Government and Community Relations

Government and Community Relations coordinates the University of Oregon's legislative and advocacy efforts at the federal, state, and local levels. Our mission is to build and strengthen relationships with the university's constituencies and encourage investment in and support for the university, its programs, and its initiatives.

Federal Affairs coordinates the activities of the university on matters relating to the federal government and Congress. Staff members develop and implement the university's federal agenda; monitor federal legislation, programs, and proposals; assess potential implications and opportunities; and serve as the liaison between the university and members of the Oregon congressional delegation, congressional committees, and federal agencies (working closely with the UO Office of the Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies).

State Affairs coordinates the activities of the university on matters relating to its state financial support and legislative priorities. Staff members serve as the liaison to the State Board of Higher Education and Oregon Legislature and monitor legislative and policy initiatives. They also manage the university's advocacy program and staff legislative committees of the UO Foundation Board of Trustees and UO Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Community Relations serves as the liaison between the community and the university. The mission of this unit is to foster good relations and open communication with local governments, surrounding neighborhoods, civic and community-based organizations, and the local business community. Staff members monitor local ordinances, programs, and proposals, and direct the university's engagement in local community events and activities.

Public and Government Affairs Update Newsletters:

 UO Government and Community Relations on Facebook

Explore Oregon

Explore Oregon is an ongoing series of campus gatherings designed to give elected officials, community leaders, and others the opportunity to learn about the many facets of the university in a way that is customized, convenient, and compelling for policy makers. Each event focuses on a different aspect of the university. If you’d like to be notified of future Explore Oregon events, please let us know at gcr@uoregon.edu.

Inviting Elected Officials to a UO Event

Federal and State ethics laws place strict restrictions on offering elected officials items of value, including food, event tickets, gifts, etc.

The Office of Government and Community Relations works closely with local, state, and federal elected officials. If you are interested in inviting officials to a UO event, please call us first. We can help! Call us at (541) 346-5381 or email gcr@uoregon.edu.

Note regarding advocacy by state employees

UO employees may not advocate or lobby for or against any candidate, ballot measure, or legislative issue (including agency budgets) on their work time or using state resources. Restrictions include the use of UO e-mail accounts to lobby elected officials or to encourage others to lobby elected officials. For more information, please see the following:

Restrictions on Political Campaigning by Public Employees (pdf)

You will need Acrobat Reader from Adobe to view and print these files.