Kansas University’s lobbying efforts will be under new leadership this session, but don’t expect major changes in how KU approaches the Legislature.

“I don’t think it’ll be dramatically different,” said Paul Carttar, executive vice chancellor for external affairs. “One of the things we’re taking great effort to do this year is be more strategic about our lobbying.”

For the second year, KU will contract with Kathy Damron of Topeka, a former staff member for U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts and former Gov. Mike Hayden. Carttar said Damron would be KU’s “point person on-site” in Topeka.

Jon Josserand, assistant for governmental relations, will spend time in Lawrence and Topeka. And Carttar and Kevin Boatright, associate executive vice chancellor, will aid the effort.

As in past years, student and staff groups also plan to spend time in the Capitol.

“By and large, it’s the same as the universities’ priorities and the message they’re sending,” Dan Consolver, president of the Unclassified Professional Staff Assn., said of his group’s efforts. “There are phenomenal things going on at KU in academics and research. We contribute to both of those activities.”

His group plans a legislative day in Topeka, possibly in late February or early March.

Students from all six regents institutions plan to converge on the Capitol on Feb. 1.

But Katie Wolff, legislative director for KU Student Senate, said she and other student leaders also planned to be in Topeka several times a week. A top priority for the group, she said, will be allowing KU to retain interest revenue on tuition and fees. That would result in increased funds for Student Senate and student services such as Watkins Health Center and the Student Recreation Fitness Center.

“I think students, out of anyone, have the biggest stake in KU and making sure KU gets the funding it needs and making sure their education gets better,” Wolff said.

One group not expected to spend much time in the Capitol is faculty. Susan Twombly, chairwoman of the University Council, said it was awkward for faculty to ask for more money for themselves.

“It tends to sound self-serving,” she said. “The issue tends to be about money and salaries. For that reason, we’ve always taken a back seat.”