VCU Students Advocate for Change at Lobby Day 2024
Each February, the Student Government Association (SGA) at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) sponsors Lobby Day, a key opportunity for students to engage directly with the Virginia General Assembly. Held on February 13, 2024, this event allowed students to travel to the Virginia State Capitol, where they met with delegates and senators to advocate for the university. In addition to gaining first hand insight into Virginia politics, Lobby Day offered students a chance to network with state legislators and university administrators.
This year, 14 student leaders participated in discussions on topics crucial to VCU’s success and future growth. Co-sponsored by the Office of Government Relations and Civic Innovation & Partnerships, the event included small group meetings with legislators, tours of the Governor’s Mansion and Capitol Complex, and an opportunity to observe a legislative session. The day concluded with a lunch and reflection session, giving participants time to process their experiences.
Lobby Day serves as an important experiential learning opportunity, providing students with invaluable insight into the legislative process and the real-world impact of government decisions on higher education. Feedback from participants highlighted the empowering nature of the event. Students expressed pride in advocating for their peers and emphasized the importance of understanding how state laws affect VCU.
These reflections underscore the critical role of student advocacy in shaping a supportive academic environment and ensuring VCU students’ voices are heard in legislative decisions. Looking ahead to February 2025, the SGA aims to expand participation from 14 to 30 students, increasing VCU’s presence during Lobby Day. By involving more students, VCU will continue to play a vital role in advocating for policies that support both education and personal growth.
Categories Annual Report Stories: 2023-24