Political Lobbying Guidelines Offered

By James Grant on October 29, 2009 7:32 AM

Each year, USC interacts with hundreds of elected officials at the national, state and local levels.

From classroom lectures by visiting officials to briefings by USC professors on Capitol Hill, these interactions enrich the campus academic experience and provide a way for faculty to share their perspectives with leaders at all levels of government.

To ensure that the university fully complies with the tougher amended federal lobbying and gift law regulations, as well as state and local government regulations, USC has given responsibility to the USC Office of Government and Community Relations for all qualified lobbying activity conducted on behalf of the university and all gifts and honors given to government officials.

USC faculty and staff are asked to be aware of the need to be informed on regulations on lobbying and to consult with the USC Office of Government and Community Relations whenever there are interactions with elected officials.

“In recent years, many of us are aware that there has been a general tightening of rules on interactions with elected officials,” said Thomas Sayles, vice president, government and community relations. “But many might not be aware that gifts to federal officials are prohibited by the rules governing our status as a nonprofit corporation and lobbyist employer. And there are many other regulations that affect interactions with state and local elected officials. We are always available to help faculty, staff and students navigate interactions with elected officials.”

There are a variety of USC resources available to those considering interacting with elected officials. Here are just a few key contacts and online resources.

USC Government and Community Relations

Thomas Sayles, vice president
(213) 821-2549
sayles@usc.edu

Kristen Soares, associate senior vice president
(916) 442-6911 x. 22
ksoares@usc.edu

USC Federal Relations
Jennifer Grodsky, executive director
(202) 824-5860
grodsky@usc.edu
www.usc.edu/federalrelations

USC State Government Relations
Veronica Villalobos, executive director
(916) 442-6911 x. 21
vvillalo@usc.edu
http://www.usc.edu/ur/state_relations/

USC Local Government Relations
David Galaviz, executive director
(213) 740-7400
dgalaviz@usc.edu

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