open invitation to role model and participate in critical inquiry, self-reflection and productive discourse.
The presidential election season is an excellent time for students to take an exploratory leap and examine their own personal beliefs. Speak with representatives of student governing bodies about their efforts to keep the community informed on events or contact the Dean of Students if you are unsure where to begin.
Thank you for taking the time to read and we wish you a fantastic start to the spring semester.
Sincerely,
Michael Blackman
Dean of Students
Joseph Skehan
Student Body President
