State Relations

The university's state relations team works with elected officials, policymakers and government agencies to advance KU's interests and connect university researchers with partners to serve Kansas.

A resource for KU faculty and staff

KU's state relations team serves a liaison between the university and Kansas policymakers. Specifically, our team works to:

advocate for policies and resources that benefit KU
connect faculty and staff with Kansas policymakers to help KU achieve its goals

We work closely with the Kansas Legislature, the Office of the Governor and various state agencies. We also partner with the Kansas Board of Regents and the other Regents universities to ensure that all Kansas higher education institutions are coordinated in their engagement with lawmakers.

We ask KU faculty and staff to connect with our office before engaging with governmental partners so we can provide you advice and ensure a consistent voice. For details, view our guidelines on engagement with government officials.

2025 Legislative Session

The 2025 Legislative Session has begun. Governor Kelly released her Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal January 16 and proposed a slight increase to base funding for the state's higher education system. Traditionally, each year the budget proposal serves as the starting point for legislative debate in the months that follow. KU looks forward to reviewing the budget proposal to identify items that would benefit higher education.

Learn about KU's priorities for the session

News

Chancellor visits with House, Senate to discuss how KU drives state economy

02/26/2025 – The University of Kansas continues to be an economic development engine and talent magnet for the state of Kansas, said Chancellor Douglas A. Girod in pair of presentations to Kansas legislators today.

KU continues to be economic development engine, Chancellor Girod tells legislators

1/27/2025 -- KU continues to be the state’s leading economic development engine and talent magnet, Chancellor Douglas A. Girod told Kansas legislators today.

2025 Kansas legislative session begins Jan. 13

1/13/2025 -- The 2025 legislative session begins Monday, Jan. 13. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly will release her Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal on Jan. 16, and the University of Kansas looks forward to reviewing the budget proposal to identify items that would benefit higher education.

Chancellor updates KU community on Governor's supportive budget proposal for higher education

1/19/2024 -- In a message to the university community, Chancellor Girod provides an update on the latest happenings in Topeka and share KU’s priorities for the weeks ahead.

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