myBama
Homecoming

Campaign Process

After the application and interview process is completed, five Homecoming Queen candidates will be selected based on their performance across the application process. These candidates will then have two weeks before the election to order campaign material and plan a campus-wide campaign. Their statement of intent and a photo will be published on the Homecoming website.

The following outlines details related to the campaign process.

Candidate Meetings

Informational Meetings shall be held during the Homecoming Queen application process to make students aware of the process, timeline, and guidelines for selection of Homecoming Top Five and then the elections process.   

All Top 5 candidates and campaign managers must attend the mandatory candidate meeting. These meetings are for the explicit purpose of informing the candidates of their elections guidelines, responsibilities as homecoming queen, and expectations. They will also discuss details on use of campus space and guidelines for campaign activity approval. 

If candidates are unable to attend the mandatory meeting, the candidate must notify and provide an explanation of the absence to the Homecoming Elections email.  If excused, the candidate will work with the Homecoming Elections representatives to determine alternate arrangements. If a candidate does not attend a candidate informational meeting or make the necessary arrangements with representatives, they will be disqualified from the race.  

Campaigning

Campaigning, for the purposes of the Homecoming Queen election, is defined as, but not limited to any written statement, speaking engagement, display, or active distribution of any campaign material and/or activity that is intended to encourage voting for an individual candidate or group of candidates.  

The candidate is responsible for communicating campaign guidelines to their campaign team and groups where they have active membership. Should any person, including faculty and staff, campaigning for a particular candidate be found in any violation of any guideline, the candidate will be held responsible.  

Campaigning does not include reporting by media outlets on any candidate. 

Candidates are permitted to use their own photos for campaign purposes.

Photo sessions and associated costs are exempt from campaign finance disclosure calculations. 

Campaign Organization and Prep

After the selection of the Top 5, candidates will have two weeks for private preparation before the campaign period begins. This phase is designed to provide time for organization and planning, while ensuring all candidates begin public campaigning on equal footing. 

During this phase, candidates may: 

  • Recruit and organize a campaign team through private communication. 
  • Create and set up campaign-related accounts or platforms (these must remain private and inactive until the campaign period begins). 
  • Schedule photo or video shoots and prepare content for later use. 
  • Design and purchase campaign materials (shirts, posters, giveaways, etc.), provided these are not displayed, worn, or distributed until the campaign period begins. 
  • Attend required meetings hosted by the Elections/Homecoming Committee. 

During this phase, candidates may not: 

  • Publicly announce or promote their candidacy through social media, group meetings, events, or mass communication platforms. 
  • Distribute, display, or wear campaign materials in any public setting. 
  • Request or accept endorsements from organizations, groups, or student leaders. 
  • Host or participate in events framed as campaign-related. 
  • Ask for votes or encourage support in conversation, in writing, or online. 

Campaign Budget and Materials

Each candidate will have a campaign budget of up to $500 for campaign materials and marketing support. This includes both money spent and the fair market value of any donated items, goods, or services. In-kind support may not exceed this amount and must come from a registered student organization or a business that is listed as a sponsor. 
 

Campaign materials include any item or content that displays the name, logo, mark, or likeness of a candidate. Examples include (but are not limited to): 

  • Flyers, posters, pamphlets, and literature 
  • Buttons, clothing, or giveaways 
  • Table tents or advertisements 
  • Electronic or digital communications (such as graphics or videos)

Marketing Support

Marketing support refers to any cost associated with creating or producing campaign materials that is not already included in the purchase price of the item itself. Examples include (but are not limited to):

  • Graphic design services 
  • Video production or editing 
  • Photography fees 

Use of University Marks 

  • No UA emblems, logos, or trademarked materials may be used in campaign materials. 
  • Students featured in campaign photos or videos wearing branded apparel are exempt.  
  • Incidental usage in campaign media is permissible as long as the UA emblem, logo, and /or trademark is NOT prominently displayed in the image. 
  • Students may appear in photos wearing items that contain trademarked terms (such as a T-shirt with “Bama” on it), as long as the logo is incidental and not used as part of campaign branding. 

Endorsements

Who May Endorse

  • Only currently enrolled UA students who are eligible to vote in the Homecoming Queen election may publicly endorse a candidate. 
  • SOURCE-registered student organizations (made up 50% + 1 of eligible UA students) may also endorse a candidate, with prior approval from that candidate. 

Seeking Endorsements

  • Candidates may be invited by registered student organizations to attend meetings for the purpose of speaking and seeking endorsements. 
  • All endorsements must be voluntary and may not be solicited through pressure, incentives, or organizational requirements.

Examples of Endorsements

Public endorsements can take many forms. Examples include: 

  • A student organization posting a statement of support on social media 
  • An official announcement made during an organization’s meeting or event 
  • A written statement or flyer circulated by a registered student organization 
  • A campaign photo or video featuring the name of a student organization as an endorser 

Required Disclaimer

Any public endorsement must include the following disclaimer: 

(Organization name) endorses (candidate name) for (position). Our members’ votes are their own and they have the right to choose whether to vote and whom to vote for. We encourage all voters to research all candidates and decide for themselves. 

