WashU and the St. Louis community have been inextricably linked since the university’s founding in 1853. From our earliest days in downtown St. Louis to our current footprint in Clayton, St. Louis City, unincorporated St. Louis County, and University City, WashU seeks to enhance the communities we inhabit.
Working closely with neighborhood associations, community members, appointed and elected officials, staff at the Office of Government & Community Relations participate in activities and initiatives designed to positively impact our closest neighbors as well as the wider St. Louis region.
WashU has many resources to share with our neighbors. The Danforth Campus is open, with arts performances and events, libraries, lectures and classes, sporting events, restaurants and the bookstore. We invite the community to experience all the university has to offer.
Contact JoAnna Schooler if you are a local government official seeking to connect with WashU resources or if you are a WashU official seeking connection to community resources.
For neighborhood concerns, or if you are a community member seeking to connect with WashU resources, please contact communityrelations@wustl.edu.
Contact
JoAnna Schooler
Assistant Vice Chancellor, Local Government & Community Relations
joanna.schooler@wustl.edu
Neighbor News
Neighbor News is a digital newsletter published by the Office of Government and Community Relations as part of the university’s commitment to share information with the communities neighboring the Danforth Campus.
2026 Issues:
Neighbor News – March/April 2026
Fall 2025 Issues:
Digital Newsletter
Local News, Events & Updates
Guidance on Political, Campaign and Lobbying Activity
Planning an event with elected officials, political candidates, or campaign staff? Review WashU’s guidelines to understand key campus requirements and restrictions on lobbying and political activity.
Engaging with Policymakers
Planning to meet or interact with policymakers in an official capacity? Please inform the Government Relations team in advance so we can include it in our legally required quarterly reporting. We are also here to help you prepare testimony, strategy, and logistics.
At WashU, we are committed to building bridges that lead us all toward a prosperous future.”