Interacting with Foreign Government Representatives

New York State Policy on Interactions with Foreign Government Representatives

The State University of New York (SUNY) and the University at Albany must comply with the Statewide Policy on Meetings with Foreign Government Representatives, issued on September 2, 2025.

SUNY’s Office of General Counsel and the New York State Governor’s Office have directed UAlbany to submit the following for prior review and approval:

Any meetings with foreign government representatives that go beyond routine, everyday University operations.
All interactions — routine or otherwise — with government officials or political representatives from countries identified by federal regulation as a “foreign country of concern.” As of September 2, 2025, these countries are China, Iran, North Korea and Russia.

“Meeting” is broadly defined and includes telephone, virtual and in-person meetings. Below are examples of what type of meeting should be reported.

Does not require reporting: Routine or ordinary University activities

The activities below are considered standard operations of SUNY and UAlbany, and do not require review:

Processing applications, admissions and enrollment for international students, including regular communication with applicants and their families
Administration of study abroad and student exchange programs, including handling related documentation
Daily communication between SUNY and UAlbany faculty, staff and foreign academic partners on previously approved projects
Usual campus services provided to international and study abroad students (such as housing, health services and visa assistance)
Carrying out existing educational agreements that do not involve significant renegotiation or new foreign government participation
Basic scientific research activities, especially those involving foreign private universities
Academic collaborations among faculty, except those that involve sensitive or emerging technologies (such as cybersecurity, defense‑related fields and critical technologies)

Note: If the interaction involves one or more countries designated by the U.S. government as “foreign countries of concern,” you must report the interaction. See the "Required reporting” section below for detailed guidance.

Requires reporting: Policy‑level engagements

For foreign countries of concern (China, Iran, North Korea & Russia)

Any engagement — routine or not — with government officials or political representatives from countries designated as “foreign countries of concern” must be submitted for review.

These countries are defined in federal regulation (15 C.F.R. § 231.102) and currently include China, Iran, North Korea and Russia.

For all other foreign countries

The following activities must be submitted for review:

Formal discussions to create new agreements with foreign public universities or institutions with known ties to foreign governments
High‑level meetings with recognized foreign government officials or political representatives
On‑ or off‑campus delegation visits involving non‑routine interactions with government‑affiliated entities, including foreign public universities
Research partnerships involving foreign government participation or work connected to sensitive or emerging technologies (such as cybersecurity, defense‑related fields and critical technologies)
Non‑routine meetings with representatives from foreign embassies, consulates or ministries of education
Joint funding discussions with foreign government agencies
Delegations from NGOs or foundations with known political or governmental associations

How to Report Interactions with Foreign Government Representatives

Complete the Notice of Meetings with Foreign Government Representatives Form.

Your request will undergo an internal review, and you will receive an email within three business days notifying you whether the request is Tier 1, meaning review and approval are complete, or Tier 2, which requires additional review and approval by SUNY.