Government Relations
Role and Mission
The Government Relations Committee serves as the bridge between students and policymakers at the local, state, and federal levels. We elevate student voices through federal advocacy, state advocacy, and civic engagement so students can access and navigate the political world with confidence. Our goal is to ensure that student priorities are heard and acted upon while also ensuring students have opportunities through our events to become active, informed civic participants in American democracy.
Current Projects
Advocacy Trip
Planning their biggest project of the year – the annual U.S. Government Relations D.C. Advocacy Trip for student leaders.
Federal & State Advocacy Forum
Organizing a campuswide open-forum legislative event called the Federal & State Advocacy Forum, which will connect students with state policymakers to discuss major issues circulating in Ohio right now, including Senate Bill 1.
State Budget Debate
Preparing a debate among student organizations, focused on the state budget and held in a true debate-style setting
Accomplishments
• Successful D.C. trips consecutively the past few years
• Day of Advocacy at the Ohio Statehouse last semester, along with delivering SB1 Testimony
• Passed out information on absentee ballots Fall 2025 semester to Ohio State students
• State Advocacy subcommittee held Networking 101 event with various professionals at the statewide level
• Civic Engagement subcommittee had Community Engagement Panel/Mixer with local leaders and faculty around campus to connect students
Director of Governmental Relations
Rafiah is a 4th year Public Policy Analysis major from Dublin, Ohio. She is the Director of Governmental Relations, and her favorite USG memory is dressing up with her committee for Halloween cabinet!
Deputy Directors of Governmental Relations
Dmitry is a second year Computer Science and Engineering major from Cleveland, Ohio. He is the Deputy Director of Civic Engagement within Governmental Relations and his favorite USG memory is the awards ceremony dinner last spring and patting himself on the back for a successful year!
Eddie is a second-year Physics and Astronomy/Astrophysics dual major from Findlay, Ohio. He is the Deputy Director of Federal Advocacy within Governmental Relations and his favorite USG memory is watching the Cleveland Guardians’ walk-off win in Game 3 of the 2024 ALCS at the Ethyl social!
Morgan is a second-year political science major from Stayton, Oregon. He is a Deputy Director for Governmental Relations and his favorite USG memory was spending time with his committee at the end of year formal last year!
Projects & Policy
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Bring Candidates to Campus
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Voter Registration
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College Affordability
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Sexual Violence Legislation
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Off-Campus Safety
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Good Samaritan Legislation
Resources
Committee Instagram Handle: osu.govrelations
Get involved with Governmental Relations to learn more about advocacy and civic engagement at Ohio State!