Purpose: The Government Relations Executive Council (GREC) is a standing body within the University System of New Hampshire. The Council is advisory to the USNH Administrative Board, and is charged to consider, decide and/or recommend strategic or operationally significant government relations strategies to assist USNH in its interactions with public officials.
Membership and Structure: Membership of the GREC will be five members: one designated by each of the four presidents and the Chancellor. The chair of the Council will be chosen by and from the members of the Council. Other participants may be invited to attend meetings at the discretion of Council members.
The Council’s functioning as a collaborative group will be distinguished by consultation across all its members on agenda items; planning for matters such as relevant Trustee Committee and Administrative Board briefings and action items; identification of responsible individuals to undertake tasks agreed to by the Council; and other work products of the Council. The chair and each of the members are responsible for promoting the collaborative nature of the group and for ensuring that, to the fullest extent possible, items of collective interest are shared in a timely fashion to permit thoughtful consideration of potential actions and advice from the Council. In all of its functions, the Council will support complete and fact-based work product(s) that leverage standard and best practices and tools in support of decision-making or other actions.
Meetings: The Council will have regular meetings sufficient to accomplish its objectives in support of the outcomes expected from its annual work plan. The meetings will be at times and locations convenient to membership and include conference calls.
Objectives:
- Carry out the directions and support the agenda of the Administrative Board.
- Assume the primary leadership role for developing and implementing strategic initiatives to assist USNH in their communications and advocacy with state government leadership.
- Plan, evaluate and monitor advocacy and media outreach to further elected and appointed State officials' understanding of the USNH and individual universities and colleges, the need for adequate operating and capital budget support, the USNH position on legislative priorities, and the importance of public higher education to New Hampshire.
- Develop and recommend board- or system-level communications, policies and procedures to assist in furthering the mission of USNH with state decision makers.
- Be an effective and high-functioning group. As such, create and maintain a charter and an annual work plan that reflects strategies and major operational goals. For all deliverables and work, allow sufficient time and effective process for consulting with stakeholders, particularly university and college leadership. Conduct a self-evaluation periodically and participate in larger evaluations as appropriate.
- Share materials with and review relevant materials from other Councils and, where applicable, work proactively and effectively with other councils, committees, or groups.
- Support and prepare information for relevant Board of Trustee Committees and in response to Trustee requests.
- This Charter will be reviewed biannually between the conclusion of the legislative session and Election Day.
