UO Legislative Scholars

Are you interested in public policy, advocacy, and politics? Become a UO Legislative Scholar! UO Legislative Scholars participate in policy briefings with senior UO administrators, policy experts, and elected officials, and advocate for increases in state and federal student financial aid, research and innovation, and for policies that positively impact students.

Application process for 2023-24 academic year will be posted October 2, 2023. Applications will be due November 1.

Eligibility

Any student currently enrolled at the UO is eligible to be a legislative scholar. The program is open to both undergraduate and graduate students.

Program Requirements (example from previous academic year)

To be considered a legislative scholar, students must attend at least 3 of 5 policy briefings and participate in two of the following activities:

Attend three Policy Briefings (attendance at more will allow students to gain a deeper understanding of student financial aid policy and effective advocacy techniques):

2022-2023 Program

Briefing 1: The State Legislature and Government
November 18, 12pm, on Eugene campus

Briefing 2: State and Federal Policy Issues that Impact Students
January 12, on Eugene campus

Briefing 3: The U.S. Congress
February 17, virtual

Briefing 4: Effective Advocacy with Professional Advocates
March 17, on Eugene campus, Noon

Briefing 5: Alumni Career Panel
April 21, on Eugene campus, Noon

End of year celebration
May 31, on campus, 4:30 pm

Participate in at least two Activities:

  1. Double Pell Lobby Day (DC – virtual)
  2. Meet with a new legislator or congressional staffer about UO and the value of public higher education (in person or virtual)
  3. Attend a legislative or congressional town hall and ask a question
  4. UO Day at the Capitol (Salem)
  5. Testifying during Oregon Legislature Ways & Means Subcommittee on Education public comment hearings on the higher education budget
  6. Testifying during Oregon Legislature Ways & Means Roadshow hearings
  7. Write an op-ed or letter to the editor
  8. Develop social media toolkit in support of funding for student aid
  9. Participate in coalition advocacy activities using social media (e.g., Instagram, TikTok etc)
  10. Write a policy memo

About the Program:

The UO Legislative Scholars program is a leadership and experiential learning opportunity for students interested in advocacy, policy, and politics. Legislative Scholars act as policy advocates on behalf of the University of Oregon. Upon completion of the program, Legislative Scholars will receive a certificate of appreciation and letter acknowledging their participation in the program. No academic credit is available for this program.

The Program has four goals:

  1. To ensure that student voices are heard in the policy-making process; and
  2. To foster a community of UO student and alumni advocates dedicated to supporting public higher education in Oregon; and
  3. To facilitate experiential learning and professional development in the political and public policy process, across all academic disciplines.
  4. To support UO’s state and federal legislative agendas.

Application Process

Application process for 2023-24 academic year will be posted October 2, 2023. Applications will be due October 20.

Questions

For questions or more information, please contact Jenna Adams-Kalloch, Senior Director, State Affairs, at jadamsk@uoregon.edu, or 458-210-8294.