As an academic institution, free expression and the exchange of ideas is foundational to UW-Madison. The following resources provide students, faculty, staff, and visitors with information and knowledge to exercise free expression and open discourse while complying with UW–Madison, UW System, and the state of Wisconsin policies, guidelines, and codes.
UW–Madison
Expressive activity
- Policy UW-6013: Expressive Activity Policy
- Expressive Activity Guide: companion document to understanding the Expressive Activity Policy
- UW news release on expressive activity: UW updates policy on expressive activity and expands educational and community resources
Political activity
- Political Activity and Public Advocacy on Campus: Guidelines for Spring 2025: guidelines and frequently asked questions for students and employees who engage in political campaign involvement and advocacy
Position on leadership statements
- Policy UW-206: Institutional and Public Position Statements
- UW news release on leadership statements: announcement on institutional and public position statements policy
Modules and courses
- Free Expression Module and Resources: 7-part video series required for all incoming freshmen and transfer students
Facility and space use
- Policy UW-2065: Restricted Use of University Unions
- Policy UW-2073: Priorities on Use of Space
- Policy UW-2078: Space/Use of Food Service Facilities
- Policy UW-6000: Use of Facilities and Land
- Policy UW-6001: Use of UW–Madison Facilities for Political Purposes
- Policy UW-6007: Rental Charges for UW Auditoria
- Policy UW-6012: Commercial Use of Facilities, Incentives, and Acceptance of Gifts
- UW–Madison Facility Use Guidelines: collection of guidelines and forms housed within Finance and Administration
UW System
Information for students, employees, and visitors
- Board of Regents Policy Document 4-21: expresses the Board’s “Commitment to Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression”
State of Wisconsin
Legal resources
- Chapter UWS 17: governs “Student Non-Academic Misconduct”
- Chapter UWS 18: governs “Conduct on University Lands”
- Chapter UWS 21: governs the “Use of University Facilities”