Restrictions

  • Endorsements from outside groups, organizations, or individuals not affiliated with UA are strictly prohibited. 
  • Faculty and staff may not campaign on behalf of candidates. Public statements of support in classrooms or through University activities/programs are not permitted. 

Campaigning On Campus

Campaigning is an important part of the Homecoming Queen election, but it must be done respectfully and in line with University policies. Candidates and their teams are expected to follow the guidelines below when campaigning on campus. 

General Respect 

  • Campaigns must be considerate of academic classes, University operations, and other scheduled activities. 
  • Campaigning may never disrupt instruction, events, or official University business. 

Where You Can Campaign 

  • Campaigning is permitted outdoors on campus grounds, provided you follow space reservation procedures. 
  • Student organizations may reserve information tables at the UA Student Center to promote their candidate. 
    • Campaigning is limited to within five feet of the reserved table. 
    • Campaigners may not roam throughout the Student Center during tabling. 
  • Candidate organizational meetings and registered student organization meetings may include campaign-related discussion. 
  • The UA Student Center Plaza and awnings may be used for campaigning, but candidates must be mindful of scheduled events and obtain permission from event organizers. 
  • UA Homecoming will provide designated Campaign Stop locations during election week. These will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, and multiple candidates may campaign in the same area at the same time. 

Where You Cannot Campaign

  • Campaigning inside University buildings is prohibited, as well as within 25 feet of any entrance to a building. 
  • Posting campaign signs or posters in classrooms, residence halls, or on chalkboards/whiteboards is not allowed. 
  • Posting in electronic platforms that function as classroom extensions (e.g., learning management systems) is not allowed. 
  • Faculty and staff may not post or distribute campaign materials on behalf of candidates, in classrooms, buildings, meetings, or by email. 

Material Rules

  • Campaign materials may not exceed 24 inches in diameter. 
  • Candidates must follow the proper approval process for signs placed in the ground, banners, or any campus space requests. Details will be provided at the Candidate Information Meeting. 
  • Chalking is not allowed anywhere on campus. 
  • Banners of any kind or size are not allowed on campus. 

Events and Special Approvals

  • Campaign stops outside of the designated UA Homecoming locations require prior approval from UA Facilities and Grounds. 
  • A Grounds Use Permit (GUP) may be required for: 
    • Outdoor campaign events 
    • Events serving food 
    • Events involving giveaways 
  • Information on applying for a GUP will be provided at the Top 5 Mandatory Meeting. 

Campaigning in Residence Halls

Campaigning in residence halls is limited in order to protect the privacy of students and respect Housing and Residential Communities policies. 

Permissions 

  • All campaigning must follow the Advertising Policies of Housing and Residential Communities (HRC). 
  • Speaking engagements must be arranged through the appropriate Area Coordinator. 
  • Guest speakers may only present in residence hall living areas if they are invited by a resident. 

Restrictions 

  • Door-to-door solicitation for business, political, or campaign purposes is not allowed in residence halls. 
  • Posting or distributing campaign materials in lobbies or common areas is prohibited unless prior approval is granted under HRC’s Advertising Policies. 
  • Candidates living in residence halls must respect the rights of their roommates and suite mates by following all Housing noise, visitation, and escort policies. 

Enforcement 

  • Housing and Residential Communities staff have the authority to stop any campaign activity they determine to be inappropriate within residence halls. 

Campaigning Off Campus

Candidates should exercise caution when campaigning off campus. Off-campus campaigning is subject to city, county, and property-owner rules in addition to University guidelines. 

Requirements 

  • Posting of banners or signs off campus must follow Tuscaloosa city ordinances for political signage. 
  • Candidates are responsible for knowing and following all local laws and regulations related to campaigning. 

Restrictions 

  • Campaigning at apartment complexes, condominiums, or businesses without permission is not allowed. 
  • Door-to-door solicitation or distribution of materials in private residential areas may violate local policies and is strongly discouraged. 
  • Posting campaign materials on private property or in businesses without prior consent is prohibited. 

Consequences 

  • Violations of local laws or solicitation policies could result in legal prosecution by city or county authorities. 
  • In addition, violations may be treated as campaign violations under UA Homecoming Election guidelines and referred to the Elections/Homecoming Committee. 

Social and Electronic Media

Social media is a major part of campaigning, but its use must follow all election rules and University policies. 

What’s Allowed 

  • Candidates may use free social media platforms to promote their campaign. 
  • Social media posting can begin only at the start of the official campaign period. 
  • Campaign-related accounts or pages may be created during the silent phase, but they must remain private and inactive until campaigning begins. 
  • Student organization accounts may only post campaign content if making a formal endorsement, and the required endorsement disclaimer must be included. 

