University of Wisconsin-Madison virologist Yoshihiro Kawaoka speaks to legislators, legislative staff and others about his lab's work to develop a whole virus vaccine against the deadly Ebola pathogen during a public briefing in the North Hearing Room of the Wisconsin State Capitol on April 21, 2015. Kawaoka, professor of pathobiological sciences in the School of Veterinary Medicine at UW-Madison and an international expert on influenza, also outlined his work in Sierra Leone to develop research collaborations and help the African country develop the resources and research infrastructure necessary to detect, study and deter serious pathogens such as Ebola. (Photo by Jeff Miller/ UW-Madison)

The North Hearing Room in the Capitol is used by the legislature for public committee hearings. (Photo by Jeff Miller/ UW-Madison)

The Universities of Wisconsin maintain a wide range of ties with the executive and legislative branches of state and federal government. The primary function of the government relations office is to interact with state and federal government legislators, agency and other government officials, third party advocates, and key stakeholders to keep them apprised of the Universities of Wisconsin and Board of Regents’ legislative policy and funding priorities.

Government Relations works closely and cooperatively with legislative liaisons from the Universities of Wisconsin and government relations advocates for peer universities nationwide.

The Universities of Wisconsin Administration is also an active participant in the work of a number of national higher education associations such as AAU, APLU, AASCU, CASE, ACE and AAC&U.

Federal Relations

UW System’s federal policy, updates and politics

Federal Relations Information

State Relations

State legislative updates and resources

State Relations Information

Guidance on Political Campaign Activities

UW System employees and students can learn more about being involved in political campaign activities in the upcoming election year.

Campaign Activities Guidance