Catholic colleges encourage students to engage in civic activity and commit to their duty as citizens. That said, there are restrictions on the involvement of the schools in political activity if they are considered a non-profit private institution (most Catholic colleges are).
In order for Catholic colleges to maintain their tax exemptions, they must remain politically neutral. This neutrality extends to offices, programs, and professors when they are in a capacity that is representing the university. That means that while professors are on the clock or working, they are to remain neutral on political topics and candidates. Curriculum may teach and analyze politics to a degree, but not in such a way as to present a bias.
Professors are able to express political views, so long as they clearly distinguish them as personal views, separate from the Catholic college. Student organizations that are registered with a Catholic college are similarly allowed to express political views or be involved with a political party or candidate as long as that involvement and their views are expressly their own, and they clearly identify that they do not represent the Catholic college in their views and participation. Registered Student organizations who participate in political campaigns will have to further comply with university policies on the matter, which may vary by institution.
In some cases, Catholic colleges may invite candidates to speak on campus, but only in an educational capacity. In these cases, their speeches may not be as part of a campaign or as a candidate in any way.
Students may sometimes be able to participate in political campaigns for class credit, but only if it is integral as part of the class. Additionally, no campus resources may be used for political activity, campaigning, participation, endorsement, or involvement. This includes campus facilities, equipment, student resources, school-related social media, or communication channels.
Students at Catholic colleges are welcome and encouraged to express their political views and seek involvement and political activities where they please. Engaging in political activity is not taboo, and Catholic colleges want to encourage students to fulfil their civic duty. That said, no political views are to be associated with the Catholic colleges, and no political activity or involvement is to be made on the part of the Catholic colleges. These restrictions are put in place by the IRS and must be followed in order for the Catholic colleges to keep their tax-exempt status.