Government & External Affairs

We advocate for The New School’s legislative and government funding priorities, including:

Access to Higher Education
Student financial aid programs such as federal Pell Grants and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program, affordable student loan options, and a student visa process that is available to and accessible for international students

Student Success and Well-Being
Programs that provide resources to support students in their academic work and address mental health and food security needs

University Initiatives
Democracy and Culture, Cities, Climate and Environmental Justice, and Technology—the most prominent cross-cutting themes explored at The New School and among the most pressing issues of our times

Institutional Support
Programs that provide resources for campus facilities, community partnerships, and collaborative research

Faculty and staff interested in engaging with government and elected officials on policy or legislation are strongly encouraged to contact Government and External Affairs. Certain interactions with government officials are considered lobbying (e.g., asking for funding or advocating for a policy change) and are governed by specific, complex laws and regulations. Please see the university’s Lobbying Policy to learn more.

Resources are available for finding the elected officials representing The New School. If you want to invite one of our elected officials to your classroom or a university event, please contact Government and External Affairs.

As a private, nonprofit institution of higher education, The New School cannot engage in partisan political campaign-related activities. Students, faculty, and staff can engage in nonpartisan issue advocacy, voter registration, and education efforts. For guidance, please contact Government and External Affairs.

We welcome collaboration and partnership with civic and cultural organizations to advance shared goals, apply our educational mission to the greater good, and create opportunities for our students. If you want to explore ways to connect with the university, please contact Government and External Affairs.

To inquire about renting space at the university, please visit Campus Venue Services.

An internship with an elected official or a government agency is a rewarding way for our students to gain experience and give back to their communities through public service. Government and External Affairs works with the Career Development and Experience office to share these opportunities with students.

Voting is essential to participation in democracy. All members of The New School community – faculty, students, and staff – eligible to vote in the U.S. are strongly encouraged to do so. Elected officials make decisions and create policies in the best interest of their constituents. When you vote, you determine who gets to make those critical decisions.

• Register to vote in New York State
• Request an absentee ballot from another state
• Visit our register to vote page to learn more about student voter registration