State relations lobbies to secure state funding for university priorities, including funds for student aid as well as research and development. The University also receives direct assistance from the state for funding projects such as the Dental Van.
The office conducts the University's main interaction with the New York State government, working closely with the New York State Board of Regents and monitoring legislative activity to share with the University community. Through meetings with Members in Albany such as Assemblyman Speaker Sheldon Silver and Assemblywoman Deborah Glick, state relations leadership stays abreast of issues important to the University community.
The office also conducts lobby days, which provide university faculty, staff, and students with the opportunity to speak directly with legislators and key staff at the State Capital on higher education issues. Through direct contact with elected officials both on campus and at the state capital, the office advocates on behalf of students, faculty and staff.
State relations also works closely with higher education councils such as the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities (cIcu) and state agencies such as the New York State Office of Science, Technology, and Academic Research (NYSTAR), and the New York State Education Department.