PURPOSE
1.1 This policy is meant to ensure that any person brought to campus by Thomas More University, or any of its Colleges, Academic Department, or other unit to speak at an event organized for the advancement of its academic mission will be selected in conformity with the values and teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, and specifically the Diocese of Covington KY, the sponsor of the University as a Catholic institution (Cf. CIC 808). Adherence to this policy is needed to protect the integrity of Thomas More University in the fulfillment of its responsibilities as a Catholic university.
1.2 All provisions of this policy are to be implemented by any Department, unit, or individual proposing an event as defined below, and particularly such event is not to be announced or promoted until approval of the speaker has been granted.
DEFINITIONS
2.1 An EVENT is any activity planned or organized by a campus entity for University personnel, students, or others that is either
a) Open to the general public, open to the media, planned to be streamed or recorded to be viewed online, or
b) Involves participants external to the University community by registration or invitation.
2.2 The term “event” does not include Board meetings, University press conferences, employee meetings, employee trainings, individual University classes, or recognized student organization meetings, so long as they do not fall under the items listed in 2.1.
POLICY
3.0 THE PROCESS FOR APPROVAL OF PROPOSED SPEAKERS.
3.1 COMMITTEE FOR THE APPROVAL OF SPEAKERS
The Committee for the Approval of Speakers (CAS) shall be composed of:
a) The Chaplain of the University (Chair)
b) The Vice-President and Chief Academic Officer
c) The Senior Vice-President for Mission and University Advancement
d) The Director of the Center for Faith, Mission and Catholic Education
e) The Chairperson of the Theology Department
3.1.1 The Committee Charge
The Committee for the Approval of Speakers shall exercise due diligence to assess all proposed speakers to ensure alignment with the criteria hereinafter specified and, upon verification, to approve the person recommended.
The CAS may also render assistance to the Office of the President for the selection of speakers for special occasions such as convocations and commencements.
3.1.2 Committee Reporting
The CAS reports to the President of the University.
3.2 CRITERIA FOR APPROVAL OF SPEAKERS
3.2.1 The proposed Speaker for an Event must have the education, training, or experience suitable to discuss the topic(s) selected for the presentation with professional aptitude.
3.2.2 The proposed Speaker can be expected to act with respect and courtesy toward the University and its constituents.
3.2.3 The proposed Speaker can be expected to offer a presentation that does not attack the University’s mission or the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church by contradicting or opposing those positions rather than offering a serious analysis and examination of those positions.
3.2.4 The proposed Speaker can be expected to avoid personal attacks on representatives of the University or the Roman Catholic Church, even when expressing disagreement with someone.
3.2.5 The proposed speaker who holds positions inconsistent with those of the University or the Roman Catholic Church on matters of public policy may do so, provided the Speaker’s presentation is balanced by the presentation of alternative consistent positions.
3.2.6 The proposed speaker can be expected to avoid any attempt to market or promote any commercial or personal product, unless prior approval has been granted.
3.3 SPEAKER APPROVAL PROCESS
3.3.1 A request for approval of a proposed speaker must be submitted to the Chair of the CAS at least 60 days prior to the intended Event date.
3.3.2 A request must be accompanied by materials that give evidence in support of the criteria in 3.2, or at least indications of where the CAS will be likely to find such materials.
3.3.2.1 The request must indicate the name of the person or organization and its contact person placing the request.
3.3.2.2 The name and contact information of the proposed Speaker, as well as organizational affiliation, biographical information, and a copy of the person’s CV if possible.
3.3.2.3 The date, time and location of the proposed event.
3.3.2.4 The name of the University representative who will be responsible for welcoming and accompanying the proposed Speaker while on campus.
3.3.2.5 Any additional information the requester considers helpful to the CAS in reaching its decision.
3.3.3 Within one (1) business day of receipt of a request the Chair of the CAS shall inform the other members of the request and set a date as soon as reasonably possible for the committee to examine the request and the materials submitted.
3.3.4 The members of the CAS will examine the materials submitted and determine whether additional information is needed to reach a responsible decision.
3.3.5 Once the CAS has reached a decision, the President of the University shall be informed by the Chair of the CAS.
3.3.6 If the President of the University has no objection, the Chair of the CAS informs the other members and advises the requester in writing of the decision.
3.3.7 A decision reached by the CAS and confirmed by the President of the University is final.
4.0 THE EVENT.
4.1 Once the requester has received the approval of the proposed Speaker, final preparations for the event may proceed, including announcement and publication of pertinent information concerning the event.
4.2 Upon approval, the event may be published in the University calendar, and via internal campus publications.
4.3 At the time of the event, the person identified in 3.3.2.4 shall be responsible for meeting the Speaker and accompanying them to the campus location for the event.
4.4 The Speaker is to be accompanied at all times while on campus, consistent with courtesy and respect for the dignity of the person.
4.5 At the conclusion of the event the Speaker is to be accompanied to the point of their exit from campus.
5.0 EVENTS INVOLVING THE COVINGTON LATIN SCHOOL.
For events that will be held at or for the community of the Covington Latin School, all requests must follow the Diocesan policy and procedures governing the Verification of Good Standing (screening) of Clergy, Religious, and Lay people being considered for short-term ministry and/or public speaking engagements as outlined in the Diocesan Chancellor’s communication of 20 September 2023. To request a copy of the communication, please contact the Executive Assistant to the President of Thomas More University.
HISTORY
| Date |
Supersedes Policy |
Summarize Change |
| January 2025 |
This is a new policy. |
|
APPROVALS
Dr. Joseph L. Chillo, President
