Federal Relations

UW Tacoma collaborates closely with the UW Office of Federal Relations in Washington, D.C., to advance a range of policy and funding initiatives and issues. The Director of Government Relations serves as liaison to the Washington state congressional delegation, working with staff in their offices located in both our state and in Washington, D.C. We consult on federal grant requests to agencies.

If you are visiting D.C., we can arrange for visits with key leaders on issues of interest, which can include making contacts to set up a schedule of visits. Federal Relations can staff your visits to congressional and agency offices, helping you navigate travel and protocol.

In addition, the Director of Government Relations supports UW Tacoma’s engagement with local military bases and veterans issues.

Related links:

State Relations

The Director of Government Relations works with state legislators, state-wide elected officials and state agency officials to advance the UW’s academic and legislative agenda. The office has three main areas of responsibility:

  • Facilitate positive relationships with state government with an emphasis on legislators in the South Puget Sound region
  • Advocate on behalf of the University
  • Provide support for units and individuals engaged with state government issues and activities

State agency lobbying is subject to the Public Disclosure Act, which provides comprehensive, specific and restrictive rules for state employees engaging in lobbying. Visit the Public Agency Lobbying page for more information.

Public Record Requests

Requests for public records for all UW campuses are managed through the Office of Public Records and Open Public Meetings. Any faculty or staff who are contacted directly by an individual or organization outside of the University and asked for records that are not publications or materials created for public distribution, should be referred to the Public Records office.

State law requires such requests be honored in a timely fashion and the UW is committed to meeting these requirements, including ensuring any applicable issues of privacy, FERPA and other legal requirements are met. Washington is a "sunshine state" — meaning most public records, including emails, are available should they be requested — although there are exemptions, including student records protected under FERPA.

If you have questions about a request for public records, contact the UW Office of Public Records, pubrec@uw.edu, 206-543-9180.