Policy & Advocacy

APLU and its Council on Governmental Affairs (CGA) along with the Council on Strategic Communications (CSC) work closely with fellow higher education groups, the business community, scientific organizations, and others on a range of issues and causes.  A core focus of our effort involves drawing on the collective strength of our member institutions to effectively advocate for federal policies and funding levels that support and enhance the work of public research universities.

Federal Budget and Appropriations

APLU monitors federal agency and program budgets of relevance to the higher education and scientific research community. In addition, APLU closely follows the congressional appropriations process.

Higher Education Policy and Student Aid

APLU and our members work to ensure strong funding for federal financial aid programs.  Together we engage federal policymakers as they work to update and revise higher education and student aid legislation and regulations.

Research and Science

APLU promotes research and science policy issues important to our member institutions, particularly strong investments in research funding to ensure the U.S. remains the global innovation leader. Our work also includes bolstering support for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

APLU advocates on behalf of agricultural research, extension, and education funding as well as funding for research and education programs at USGS, NOAA and EPA. The association is also heavily involved in advocating for beneficial language regarding university priorities in each Farm Bill. Staff also tracks federal legislation and administration activities relevant to atmospheric, climate, ecological, forestry, fish & wildlife, oceanic, rangeland management, and water sciences.

Technology Transfer and Intellectual Property

Technology transfer and intellectual property issues are of critical importance to APLU institutions. It is essential that public policy encourages innovation on our campuses which drives our economy, and improves health and quality of life for so many by incentivizing discoveries and moving good ideas to full development and commercialization. This technology transfer process is a vital role of research universities.

International Issues

APLU drives an agenda to support the international work of public research universities, including engagement in international development, internationalization of curriculum and campuses, including study abroad, and the development of globally competent students.

Tax and Finance Issues

Tax and finance related policy issues broadly impact universities.  Tax benefits that support students and families to make higher education more affordable, incentives to promote charitable giving that supports institutions’ educational and research missions, bonds to facilitate expansion and improvement of university infrastructure, and policies that impact universities as tax-exempt entities and employers, are some of the issues in this area on which APLU advocates.