Dartmouth’s Office of State Government Relations and Community Engagement fosters a creative approach that prioritizes communication and transparency. Our mission is to further institutional priorities, elevate Dartmouth’s contributions and profile through state and local policy impact, and build community engagement and support.

To achieve this vision we will: 

State Government Relations

• Create and execute proactive agendas at every level of government that involve institutional priorities. Position Dartmouth as a leader in higher education issues, with a focus on enhancing the President’s vision.
• Establishment of a state legislative agenda that includes institutional priorities like housing, mental health and wellness, and sustainability.
• Provide structure and support for faculty, students and administrators to provide expertise to Concord legislators.
• Build and maintain relationships with institutions of higher education in New Hampshire and Vermont.
• Supporting students with state government participation, including but not limited to voting registration and rights.  

Community Engagement: 

• Approach with a high degree of respect, listening, and engagement to deepen our presence in and ties to the Upper Valley, the states of NH and VT, and the entire northern New England region, including our own community of students and employees.
• Maintain and expand the infrastructure for community engagement that allows for collaborative communication between Dartmouth, local governments, and active community members.
• Our office staff are active members on local nonprofit boards and participate in community groups, such as the Vital Communities Corporate Council, the Vital Communities Board, the Leadership Upper Valley program, and the Upper Valley Business.
• Provide financial support to local nonprofits through our existing sponsorship program; and explore making that process a single, centralized one for the entire institution
• Foster faculty outreach on research both on campus and in community settings, and community engagement by student groups.
• Support and welcome new Upper Valley residents and downtown businesses.