Based in Washington, D.C., the Government Affairs Office serves as a link between UNCF institutions, the federal government and professional organizations located in the nation's capital.
The office is responsible for reviewing legislative matters that impact black colleges and universities and serves as a liaison for program development with federal government agencies. The office also serves as an information resource disseminating critical information to UNCF member institutions, the Congress, federal agencies and others.
UNCF's Government Affairs Office insures that private black colleges and universities have a voice in federal policy making and program planning.
Review of Federal and Regulatory Action Regarding Private Black Higher Education
By carefully monitoring Congressional legislation, especially higher education issues related to student and institutional aid, the Government Affairs Office and UNCF member institutions are able to respond effectively to actions affecting black higher education.
As part of this advocacy function, the Government Affairs staff lends research support when UNCF member presidents are invited to testify before Congressional committees. The research focuses on the specific issue under consideration and provides a complete analysis which explores competing views.
The office also drafts legislation beneficial to member institutions and provides recommended language to members of Congress on proposed bills impacting UNCF institutions and Students.
Finally, Government Affairs encourages lawmakers to support minority education concerns in all areas of federal jurisdiction.
Liaison with Executive Agencies -
Government Affairs has expanded its goals to actively seek new partnerships while strengthening existing relationships with various federal agencies. The goal is to establish cooperative funding agreements to benefit member institutions. The College Fund has received grants from the Department of Energy for energy conservation, the Department of Health and Human Services for gerontology curricula, the Department of Labor for technical assistance, the National Endowment for the Humanities for archival work, and the Agency for International Development (A.I.D.) to provide greater program involvement of minority colleges in A.I.D. funding.
Liaison with Higher Education Organizations -
Government Affairs maintains an ongoing dialogue with special interest groups and high education assistance organizations. Government Affairs is a member of the American Council on Education, the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, the Independent Sector and the Pell Grant Coalition.
In conjunction with these groups, UNCF works to present a unified response to federal legislation whenever possible. This coalition strategy, which also involves coordinating with a network of Congressional staffers, higher education officials and minority group leaders, strengthens Government Affairs' advocacy role in the legislative policy arena.
Information Resource Center For Federal Action -
The Government Affairs Office serves as a resource clearinghouse to disseminate information relevant to black colleges and universities. It informs member institutions, as well as other educational organizations, of legislative and regulatory activities. Congress, UNCF staff and alumni, Board of Directors and other interested parties also receive this information.
