Vanderbilt's campus is filled with opportunities - but the university has a small branch in Washington, D.C. that offers even more.

The staff members of Vanderbilt's Federal Relations Office work to represent school interests on a federal level and involve themselves with policymakers on issues such as financial aid and higher education.

"We attempt to be a link between Vanderbilt's incredibly rich resources and the policy makers in Washington," Jeff Vincent, assistant vice chancellor of federal relations.

The office also provides opportunities for students. In past years, dozens of internships have been given to students who are active in areas such as public policy and politics.

For example, the office hosts a few students each Maymester in "Foundations of Public Service and Active Citizenship," a program that allows students get acquainted with public policy.

They also offer independent internships in Washington. Vanderbilt students have worked at places such as CNN, the Washington Times and the Smithsonian.

Vincent said he feels the office offers tremendous opportunities for students.

"We offer really substantial internships," he said. "These programs give students some hands-on experience."

While there are a variety of programs and opportunities available through the office, some students said they had never heard of it.

Senior Kristi Singletary said, "I've never heard of the Office of Federal Relations, but it seems like an excellent opportunity for students to get hands-on experience."

Vincent said he believes student involvement in Washington will grow with each passing year.

"We are starting to launch more programs and we want to involve as many students as possible," he said. "We see that there is a thirst for getting engaged in Washington, and we want to help quench that thirst."

Faculty and staff also benefit from programs run by the office, which provides resources for independent research and further education.

Elizabeth Rapisarda, assistant provost for research and graduate education, took full advantage of Vanderbilt's presence in Washington, D.C., as a means of furthering education.

"They are experts up there in the Washington office, and I wanted to learn (from them)," she said. "They were marvelous with getting me various different introductory meetings about issues like graduate funding on a federal level."