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OFFICE OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

The Office of External Affairs is responsible for influencing public policy and opinion; communicating the University’s priorities, challenges and achievements; and strengthening the University’s reputation and public perception. Units include the offices responsible for government and community relations at the federal, state, regional and tribal levels, Spokane/Eastern Washington relations, television production and radio as well as executive and administrative staff. The government relations units advocate for the UW’s priorities, provide advice on legislative strategy, build and maintain relationships and raise awareness of emerging issues and opportunities. The Office of External Affairs also engages in vigorous outreach and engagement by hosting elected officials, staff and other key business and civic stakeholders on campus and at other UW locations throughout the state.

Our Work

The Office of External Affairs houses the UW’s government relations, tribal relations, eastern Washington outreach, video production and radio units. Units work to expand and strengthen awareness, understanding and support of the University of Washington.

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Economic Impact Report

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Providing world-renowned education and research programs, the UW remains one of the best public investments Washington can make for its economy, its people and its future.

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Staff Directory

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Latest News and Updates


  • Aaron Hoard named Director of Regional & Community Relations

    September 7, 2023

    Aaron Hoard has been named Director of Regional & Community Relations at the University of Washington, UW Vice President for External Affairs Randy Hodgins announced Tuesday. Hoard’s appointment is effective September 5. Aaron Hoard The Office of Regional & Community Relations links the University with neighborhoods surrounding the Seattle campus, civic groups and local government.…

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  • From the VP: Legislative Session Recap

    May 16, 2023

    The 2023 legislative session ended on April 23 after the House and Senate passed the state’s biennial operating, capital, and transportation budgets. In so many ways, this year’s session was filled with big wins for the UW and a couple of misses discussed later. On the capital budget side, the legislature made a powerful statement…

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  • From the VP: Washington state legislative session underway

    February 9, 2023

    UW Deans of the schools of Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy and Public Health stand in from of the WA state capitol building.

    We are more than a month into this year’s legislative session and already we’re seeing the benefits of returning to an in-person format after two years of remote lawmaking. In just the first month, President Cauce, UW Medicine CEO Tim Dellit and several UW Deans, faculty, students and administrators have already visited Olympia to meet…

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