Registration is now open for Capital Day, Penn State’s annual advocacy trip to the Capitol building in Harrisburg. This year’s Capital Day will be held Tuesday, March 13, soon after students return from spring break. You can register online to attend.

Students who attend Capital Day will have the opportunity to meet with legislators in their offices and take part in fan favorite Rally in the Rotunda with the Blue Band, the Nittany Lion, and Creamery ice cream.

“Capital Day is our most important legislative event as a student body,” UPUA Governmental Affairs Chair Zach Robinson said. “This is when they’re talking about the budget, so if we can get in there and talk about why Penn State is worth funding now, it’ll stick with them through the entire budget process.”

It’s a valuable opportunity to advocate for funding for Penn State and emphasizes to legislators how state support helps keep Penn State world-class, accessible, and affordable.  State appropriation money accounts for more than 13 percent of Penn State’s general funds budget and allows Penn State to discount tuition for in-state students.

Capital Day is organized each year in collaboration from the Penn State Grassroots Network, Penn State alumni, Network volunteers, Penn State’s student governments, and Penn State’s Office of Government and Community Relations.

Missing class to attend Capital Day is a university-approved absence, and excuses will be given out in person on Capital Day. UPUA has also approved funding for buses to transport students to and from Harrisburg for the event.