What’s Not Allowed 

  • Sponsored or paid content of any kind is prohibited, including boosted posts, ads, collaborations, or influencer promotions, unless fully disclosed as part of the campaign financial report. 
  • Use of University systems (such as Blackboard, myBama email, mySOURCE, departmental newsletters, or other UA electronic tools) for campaigning is prohibited. 
  • Unsolicited bulk emails, mass direct messages, or spamming group chats are not allowed. 
  • Posts or stories that disappear after a certain time (e.g., Snapchat or Instagram stories) are not permitted for campaign purposes unless they are saved and submitted in full to the candidate submission portal. 
  • University-owned computer networks, equipment, and resources may not be used for campaigning, in accordance with University, state, and federal policies. 

Enforcement & Responsibility 

  • All campaign-related social media activity must remain visible for the full duration of the election or be submitted for official record. 
  • Candidates are fully responsible for the actions of their campaign team and supporters. Any violation by team members, endorsers, or affiliates may be treated as a violation by the candidate. 
  • The Elections/Homecoming Committee reserves the right to review campaign accounts at any time. Any violation may result in sanctions, loss of campaign privileges, or disqualification. 

Campaign Finances

All campaign spending, donations, and contributions must be reported and will count toward the campaign spending limit. 

Expenditures 

  • A candidate’s total expenditures include all goods and services purchased or donated (monetary or in-kind) for use in the campaign. 
  • Candidates must submit receipts and estimates for all expenditures, including the contact information of the service provider. 
  • Discounts may be accepted, but if a discount is not available to the general public, the item or service must be reported at its full, undiscounted value. 

In-Kind Contributions 

  • An in-kind contribution is any item or service donated to a campaign other than money (excluding volunteer time). 
  • Examples include donated printing, design services, or campaign items. 
  • All in-kind contributions must be reported and count toward the maximum expenditure. 
  • Receipts or documentation for in-kind contributions must be submitted with expenditure reports. 

Fair Market Value 

  • The fair market value of a donated item or in-kind contribution must be included on the final expenditure report. 
  • Candidates must secure two price estimates for the exact item or service, and report the average of the two. 
  • Estimates must include the name, address, and phone number of the businesses providing them. 
  • The Elections Review and Disputes Panel may review reported values. If a reported value is determined inaccurate, the Panel may reassign a fair market value based on new estimates. 
  • Barring a reasonable doubt, the Elections Review and Dispute Panel will recognize the retail value paid for a good or service at its fair market value. 

Reporting 

  • All expenditures and contributions must be recorded on the official Financial Reporting Form, which will be provided to candidates. 
  • Reports must be complete, accurate, and submitted on time. Failure to disclose expenditures or contributions may result in sanctions. 

Election Ethics

Candidates and campaign teams are expected to conduct themselves in an ethical and respectful manner in accordance with the Code of Student Conduct and University policies. The spirit of the election process requires fairness, honesty, and respect for fellow students. 

Expectations 

  • Conduct all campaign activity in a way that reflects UA’s shared community values. 
  • Treat other candidates with respect. Personal attacks, harassment, or disparaging remarks — whether spoken, written, or online — are not allowed. 
  • Respect the rights of all students to participate in the election process freely, without pressure, intimidation, or interference. 
  • Follow all campaign rules, University policies, and the Code of Student Conduct. 

Sanctions 

  • Alleged violations of election ethics will be reviewed by the Elections Review and Disputes Panel and may result in sanctions. 
  • Violations may also be referred to the Office of Student Conduct for review under the Code of Student Conduct. 

Election Fraud

Election fraud is defined as any willful act or conspiracy that undermines the integrity of the electoral process before, during, or after voting. Pursuant to the Code of Student Conduct, tampering or interfering with campus elections or an individual’s right to vote is strongly prohibited. 

Prohibited Actions 

  • Attempting to vote in place of another student. 
  • Asking or requiring someone to provide evidence of voting for a particular candidate; 
  • Coercing or attempting to secure votes through payment, gifts, incentives, threats, or intimidation. 
  • Requiring or pressuring someone to provide evidence of how they voted. 
  • Retaliating against a student for refusing to vote, refusing to support a candidate, or reporting a violation. 
  • Discouraging a student from participating in a campus election as a candidate through conduct that otherwise violates the Code, including, but not limited to, using threats or harassment to push or persuade a student to not seek an elected position. 
  • Taking detrimental actions against an individual who refuses to vote for a particular candidate or issue 
  • Filing excessive, false, or frivolous campaign violations to interfere with another candidate’s campaign. 
  • Tampering with or interfering in any way with the election process or a student’s right to vote. 

Sanctions 

  • Alleged cases of election fraud may be referred to the Elections Review and Disputes Panel. 
  • Violations may also be referred to the Office of Student Conduct for review under the Code of Student Conduct. 
  • Sanctions may include warnings, loss of campaign privileges, disqualification, or further disciplinary action under University policy. 

Submissions

Below you will find links to submissions related to the Elections Process. You can also use the links below to submit financial documentation or to report an inquiry or violation. 

Submit documents and financial information
Electronic complaints/violations form