By working with state elected officials, WashU promotes positive university engagement and empowers advocates and supporters to influence public policy that furthers WashU’s mission to teach, conduct groundbreaking research, and offer world-class patient care.
2024 Dates of Interest
Session Starts January 3
Session Ends May 17
Veto Session September 11
2024 General Assembly Makeup
State Relations News & Updates
WashU partners with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri to support students
WashU has launched a new partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri to support high school students in the organization’s Big Futures college readiness initiative.
WashU wins College Transit Challenge
This marks the second straight year that WashU has won the annual competition.
WashU research funding exceeds $1 billion for first time
External dollars solve major challenges, spark local job growth, development
2024 Primary Election Results
View the 2024 results.
Legislative Activity: Passed Bills
Our state relations team actively tracks legislation that has the potential to impact the university. View the 2024 Truly Agreed and Finally Passed Bills.
Veto Session
Per Article III, Section 32 of the Missouri Constitution, the General Assembly is to convene on the first Wednesday following the second Monday in September to consider any bills vetoed by the Governor.
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.
WashU strives to promote the value of higher education and the positive social and economic outcomes that a thriving postsecondary education ecosystem brings our state.