Become a University of Oregon Legislative Scholar!
Are you a UO student who is interested in public policy, advocacy, and politics? Become a UO Legislative Scholar! The UO Legislative Scholars Program allows students to have hands on experiential learning with elected officials, staff, and advocates. Legislative Scholars will participate in briefings with legislators, lobbyists, organizers, UO program administrators, and more. Legislative Scholars will take part in advocating for increases in state and federal student financial aid, and for broader student support.
The UO Legislative Scholars Program allows students to have hands-on experiential learning with elected officials, staff, and advocates. Legislative Scholars will participate in briefings with legislators, lobbyists, organizers, UO program administrators, and more.
Scholars' Experience
Legislative Scholars will take part in advocating for increases to state and federal student financial aid, and for policies that support Oregon students. Scholars will get a hands-on introduction to the legislative process at the state capitol and federal policymaking through the offices of Oregon's Congressional delegation.
Scholars will also have the opportunity to build relationships with elected officials, staff, lobbyists, and advocates through smaller networking engagements facilitated through the program and Government and Community Relations staff.
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. Previous scholars can return as Senior Legislative Scholars.
Program Requirements
Fulfillment of the Legislative Scholar program requires students to attend at least two information sessions and participate in at least one in-person advocacy activity.
2024-2025 UO Legislative Scholars Schedule
This schedule may be subject to slight changes.
Information Sessions:
Thursday, November 21st, 2024, 5:30pm to 7:00pm: Introduction to the UO Legislative Scholars Program and General Election Debrief.
December 2024 to January 2025: Coffee Introduction with Joe Erickson, Director of the UO Legislative Scholars Program (scheduled with individual scholars).
January 2025 (to be scheduled): Introduction to advocacy strategies and a preview of the 2025 legislative session.
February 2025 (to be scheduled): Virtual informational session with UO alumni working for members of Congress.
March 2025 (to be scheduled): Career networking session with staff, lobbyists, and advocates working in Salem.
May 2025 (to be scheduled): End of year celebration.
(Informational Sessions are in-person activities with a meal provided unless noted otherwise)
Advocacy Activities:
December 10-13th, 2024: December Legislative Days in Salem
Thursday, April 26th, 2025: University of Oregon Day at the Oregon Capitol
May 2025: Joint Ways and Means Roadshow
(More activities will be added to the schedule as opportunities arise)
Application Process
Applications can be submitted here!
The deadline to submit an application is Wednesday, November 13th at 11:59 p.m. Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis and applicants will be notified of their admission to the program by no later than Friday, November 15th.
Questions
For questions or more information, please contact Joe Erickson.