Government Relations Outreach Guidelines

Government Relations Outreach and Coordination Guidelines

Farmingdale State College values the expertise, scholarship, and community engagement of its faculty and staff. To ensure effective coordination of the College's relationships with elected officials, government agencies, and other public-sector stakeholders, it is important that any government relations activities be communicated through the Office of Government Relations.

Coordination

The Office of Government Relations serves as the College's central point of contact for governmental affairs and can assist with:

• Briefing materials and background information.
• Legislative and policy updates.
• Coordination of campus visits by public officials.
• Outreach strategy and follow-up communications.
• Alignment with institutional priorities and messaging.

Purpose

The purpose of these guidelines are to:

• Maintain awareness of institutional interactions with government officials and agencies.
• Ensure consistency and accuracy in representing the College's interests.
• Coordinate advocacy efforts and legislative engagement.
• Prevent duplication of outreach and conflicting messages.
• Provide support and resources for interactions with government stakeholders.

Guidelines

Faculty and staff who plan to engage with elected officials, legislative staff, government agencies, or other public-sector entities regarding matters related to Farmingdale State College are asked to notify the Office of Government Relations in advance, whenever possible.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Invitations extended to government officials to participate in campus events, programs, or speaking engagements.
• Meetings with federal, state, county, town, or village elected officials or their staff.
• Communications related to legislation, public policy, funding requests, grants, or regulatory issues affecting the College.
• Requests for official statements, endorsements, or institutional positions.
• Participation in advocacy initiatives where Farmingdale State College may be identified or represented.

Faculty and staff engaging in such outreach in their professional capacity should share relevant details with the Office of Government Relations, including the nature of the engagement, participating parties, and any outcomes or follow-up items.

Academic Freedom

These guidelines are not intended to limit academic freedom or personal civic engagement. Faculty and staff retain the right to engage in personal political activities in their individual capacities. However, when communications, meetings, or advocacy efforts involve Farmingdale State College, its programs, funding priorities, or institutional interests, coordination with the Office of Government Relations is expected.

Questions should be directed to the Office of Government Relations:

Karen Contino
Government Relations & Deputy Communications Officer

Chris Maio
Vice President for Marketing and Communications

934-420-2400
communications@farmingdale.edu