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Federal Relations

The Office of Government and Community Affairs (OGCA) works with Members of Congress, congressional staff and federal agencies on a host of public policy issues important to NYU and higher education institutions. In particular, the office advocates in support of federal research and student aid funding, higher education policy and science, technology, education and mathematics (STEM) initiatives. The office coordinates the University's main interaction with Congress and monitors legislative activity to share and receive feedback from the University community. Such involvement in policy is vital as NYU receives federal funds for student aid, research and development, and other forms direct assistance. In 2009-10, faculty at the NYU and NYU's Medical Center received $294.5 million in federal research and development grant funding.  In addition, NYU students rely heavily on federal student aid programs with over 65% of the student body receiving some form of financial aid during the 2010-11 academic year. The office also communicates with a wide range of federal agencies in an effort to advance the University’s policy and research agenda, including the Department of Education, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Department of Energy's Office of Science, Department of Defense Research agencies, and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).

Photo: O'Connor with Abu Dhabi Scholars

NYU Abu Dhabi Scholars meet with with Sandra Day O'Connor, the first female member of the Supreme Court of the United States

In addition to government offices and agencies, NYU collaborates with associations and organizations working to promote higher education and financial aid policy. NYU is involved with the following organizations. Please visit their sites to learn more about current higher education issues and policies. 

  • The American Council on Education (ACE) which represents presidents of all types of colleges and universities, providing leadership on higher education issues, fostering collaboration among schools and influencing of public policy.
  • The Association of America Universities (AAU) is an association of leading public and private universities that advance the worldwide position of U.S. research universities. 
  • The National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) which serves all independent higher education institutions, representing the schools on policy issues such as student aid and government regulations.
  • The Student Aid Alliance is a collation of organizations representing students, colleges and universities working to ensure that all students, regardless of family income, have equal access to a quality education. 

NYU faculty can also get involved in one of the academic coalitions that meets annually, such as the National Humanities Alliance, which advocates for the advancement of humanities research, programs and education, or The Science Coalition, which works to promote the benefits of university based research to both elected officials and the media. NYU is also a member of the Learning and Education Academic Research Network, or LEARN Coalition, which advocates for investment in multi-disciplinary research to advance the scientific understanding of learning and development. Organizations such as these dedicate themselves to expanding and strengthening the Federal Government’s investment in research, education, and public programs for various academic disciplines. 

Contact Us

To learn more about Government Affairs, please contact us at 212-998-2400 or email us at government.affairs@nyu.edu

Keep up to date with the Office of Government & Community Affairs on Facebook or on Twitter @NYUGovRelations

Federal Policy Information

Join us in Washington D.C.!

Every spring, the University organizes "DC Day," an advocacy trip consisting of a group of about 25 students, both graduate and undergraduate who travel to Washington D.C. The group meets with Members of Congress and their staff to discuss the importance of financial aid programs and share their personal experiences in the programs.

This year's trip was March 27th-28th.  Check back next year for information regarding DC Day 2014.

Photo: DC Day 2013

Students Participating in DC Day 2013 on the steps of the Capitol in Washington, D.C.

Lobbying in Washington?

Please contact the Office of Government and Community Affairs if you are planning to visit Washington, D.C. and meet with any elected officials.  OGCA has an office in Washington that can serve as a great reference tool for your trip. We can help to inform you about the new lobbying laws as well as set-up meetings for you with Members of Congress on the Hill.

Please be sure to review the University’s policies on meetings with elected officials prior to your trip.

Get Involved

NYU’s representatives in Congress are Representative Jerrold Nadler (10th District) in Manhattan and Brooklyn, Representative Carolyn Maloney (12th District) in Manhattan and Queens, Senator Charles Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.  The NYU-Poly campus in Brooklyn is represented by Representative Hakeem Jeffries (8th District).

The Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement estimates that only 51% of 18-24 year-old citizens voted in the 2008 election. Exercise your power to vote! Visit the Election Assistance Commission to learn about the state voter registration deadlines and how to register to vote in the next national election.

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