Students from across the University of Illinois System will gather in Springfield on Wednesday, February 25 for “U of I Day at the Capitol” for a statewide advocacy event hosted by Illinois Connection, the U of I System’s advocacy network. This annual event brings together students, alumni, and university leadership to speak directly with state lawmakers about the priorities that shape the future of public higher education in Illinois.
According to Joan Sestak, UIS Director of Community and Governmental Relations, U of I System Day in the Illinois Capitol is a one-day event focused on engaging legislators in meaningful conversations about university needs.
Participants will begin the day with lunch and remarks from U of I System leaders, including President Tim Killeen, along with a briefing from state government relations staff. The schedule also includes a group photo outside the Capitol and coordinated meetings with Illinois lawmakers, where attendees will meet in small groups to discuss key issues.
For many students, the event offers a firsthand look at how public decisions are made, and how their voices can influence those decisions.
The primary purpose of the event is to advocate for the U of I System’s top priorities, including operating funding and support for maintenance and infrastructure. These issues may sound technical, but they have a direct impact on students’ daily lives.
State funding decisions affect tuition affordability, financial aid availability, campus facilities, and academic programming. By sharing personal stories and experiences, students help legislators understand how funding decisions translate into real-world outcomes.
“Everyone deserves a voice,” said Emma West, undergraduate co-president of the Student Advocacy Coalition (SAC) at UIS. “It’s a really good opportunity, no matter your level of expertise, no matter what you’re studying, because everyone deserves to tell their story in the state capital.”
Melody Colonel, a graduate student and fellow co-president of the Student Advocacy Coalition, emphasized the organization’s unique role on campus. The Student Advocacy Coalition is the only student organization at UIS that works directly with the U of I System on advocacy efforts surrounding state and federal legislation, primarily focused on higher education funding.
While the U of I System organizes and coordinates the official event, the Student Advocacy Coalition plays a key role promoting participation at UIS. The organization hosts tabling events and informational sessions to educate students about advocacy opportunities and encourage civic engagement.
The Student Advocacy Coalition is supportive and educational rather than administrative. Members help students understand what to expect at the Capitol, how to communicate with legislators, and why advocacy is an essential part of the higher education experience.
The event is open to undergraduate and graduate students, as well as alumni across the U of I System.
Although registration slots for this year’s trip are currently full, U of I Day at the Capitol is an annual event. Students interested in future advocacy opportunities can attend SAC tabling events, join the organization through UIS Connections,or become part of the Illinois Connection advocacy network.
For students considering careers in public service or simply wanting to make a difference in issues that impact their education, U of I Day at the Capitol provides a powerful reminder that civic engagement starts with showing up and speaking out.
