Department of Government Relations

Department of Government Relations
Committed to effective education and advocacy on Rutgers’ behalf.
About Government Relations
Led by Senior Vice President for Government Relations Francine Newsome Pfeiffer, the Department of Government Relations is comprised of two offices, the Office of State Government Relations and the Office of Federal Relations, that each play a universitywide role in communicating Rutgers’ excellence as a top public research university, valuable contributor to the quality of life in New Jersey, and leader in its commitment to public service.
The Government Relations team is primarily responsible for advocating on the university’s behalf with elected and other government policymakers in New Jersey and Washington, DC. The department also oversees the Rutgers Scarlet Service programs, which establish civic engagement as a critical component of higher education and forge a path toward appreciating difference, restoring civil discourse, and serving the common good through public service internships in the region and in Washington, DC.
Office of the Senior Vice President
The department is led by Senior Vice President for Government Relations Francine Newsome Pfeiffer.

At a Glance
Academic Year 2023-2024
Fiscal Year 2024

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Students: Get Involved
Rutgers Advocacy Corps
Available to students from all majors and schools at any of Rutgers’ three campuses, Advocacy Corps, run by the Office of Federal Relations, is the university's signature advocacy education program.
Federal Relations Internship
The Office of Federal Relations sponsors a nine-week, paid undergraduate internship each summer. The internship offers a unique government affairs experience in Washington, DC.
Rutgers Scarlet Service in Washington, DC (RSS-DC)
RSS-DC provides meaningful summer internship experiences to Rutgers University undergraduate students at government offices and public service-orientated nonprofit organizations while expanding their knowledge and skills to be engaged citizens.
