& Innovation
The Office of Government & Community Relations (Gov Rel) at Washington University in St. Louis serves as the nexus for university relationships with governmental officials, neighborhood associations, as well as civic leaders and organizations.
Our Divisions
Health Care Policy
WashU Med School engagement in federal, state, and local governmental public policy issues in which the university has an interest.
Federal Relations
Execute the university’s federal legislative agenda. Promote interactions between federal officials and university leadership.
State Relations
Develop and execute the university’s state legislative agenda, engagement, and education activities at the state capitol.
Local Relations
The university’s primary point of contact with local governments, associations, organizations, and neighborhood/ community groups.
Charter School Sponsorship
Ongoing oversight and evaluation of the charter schools sponsored by Washington University.
Advocacy & Engagement
Grassroots and grasstops advocacy programs to increase knowledge about and support for the university’s legislative agenda and other strategic priorities.
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Guidance on Political, Campaign and Lobbying Activity
Learn about hosting government officials and staff, candidates and campaign representatives, and other political guests.
This guidance assists members of the university community in understanding restrictions on lobbying and campaign activity and requirements for hosting events on campus that involve elected officials or political candidates in either their campaign or official government capacities.
Engaging with Policymakers
Faculty and staff who wish to or anticipate engaging with policymakers in an official capacity should inform the Government Relations team in advance. By law, those interactions must be included in quarterly reporting the university is required to file. WashU’s Government Relations team can also offer guidance on how to effectively engage with elected officials or agency leadership, support written testimony production and witness preparations, and – if necessary – accompany faculty or staff in meetings with policymakers and their staff.
