1. What do Government Relations offices do at other schools?

We work closely with our Governmental Relations office on pending
legislation, not existing federal regulations.  They work closely
with our delegation, and we provide information on funding,
etc. to help them in their work.They can be very helpful; we agree
that they should not be reading FR and passing along to you.

2. Does the interface between government relations and sponsored
programs require attention, like the one between development and
SP?
If you don't think the relationship is clear at your institution,
you may want to meet and review job descriptions and look for
overlap.

3. I can visualize a scenario in which my office is urged
to "facilitate" GR's job by participating  in lobbying.  In my view,
all employees in the sponsored programs office should maintain a
very long arm's length from all such acitivities. Is this
paranoia?  Am I right about keeping an oil-and-water relationship
between SP employees and lobbying?

We provide information as requested, and pass along areas which we
think are problems.

 4. I can also visualize a scenario in which GR
takes a vigorous interest in the operation of regulatory committees,
and particularly in how they adapt to changes in existing regulations
or new regulations. Paranoia?

I can't imagine our office getting involved in human or animal or
biosafety regulations.  However, I want their help if legislation is
introduced that would provide additional regulations.

Sandy Schulte
Assistant Dean for Research Administration
Research Foundation, Box U-133
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT  06269

Phone (203) 486-0985
Fax   (203) 486-5381