Leadership Public Statement Guidelines

Leadership public statement guidelines and decision-making process

The UC Davis chancellor and other campus leaders may offer public statements on events and issues that profoundly disrupt our community or our mission of teaching, research and service. The statements may address matters that originate on campus, elsewhere in higher education or on the regional, national or international stage.

While the university proactively reaches out to directly affected individuals and communities to offer resources and support when a concerning issue arises, chancellor and leadership statements are intended to publicly address those matters of significance to the broad university community.

The purposes of such public statements are to:

  • Provide accurate and timely information
  • Convey UC Davis values
  • Describe steps the university has taken or is taking
  • Demonstrate empathy toward adversely affected groups and individuals
  • Share resources to support students, staff, faculty and Aggies everywhere
  • Reinforce the university’s commitment to transparency and openness

All members of the campus community have free speech rights embedded in the U.S. Constitution, state law and UC Davis Policies and Procedures Manual Chapter 400.

This guidance addresses leadership statements to the campus community about events and issues that disrupt our community or mission. These statements may come from the chancellor or other administrative leaders designated by the chancellor. Examples of other leaders who may offer statements based on their role and their subject-matter expertise include the provost or leaders of offices such as Student Affairs, Global Affairs, Human Resources, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the UC Davis Police Department.

When deans or vice provosts seek to issue statements on events and issues that disrupt our community or mission, they must first confer with either the chancellor or the provost, depending on whom the dean, vice provost or vice chancellor reports to, and the chief marketing and communications officer in the Office of Strategic Communications. If it is agreed that a statement is warranted, the Office of Strategic Communications will collaborate with that unit to review and approve a statement.

Chancellor and other leadership public statements may involve the university in areas of controversy. When commenting on matters that are potentially divisive, it is important to recognize that conflicts and controversies evolve in unexpected ways and affect members of the community differently. Leadership public statements should not be used to advocate political viewpoints. They should convey enduring values that align with the university’s mission.

Key factors when deciding to offer a leadership public statement include whether the situation:

  • Directly affects the university’s ability to advance our mission of education, research and public service
  • Significantly disrupts campus life and communities
  • Offers a significant opportunity to reinforce campus values and promote an environment in which all can flourish

When a request is made for a public statement from the chancellor or designee, the following considerations will be reviewed:

  • Does the issue directly impact the mission of the university or department?
  • Does the issue disrupt the well-being of our community?
  • Is university leadership uniquely positioned to add to the public discussion?
  • Is the issue more appropriately addressed by the UC Office of the President or Board of Regents?
  • Has the university received significant feedback from constituents about the issue?
  • Does the university have the information it needs to offer a constructive statement?
  • Has the university taken action to support communities impacted by the disruption?
  • Can or should the university take other actions beyond making a statement?
  • Have other leaders or universities issued a statement?
  • What is the impact internally and externally if leadership does not issue a statement?
  • Does a statement address a need not adequately addressed at other levels of the organization?
  • Does the statement set a precedent for engagement on an external topic that would be difficult to uphold in other circumstances?
  • Does the statement include a specific call to action and links to resources for those affected?

If it is determined that a public statement is warranted, the following considerations will be reviewed:

  • Who should be part of the drafting and reviewing process?
  • Which leaders have the role and expertise to address the topic and sign the statement?
  • Which university channels are most appropriate for delivering the statement?
  • Have internal university communicators been notified of the timing and topic of a statement?
  • Should the statement be proactively sent to members of the media?
  • What image or images, if any, are most appropriate to accompany the statement?
  • When is the best day and time to share the statement?
  • Are there other messages, deadlines or campus activities that should be considered in determining the best day and time to share the statement?
  • Who are the appropriate contacts for statement follow-up?

Once a public statement is published and distributed, the Office of Strategic Communications or other appropriate office will evaluate public engagement with the message and sentiment in response to it.