Category: Government Relations

The Kansas Board of Regents has asked each state university to share its memorandum on political activity of state employees from the Kansas Department of Administration regarding political activities for state employees.

While the memorandum is directed to State of Kansas employees, Wichita State University employees should also be familiar with the university’s expectations outlined in Policy 3.17 – Political and Lobbying Activities by Employees.

When acting as representatives of the university, employees should coordinate official communications and engagement with elected local, state and federal officials through the Office of Government Relations and Strategy.

Employees remain free to engage in political activities in their personal capacity, consistent with applicable state and federal laws or KBOR policies, but they should not use university resources for personal political activities.

Join Zach Gearhart, chief of staff and executive director of government relations, for updates on the legislature relevant to Wichita State. The next meeting for the legislative session is scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16 in 262 Rhatigan Student Center, Herrman Room. The meeting is open to all faculty, staff and students.

As the Kansas Legislature is back in session for 2025-26 and we enter a new federal administration, please remember that Wichita State employees, when acting as representatives of the university, should consult with the executive director of government relations, Zach Gearhart — 316-978-3001 or zachary.gearhart@wichita.edu — before engaging with elected local, state or federal officials.

All WSU activities involving federal, state and/or local government officials/staff must also be developed in consultation with Gearhart to ensure WSU’s official position is being properly and appropriately presented.

These guidelines only apply when acting as an official representative of the university and do not apply to employees when acting in their personal capacity, but employees should not use university resources when doing so. For more information on political activities policy, consult Policy 3.17 / Political and Lobbying Activities by Employees.