Legislators rely on the expertise of faculty members, thus it is important to make contact and share that expertise. Senator Larry Singell, economics, asked for clarification about what is considered non-university time. Mr. Bailey answered that nine to five during the workweek would definitely be considered university time. A good rule is to do any advocating from home, or do it in such a way as to represent yourself as an individual who works at the university but who is not speaking for the university as a whole. For example, do not use a title or letterhead stationary in correspondence.
Legislators know that both e-mail and telephones are used part of the time for personal reasons.
Vice provost Lorraine Davis added that if using e-mail, do so after regular hours and remove any title tags. It is important not to represent yourself as anything other than an individual. The discussion continued with Senator Catherine Page remarking that students can be strong advocates of the university as well. They can readily speak to the quality of the education they are getting. Mr. Bailey noted that the Oregon Student Association is a strong, well-organized student organization that speaks frequently on behalf of students.