Political Activity on Campus

The University of New Mexico as a public institution, respects the rights of political candidates, their representatives, and others to conduct political activities on the UNM campus. As a general rule, the academic mission of the university is foremost when the use of its space is considered. The first priority for use of university facilities shall be given to regularly scheduled academic or university related activities.

The use of university space by any group or individual should be conducted in a way that assures orderly conduct and the least possible interference with university responsibilities as an educational institution.

Groups or individuals may rent university facilities for speeches, debates, assemblies, etc. as available. Use of Indoor facilities will be scheduled with the university office that oversees that facility.

Public areas outside of university buildings may be used for political activities provided the normal business of the university is not disrupted and entrances to and exits from buildings are not blocked or impeded.

Outside areas for political events (such as rallies or speeches) will be scheduled through the Student Activities Center. Security arrangements will be arranged in consultation with the UNM Police Department. Parking space is at a premium and parking arrangements for events must be made with UNM Parking and Transportation Department.

Distributing literature, canvassing, obtaining petition signatures and similar activities, which are generally allowed outside university buildings need not be scheduled, but the Student Activities Center should be notified.

Political activity is not permitted inside university buildings, except for scheduled events where facilities have been rented or except within the lobby areas of the Student Union Building where distribution of leaflets, circulation of petitions, or similar activity is permitted so long as there is no interference with movement.

Anyone interested in scheduling a rally or speech should first contact

UNM Government Relations Director Marc Saavedra at (505) 277-1670, (505) 681-4882 or

UNM Communications and Marketing Director Susan McKinsey at (505) 277-1807, (505) 362-5530

Facilities Contact Information
  Contact Phone # Email
Johnson Center Roger Wrolstad (505) 277-6421 wr50@unm.edu
Keller Hall Victoria Weller (505) 277-2131 toriw@unm.edu
Parking and Transportation Monica Apodaca (505) 277-9557 monicama@unm.edu
Popejoy Hall Linda Spaulding (505) 277-9411 lspauld@unm.edu
Rodey Theatre Lief Rustebakke (505) 277-4102 lrusteba@unm.edu
Student Activities   (505) 277-4706 sac@unm.edu
Student Union Building   (505) 277-5498 subevent@unm.edu
The Pit Mark Koson (505) 925-5626 tixman@unm.edu
University Arena Mark Koson (505) 925-5626 tixman@unm.edu
UNM Police Cmdr. Jay Daniels (505) 277- 4508 jdaniels@unm.edu