Chris Kolb: University of Michigan Vice President for Government Relations
The Office of Government Relations directs the University’s interactions at the local, state and federal levels. This includes planning and developing the institution’s response to proposed legislation; analyzing and assessing legislative, administrative and regulatory activities as they pertain to University programs, activities and operations; and developing and maintaining effective relationships with governmental agencies and officials.
Government Relations staff also facilitate faculty meetings and presentations with Congressional, Legislative and agency representatives in Washington D.C. and Lansing, and help to coordinate governmental official visits to campus.
On the local level Government Relations personnel are engaged with city and regional entities that are impacted by the physical plant and operations of the university. Community Relations and State Outreach personnel work with local officials and organizations in Southeast Michigan and throughout the lower peninsula to explore and establish relationships that bring the resources and talents of the university to assist with addressing community interests.
Government Relations coordinates the annual Michigan Road Scholar tour which takes U-M faculty across Michigan; the Wolverine Caucus which brings University faculty to the State Capitol for public policy briefings; and the office also assists in the management of the annual U-M United Way Campaign.
