The University Record, November 26, 1996
Washington office serves faculty, staff, students and legislators
From the U-M Washington, D.C., Office
The Washington Office serves as a liaison between the University and the the Federal Government, public policy makers and national organizations working in Washington to provide national leadership in matters affecting higher education and research.
The Washington Office directly serves University faculty, staff and students as well as members of Congress and Federal Government offices and agencies and the local alumni club. Specifically, the Office is involved in monitoring legislation of interest to universities; facilitating Congressional or Federal appointments and issuing briefings for faculty and administrators; providing office space for University people on business in Washington; serving as a clearinghouse for information on government activities, places, people and employment opportunities; and communicating with media, higher education associations and other institutions with offices in the area. In addition, Congressional inquiries are handled concerning the University’s academic and research activities and its views on pending legislation.
Jim Teeri, director of the U-M Global Change Project, uses the office to arrange meetings with Congressional and federal agency staff to encourage funding of research. Barry Checkoway, director of the U-M Center for Learning Through Community Service, also has used the office to set up meetings with members of the Michigan Congressional delegation staff to discuss community-based work study programs.
Following are additional examples of government relations activities commonly undertaken by Washington office staff:
Participating in the legislative authorization, budget and appropriations process;
Seeking policies and funding supportive of the University’s goals and objectives;
Advising University faculty and administrators on federal developments and assisting them in pursuit of their academic and financial objectives within the legislative and executive branches.
Coordinating a variety of University events with members of Congress, federal officials, education associations, and the Washington Alumni Club.
Keeping congressional and agency staff updated on the progress of University projects and issues of interest to their offices.
Providing information of interest to government officials concerning University policy and programs; finding opportunities to inform and educate members and their staffs on innovative University projects.
The U-M Washington office has a full-time staff of four: an associate vice president for government relations; an assistant vice president for research; a federal relations officer; and an administrative assistant. Staff in the first two positions divide their time between Washington and the Ann Arbor campus.
The office is located three blocks south of the Capitol Building at 499 South Capitol Street, SW, Washington, DC 20003. The phone number is 202-554-0578, fax number 202-554-0582.
