Policy Authors:
Office of the President
Responsible Office-Departments:
Office of the President
Effective Date of Policy:
Board of Trustee Approval: July 13, 2026
Purpose of this Policy
The purpose of this policy is to provide rules and guidelines for interacting with governmental officials at all levels. This policy codifies what has been a longstanding practice at Daemen University and that is considered a “best practice” among universities nationwide.
Narrative
The Office of the President is charged with advancing Daemen University’s interests at all levels of federal, state, and local government and is the official point of contact between government officials and their staff. This policy helps ensure coordinated and effective government relations practices as well as compliance with federal, state, and local lobbying laws, and laws governing non-profit organizations.
When acting in your capacity as a Daemen faculty or staff member, you are required first to,
- Contact the Chief of Staff in the Office of the President prior to contacting, communicating with, or visiting any official, staff member, or agency of federal, state, and local governments.
- Consult with the Chief of Staff on any proposed verbal or written statements to be made on behalf of the University that concern federal, state, or local policies, legislation, or regulations.
- Request assistance and authorization from the Chief of Staff prior to providing testimony or appearing before federal, state, or local government entities.
- Coordinate with the Chief of Staff all proposed invitations to elected officials, their staff, or employees of governmental agencies to visit the Daemen campus in their official capacity.
The Office of the President, in conjunction with University Counsel, will determine if a proposed interaction with a federal, state, or local elected official, staff member, or agency is (a) appropriate, (b) considered a reportable lobbying activity, and/or (c) conflicts with or undermines ongoing official interactions by senior Daemen staff.
Contacts with and communications to government officials, staff members, or agencies in your capacity as an individual citizen are not covered by this policy. However, the following guidelines should be observed to ensure that your actions or statements will not be interpreted as representing Daemen University:
- All contacts with elected officials or government agencies for personal or other non-University purposes, whether in person or in writing, should be clearly identified as such.
- University resources, such as letterhead, telephones, and e-mail accounts should not be used in communications to elected officials or governmental agencies for personal or non-University purposes.