31 GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS
31.01 Governmental Appearances
All system employees appearing before Congress or the Texas Legislature, or their agencies, committees, or members to offer testimony, opinions, or commentary in regard to existing or potential laws, rules, or regulations, not expressly authorized to do so by the board or the chancellor, must clearly state in advance that they are appearing in their individual capacities and that their testimony, opinions, and commentary are not authorized by, and must not be construed as reflecting on, the position of the system.
OFFICIAL
Section: Governmental Relations
Number: 09.A.01
Area: General
Date: February 1, 1991
Subject: Governmental Relations Communications and Appearances
1. Purpose
1.1 The University of Houston System must interact continually with numerous governmental entities, elected officials, and governmental staff. In order to maintain an effective presentation, it is essential that representation of the University of Houston System to governmental entities be consistent.1.2 For the purpose of this document, "Governmental entity" shall mean an agency, organization, board, commission, or elected legislative body; the staff or officers of any such group; or the designated representative of such.1.3 Guidelines for University Employee Governmental Appearances are in accordance with Board of Regents policy # 54.01.
2. Guidelines
2.1 The Chancellor of the University of Houston System has been designated by the Board of Regents as the official representative of the University of Houston System in all matters relating to communications with external governmental entities. The Chancellor may delegate specific duties in this regard to members of the Chancellor's staff, officers of the System Administration, or Presidents of the component campuses.2.2 The Vice Chancellor for Governmental Relations shall be responsible for the general coordination of all governmental activities.2.3 All communication with governmental entities which is system-wide in nature shall be coordinated through the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Governmental Relations. Additionally, communication which is local or campus-specific in nature should be coordinated with the Office of the Chancellor in those instances where local actions would affect system-wide operations.
3. Format
3.1 Information regarding format for written correspondence with elected officials may be obtained from the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Governmental Relations.
4. University Employee Governmental Appearances
4.1 All University of Houston System employees appearing before Congress, the Texas Legislature or their agencies, committees or member to offer testimony, opinions or commentary in regard to existing or potential laws, rules or regulations, not expressly authorized to do so by the Board or the Chancellor, must clearly state in advance that they are appearing in their individual capacities and that their testimony, opinions and commentary is not authorized by and in no way reflects the position of the University.
5. Review and Responsibilities
Responsible party: Vice Chancellor for Governmental RelationsReview: Odd numbered years on or before December 31
6. Approval
Approved: Chancellor
Date: January 15, 1991
7. Indexing terms
Governmental Appearances
Governmental Relations