AACRAO Hill Day allows members to engage with congressional offices to discuss their work and share their perspective, as practitioners, on how policy impacts the work they do daily. AACRAO Advocates discuss the association's legislative priorities, including:
Advocates also participate in online training in preparation for the meetings, including AACRAO's on-demand Federal Legislative Process and Advocacy 101 course. The course, which is open and free to all AACRAO members, provides a breakdown of the federal legislative process, helpful insights on how to set up and prepare for meetings with your representatives, and tools to help State & Regional organizations engage with both state and federal issues while remaining in federal compliance. Other online and in-person training sessions cover:
2025| 27 AACRAO Advocates from 16 different states met in-person with nearly 85 congressional offices.
2024| 25 AACRAO Advocates from 18 different states met in-person with over 90 congressional offices.
2023| 22 AACRAO Advocates met in-person with over 30 congressional offices.
2022| 33 AACRAO Advocates met virtually with nearly 75 congressional offices.
2021| 35 AACRAO Advocates met virtually with nearly 60 congressional offices, specifically focusing on members that sit on the House and Senate education committees.
2019| 52 AACRAO Advocates conducted nearly 100 meetings with congressional leaders.
2018 | 35 AACRAO Advocates met with over 80 congressional offices.
Vanessa Jackson of the Campbell University School of Law describes her AACRAO Hill Day Advocacy experience and the feeling of connection between professionals, between policy and practice, and between citizens and their elected officials.
Emily Gallagher of Cornell University describes the power of advocacy when policy is humanized and discussions go beyond statistics and jargon to the lived experiences of people in our institutions and learning communities.
Will Lipske of the University of Wisconsin–Madison reminds us that while it may be human nature to predict how some conversations might unfold, we need to be cautious of assumptions and remain open to unpredictable conversations.
When Dawn Renta of West Chester University received the acceptance email as a Hill Day advocate, she wondered if she had stepped too far outside her comfort zone—but only temporarily.
Before setting foot on Capitol Hill, Will Lipske of the University of Wisconsin-Madison had an honest conversation with a fellow first-time Hill Day newcomer to spark insights about professional identity, purpose, and showing up when it counts.
What does it mean to “be ready” for the Hill? Two enrollment professionals interviewed each other for prep tips and encouragement. Emily Gallagher of Cornell University wonders, ‘Are we already advocating in our day-to-day work without knowing it?’
Faith Farley, a GWU student and AACRAO Government Relations intern, shares her first-time experience advocating on Capitol Hill—now it’s your turn. Apply for AACRAO’s Hill Day starting March 18, through April 25.
Taking advantage of and getting involved with the advocacy opportunities being an AACRAO member provides.
Promoting student success by advocating for change in academic policy.
Leveraging AACRAO opportunities to advance the profession both personally and for the membership as a whole.
More than just words, AACRAO member Michelle Gruber shares her perspective on attending the 2024 Congressional Hill Day event.
Become an advocate, discuss higher education policy with decision-makers, and grow your network.
AACRAO's Congressional Hill Day gives a voice to membership and empowers higher education leaders to lead on the issues affecting their institutions.
Advocate and make your voice heard at the 2023 AACRAO Congressional Hill Day.
Learn more about AACRAO Hill Day and meet the 2022 Advocates.
Apply to participate in this year's virtual event and advocate for higher education policies that impact the work that you do on a daily basis.
See how AACRAO members became advocates and lent their voices to promote positive change in higher education.
AACRAO's 2021 Congressional Hill Day Advocates have been chosen.
AACRAO invites all members to participate in the 2021 Congressional Hill Day event.
AACRAO's 2021 Congressional Hill Day is coming this September and is in a virtual format.
A series of articles from early-career professionals navigating higher education.
53 AACRAO advocates had over 100 meetings with congressional leaders. A first-time attendee shares her eye-opening experience.
"Our work is important and meaningful for students, and our organizations are critical to maintaining consistency in higher education, and being innovative in solving higher education issues," writes Arturo Torres, AACRAO Leadership attendee.
Advocating on Capitol Hill, reviewing the Strategic Plan, and playing foursquare.
With Senators and Representatives, AACRAO will discuss HEA Reauthorization, FERPA, the Reverse Transfer Efficiency Act, and the PROSPER Act.