Thomas Rusert '06 spoke with Sen. Betsy Wergin during the Day at the Capitol event two years ago.St. Olaf students have the opportunity to meet with legislators at the Minnesota State Capitol to advocate for continued student financial aid during St. Olaf's Day at the Capitol event Wednesday, April 9. Those interested in participating can register at Oleville.com.Day at the Capitol is organized each year by the Minnesota Private College Council for college students to lobby for continuing support of the Minnesota State Grant Program that helps more than 70,000 low- and middle-income students pay for their college expenses. At St. Olaf 468 students receive Minnesota State Grant aid totaling $1.67 million.
"It's essential to add that extra funding in order for students to attend St. Olaf," says Karl Olson '08, who participated in Day at the Capitol last year.
During the event students learn about the grant program and how to lobby at the Capitol as they interact with legislators. Participants receive a policy and lobbying briefing, including comments from representatives and senators. They then meet individually with legislators. Students from Minnesota meet with their hometown district representatives, while those from outside -- as well as Northfield residents -- meet a Northfield representative. Participants will eat lunch with legislators and attend a question-and-answer session. The Minnesota Private College Council provides training and materials and arranges meeting appointments for participants. St. Olaf students (including Tyler Hauger '08, third from left) met with Rep. Ray Cox '73 in 2006.
Civic engagement"With our college's spring theme of civic engagement, we're not just going to the Capitol to ask for money," explains Tyler Hauger '08, president of the college's Student Government Association. "This is an opportunity to talk with legislators, learn how a state body works, and advocate for a tangible way to affect policy."
Hauger says that Day at the Capitol affects the financial aid of St. Olaf students from both inside and outside Minnesota. With more state grant money going to Minnesota students, St. Olaf has a greater ability to fund students from out of state.
"Financial aid is an issue for every college," Hauger says. "This year we're continuing to make sure our voice is heard."
Last year, between February and April, more than 400 students from Minnesota's Private Colleges attended Day at the Capitol. On April 9, St. Olaf will be joined by students from Carleton College and the College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University.