For the Model Illinois Government (MIG) organization, preparation never stops. Each year builds toward its signature event: the statewide ‘Simulation,’ where students step into the roles of lawmakers, executives, attorneys, lobbyists, and journalists. The next Simulation will be held March 5–8, 2026, at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield.
Delegations from colleges and universities across Illinois will gather to debate bills, negotiate policy, and work within mock versions of every branch of state government.
At the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS), the opportunity is wide open.
“The delegation can be really any UIS student,” said Caleb Grover, head delegate of the UIS MIG chapter. “We welcome any student regardless of major.”
While political science majors are common participants, Grover said the strength of UIS’s delegation comes from its diversity.
“Having a wide variety of different majors is always good, because that brings more diversity to the group.”
Grover, who also serves as Secretary of State at the statewide Simulation, noted that UIS has a competitive advantage: preparation. While many schools don’t begin training until late in the fall semester, UIS starts early — and it shows.
But Grover stresses that MIG is about much more than competition or parliamentary procedure.
“Model Illinois Government empowers young people at universities to learn about politics and civic engagement,” he said. “And gets them involved in legislation at an early age.”
More importantly, the Simulation builds bridges across campuses, ideologies and personal backgrounds, showing future leaders what real collaboration looks like.
There is still time to join. Students interested in MIG or participating in Simulation can find meeting details on the UIS Events Calendar. Meetings are generally held Tuesday evenings in UHB 2021.
