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Tim McDonald, president of the Minnesota Association of Private College Students (MAPCS) and Hamline junior said Day at the Capitol is a carefully planned event that takes place once a year to connect private college students with their legislators to talk about important issues, particularly financial aid.

“The consistent presence of well-spoken private college students on the hill sends a great message perhaps [the] most direct [purpose] is the student experience,” he said.

The morning was spent being briefed by staffers and legislators on the how-tos of being effective citizens and advocates. In the afternoon, students got a chance to sit down with their elected officials and share stories to further their cause. Among other congressmen, House Speaker Steve Sviggum, Senate Majority Leader Dan Johnson, and Brian McClung, from Governor Pawlenty’s office, were some of the elected officials that spoke with Hamline students. These afternoon meetings took about 15 to 20 minutes, which was just long enough to “establish contact and share personal stories and testimonies,” McDonald said.

Previously, three or four hundred private college students from around the state all came to lobby, but MAPCS decided this year to change the system of lobbying. In an attempt to provide “a more focused, prolonged presence” to the legislature, they divided the private colleges into six groups and had them go on six different days. Instead of the “rally” approach, they now take a more “pinpointed” approach, McDonald said. “So far the response from student leaders has been overwhelmingly positive,” he said.

The event is a chance to meet with elected officials, fellow lobbyists and other student leaders. It is also a chance to interact with university administration as well; Vice President of University Relations Dan Loritz accompanied the students on the venture.

Throughout the day, students “learn about their government and the process of lobbying for issues,” HUSC President Shanelle Evens said. “State financial aid helps all students regardless of if they get it directly,” she said. The grant money in question is important to students who, without it, wouldn’t be able to attend this school. “A significant state grant is the only reason I can afford Hamline,” said sophomore Colin Schulte. First-year Taylor Seeman said this bill could affect “how much our tuition will be, how much grant money we’ll receive, and ultimately the quality of education we receive.”

McDonald said the day turned out to be a “great success.” Seven million dollars is just a drop in the bucket, so to speak, of the budget of the state of Minnesota, but it could help the large number of private college students, including those at Hamline.