Guidelines on Institutional Statements

• Related documents: University Accounts Social Media Policy, University Accounts Social Media Procedures, Freedom of Speech, Discrimination and Harassment Policy, Respectful Workplace Policy, Sexual Violence Policy
• Units responsible: University Relations; Office of the Vice-Provost, Faculty Affairs
• Owner: Assistant Vice-President, University Relations
• Issued: 2025

On this page:

• Purpose
• Academic freedom and institutional statements
• Joint statements
• Protocol for institutional statements: Scope and application
• Examples
• FAQs

I. Purpose

Currently, only senior leaders (defined as senior administrators or members of the executive group) can issue statements, verbally or written, on behalf of the university. This guidance would establish standards and expectations for what and when the university will issue institutional statements with regard to external events, issues, etc. 

This guidance also provides direction in support of institutional statements when there is a direct impact on TMU’s financial, operational, and research matters and/or an impact on or disruption of TMU’s ability to provide high-quality education and perform scholarly, research and creative activities (SRC), and/or when the university must act as an institution in its corporate capacity.

II. Academic freedom and institutional statements

In keeping with the principles of academic freedom, faculty, librarians, and CUPE 3904 Unit 1 and 2 contract lecturers may issue statements as individuals, and when doing so, these should not be represented as statements made on behalf of their Program, Department, School, Faculty, Unit, Zone, or the University. 

When an employee holds a faculty/librarian appointment or a senior administrative position (e.g., deans, associate deans, senior leaders of administrative departments and units), any statements are subject to the standards and requirements for institutional statements as outlined in this document.

This guidance does not restrict the ability of faculty, librarians, or researchers to engage in scholarly debate, commentary, or media engagement as part of their academic responsibilities. TMU continues to uphold academic freedom and encourages public scholarship as part of its mission. Individuals may continue to post statements on their personal channels/platforms, in accordance with guidelines outlined in other relevant policies.

III. Joint statements

Joint statements with external bodies or partners are subject to review and approval by the President and Provost, in consultation with University Relations. As with all institutional statements described herein, these statements must have a clear purpose and call to action for TMU constituencies. Statements that do not apply to or impact TMU constituencies or are generic are not allowed. 

Faculty members expressing their academic freedom as signatories of an advocacy initiative or a letter of support must sign as individuals from their unit, faculty, or department. 

Joint statements are subject to TMU’s brand policy and social media policy.

IV. Protocol for institutional statements: Scope and application

When it comes to institutional statements, those authorized to represent or speak on behalf of the University may issue institutional statements for matters:

1. of direct impact to TMU
2. affecting higher education, and/or 
3. the ability of TMU or other educational institutions to fulfill their mission of education and research. 

Where local, national or world events fall outside of the above-noted criteria, the University will not comment publicly or issue statements. Instead, TMU will focus on its core roles as an employer and service provider, taking a personalized approach to community outreach and ensuring that any and all affected members of the community are aware of the supports and programs that the university makes available to them. 

In cases where an academic unit, faculty group, or department feels compelled to comment publicly, a clear, stand-alone disclaimer must be included at the top of a document that clarifies whose views the statement represents and its signatories.

Outside of scope (unaffected and permitted activities):

1. Media interviews by a faculty member about their area(s) of expertise (i.e. environmental science professor asked about climate change, etc.).
2. Messages sent to TMU constituencies about TMU’s academic or administrative activities, campus initiatives, opportunities, operations or resources, etc. 
3. Traditional mission statements, strategic plans or news announcing TMU activities, programs or initiatives.
4. Faculty members commenting on their own personal channels - individuals may continue to post statements on personal channels/platforms such as Instagram, X, Bluesky, LinkedIn, etc.
5. Any questions about whether a statement would be captured by this guidance are encouraged to consult with University Relations.

Who this guidance applies to:

1. Staff, faculty members, or other employees, across all Schools, Departments, Faculties and Zones at Toronto Metropolitan University communicating as a representative of the University (as opposed to an expert in their field); 
2. Members of the Board of Governors and Senate, as a representative of these university bodies; and 
3. Any recognized affiliates of TMU representing official TMU Departments/Schools, Faculties or Administrative Units or University initiatives, activities or programs, including visiting scholars, and volunteers.

V. Examples

VI. FAQs