By Michelle Gruber, Associate Registrar at Butler University
Welcome to Hill Day, where we traded in our daily routines for a little bit of legislative magic. Last week we weren’t just navigating the halls of Congress—we were there to make our voices as unforgettable as a viral TikTok. So, we grabbed
our advocacy toolkits, put on our best power smiles and suits, turned some heads, and made some waves within the Senate and the House.
Day 1
On our first day in DC, we had the privilege of engaging with expert panelists who provided us with invaluable insights into the pressing higher education issues of today. Their perspectives illuminated the current challenges and opportunities in the
field, setting the stage for a productive and impactful Hill Day. We engaged with practitioner groups, presidential associations, and former staffers to gear up for our exhilarating adventure on Capitol Hill.
The issues
We tackled the crucial issues of Reverse Transfer, Pell Grants (both double and short-term), the College Cost Reduction Act, the Department of Labor's new Overtime rule, FAFSA reforms, and Gainful Employment and Financial Value Transparency. Our goal
was to advocate passionately for AACRAO’s stance on these legislative matters and encourage our congressional members to support these vital initiatives.
I encourage you to explore these issues further and understand AACRAO's position on them. If you feel strongly about what you learn, don’t hesitate to contact your representatives and make your voice heard.
Day 2
We kicked off a thrilling (and sweltering) day in Congress with meetings with congressional staffers. Though they might look like they just graduated high school, their expertise and insight were nothing short of impressive. While some staffers were
well-versed in higher education issues, others required us to provide crucial insights. While the day was long (did I mention hot?), the experience was both rewarding and enjoyable.
Key takeaways
Meeting fellow AACRAO members from diverse institutions and gaining firsthand insight into the legislative process made this journey both thrilling and unforgettable. I highly recommend attending Hill Day (5 stars.) to deepen your understanding of how
legislation impacts our daily work in higher education. It was incredibly rewarding to see how these policies directly influence our professional lives.
Given our shared passion for higher education, I encourage you to actively engage with AACRAO—whether by hosting a round table at an annual conference, participating in Hill Day, joining a committee, or contributing an article. The opportunities
to make a difference are endless.