U of I System Day in D.C.
Thank you for your interest in the University of Illinois System Day in Washington, D.C. on April 19, 2023. To help you prepare for the day, please review the information below. Should you have any questions after reading the highlights here, please contact Kathy Sullivan at 217-300-2365 or sulliva@uillinois.edu.
What to Expect
The University of Illinois System Day in D.C. is a one-day, invitation-only event bringing system and university leadership, students, and alumni together to advocate for our federal agenda.
The day will begin with breakfast, followed by a legislative briefing with President Tim Killeen. After the briefing, attendees will be divided into groups to meet with federal legislators and staff. Participants will reconvene for a photo and then lunch. Meetings will continue after lunch. In the evening, participants are invited to a reception with area alumni and members of Congress.
Tentative Schedule of Events
7:30 AM Capital Visitor Center: Registration/Breakfast
8:00 AM Orientation featuring Senator Dick Durbin
President Killeen and ERC staff will provide an overview of the day and advise on talking points and lobbying strategy.
9:00 AM–12:15 PM Hill Meetings
Advocates go with their assigned teams to their scheduled meetings with legislators or, in some cases, staff. Each team will have a person assigned to escort them around the Capitol complex and take notes.
12:15–1:30 PM Lunch featuring Senator Tammy Duckworth
Senator Duckworth will join advocates for a fireside chat with Chancellor Jones.
1:45 PM Picture Outside Capitol
2:00–5:00 PM Hill Meetings
Advocates continue scheduled meetings. Some advocates may have free time.
6:00 PM Celebrate the U of I System!
Honorary congressional co-hosts Representatives Danny K. Davis (IL-7) and Nikki Budzinski (IL-13). Evening reception for attendees, U of I System alumni and students in the DC area, and members of Congress and staff.
Hotel Information
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington, D.C.
700 F Street NW
Washington, DC 20436
(202) 628-7177
Reserve room here
Connecting with Your Legislator
When speaking with your legislator, we encourage you to share personal stories, statistics or anything that will help legislators understand why support for the U of I System is so important to you and your colleagues, friends and family. To prepare for the meeting, please review these valuable resources:
Attire
Please dress in business attire with comfortable shoes. We encourage you to wear your school colors. We will provide you with a U of I System lapel pin.
Photography and Videography
Please be advised that professional photographers and videographers will be on site documenting the day. Photos and footage may be used for U of I System and Illinois Connection promotional materials, marketing efforts, and productions.