Department: Office of Federal Relations.
Years at Duke: Nine; prior to 1999, the office was under the umbrella of Government Relations and Community Affairs.
Who they are: The Office of Federal Relations works as a liaison between Duke University and the federal government. Chris Simmons, associate vice president of Federal Relations, travels to Washington, D.C. two to three times a month to meet with government officials on matters concerning Duke, which range from funding for scientific research to student aid. Keeping track of such matters can be a considerable task, as all but two federal agencies directly affect the university: Consumer Product Safety and the Federal Trade Commission.
What they're known for: Each year, the university receives over $1 billion from the federal government, which means there is a lot of back and forth between the school and Capitol Hill. "Most anytime there is interaction between Duke University and federally elected or appointed officials, it goes through this office," Simmons said.
What they can do for you: The office provides two weekly e-mails that keep the Duke community in touch with what's happening in Washington. "Duke Digest" informs policymakers, federal officials and friends of Duke about what's happening at the university. "DC Digest" informs the Duke community of federal and regulatory issues. To sign up, e-mail Public Affairs Specialist Landy Elliott at landy.elliott@duke.edu.
Number of employees: Four.
Hidden department fact: Of the more than $1 billion the university receives from the federal government, more than $500 million goes toward research. Also, the Duke office works closely with UNC-Chapel Hill. "We have very similar agendas in Washington," Simmons said.
Significant achievement: The office has worked to position faculty as resources for policy makers. Recently, when U.S. Representative David Price visited campus, the office facilitated a meeting between the congressman, the Duke Islamic Studies Center and George McLendon, dean of Arts and Sciences. As chairman of the House Democracy Assistance Commission, Price was interested in speaking with Duke experts on Islam and about his efforts to help emerging democracies around the world.
Big goal: The main goal is a steady, sustained increase in federal research funding and student aid from the federal government and enhancing and amplifying Duke's presence in the nation's capitol.
How they make a difference: The office gets Duke's voice heard on funding matters like scientific research and student aid. Faculty and staff interested in speaking to members of Congress about research and work they've done can also count on this office to make those connections. For students interested in internships or jobs on Capitol Hill, the office can help make connections with officials as well as alumni in Washington.