Government Relations staff at ready to help educators interact with lawmakers

In a year when government funding for higher education is a critical focus of lawmakers, interaction between politicians and University of Colorado educators will take on even greater significance.

Faculty and staff members who would like to invite a federal or state official to an event or tour associated with the university are asked to first notify the Office of Government Relations, which will arrange to contact the official.

The office works with elected and appointed officials in the congressional, legislative and executive branches of the federal and state governments on behalf of the entire university. CU must comply with state and federal rules governing lobbying activity; government relations professionals know the rules well and will help ensure compliance.

"Working via the government relations office ensures that critical relationships with elected officials are maintained and leveraged to fulfill the budget and legislative goals of the university," said Tanya Kelly-Bowry, vice president for government relations. "With the many extraordinary events and activities happening throughout the CU community, we have a great opportunity to meet those goals together."

After undergoing a review process that involved university governance groups, an Administrative Policy Statement on state lobbying activities took effect Jan. 1. It makes explicit existing practices and state law regarding lobbying activities on behalf of the university. It does not restrict personal or private lobbying and includes exemptions for faculty members engaged in academic activities.

The university's policy on federal lobbying also underwent minor revisions to reflect recent changes in federal law.