Hafa Adai yan Tirow Proa Tribe,
As you may have learned, Northern Marianas College president Galvin Deleon Guerrero, EdD, has announced that he is running for elected office in the November 2026 election. Due to the potential impact this may have on the College, the Board of Regents is communicating with you steps we are taking to ensure that the College complies with all applicable policies and procedures and continues to fulfill its mission, vision, and strategic master plan.
First, as stated in Board of Regents Policy 1024, “The Board of Regents recognizes the importance of, and encourages, participation by individuals in the political, social, and economic affairs of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) and the United States (U.S.).” Policy 1024 further states, “While the Board respects the deep concern of individual faculty members and students about current events and issues, and the committed desire to participate actively in elections, we must emphasize the distinction between the involvement of an individual and the involvement of the College.”
Second, Board of Regents Policy 5001 states, “This policy does not bar anyone from active independent participation in political campaigns on behalf of candidates of his or her choice or in the advancement of his or her political beliefs or policy concerns outside the institution.” Policy 5001 is clarified and reinforced by College Procedure 5001.1, which outlines clear guidelines for employees participating in political activities. In short, while employees have the right to participate, the procedure states, “Employees must avoid using their official positions to further any political cause not associated with the institution.”
Third and last, College Procedure 5001.1 states, “All employees of the College shall take leave of absence immediately after being certified by the Commonwealth Election Commission as an official candidate for political office.”
With all of this, please rest assured that the Board of Regents will uphold all aforementioned applicable policies and procedures regarding Dr. Deleon Guerrero’s candidacy. The Board has been working closely with Dr. Deleon Guerrero to ensure that the College continues to fulfill its mission, carry out its vision, and executive its strategic master plan. In that regard, Dr. Deleon Guerrero remains committed to continue serving as president of the College until his candidacy is certified by the Commonwealth Election Commission sometime next year. At that point, pursuant to College Procedure 5001.1, he will take a leave of absence, and the Board of Regents will appoint an interim president, someone who will be vetted and prepared months beforehand.
We understand that, despite diligent compliance with Board of Regents policies and College procedures, concerns may still arise moving forward. Should anyone in the College have questions and/or concerns, please feel free to refer to the policies and procedures in the links embedded above or contact the Board of Regents Chairperson Dr. Jesse M. Tudela at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Thank you for your time, consideration, and, most importantly, for your commitment to Northern Marianas College.
Sincerely,
Jesse Masga Tudela, EdD, RRT
Chairman