Structure and Schedule
- Monday, April 21: Full training day at the UC Student and Policy Center (10am – 5pm)
- Tuesday, April 22: UCGPC-organized meetings with key legislators and committees
- Wednesday, April 23: Individual campus delegations meet with local representatives
Who must attend?
GPSA External Vice Presidents, Legislative Directors, and Student Advocates
Register now!
Registration deadline is March 29, 2025. Register at bit.ly/SAdvocacy2025.
Travel Funding
Each graduate association has designated funds for external affairs activities, including advocacy days. To find out more, contact your GSA advisors or travel coordinators. Every campus delegation is encouraged to utilize this funding.
Conditions
- April 21 – Cloudy, 40 – 80 degrees Fahrenheit
- April 22 – Showers, 49 – 79 degrees Fahrenheit
Dress code
- Walking Shoes
- Business casual
Lodging
UCGPC is staying at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento, at 1209 L Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. The hotel is directly across from the California State Capitol and is conveniently accessible to our meeting locations.
We encourage our delegation to book accommodations at this hotel or any location within walking distance to the Capitol. Unfortunately, a hotel block is not available.
Other lodging options available on Connexus:
Getting there
Northern California Campuses – Berkeley, Davis, Merced, San Francisco, and Santa Cruz
Traveling by Amtrak (rail) is highly encouraged. The Sacramento Amtrak Station is only a 5-minute ride to the Capitol. Check the route and prices for the Capitol Corridor.
Southern California Campuses – Irvine, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, and Santa Barbara
You can fly to Sacramento International Airport (SMF) or take an Amtrak Train on Sunday via the Coast Starlight route all day.
Sacramento Advocacy Days is an annual initiative organized by the University of California Graduate and Professional Council (UCGPC) that brings graduate and professional students from across UC campuses to the state capital to advocate for issues affecting our community.
The primary purposes of Sacramento Advocacy Days include:
- Direct Engagement with Legislators: Meeting with state senators, assembly members, and their staff to discuss issues important to graduate and professional students.
- Budget Advocacy: Advocating for UC funding and opposing budget cuts that would negatively impact graduate education and research.
- Policy Advancement: Supporting specific bills that benefit graduate and professional students, such as those related to student parents, teaching credential students, and basic needs.
- Building Relationships: Establishing ongoing relationships with legislative offices to provide the graduate student perspective on higher education policy .
- Civic Engagement: Empowering graduate and professional students to participate in the democratic process and learn effective advocacy skills.
During Sacramento Advocacy Days, participants receive training on advocacy strategies, meet with key legislative committee chairs and members, and share their personal stories to illustrate the importance of supporting graduate education in California.
Apply by April 13, 2025, 12 pm
State Advocacy Delegate Grant
Sliding Scale Grant Amount:
Up to $500 for UCGPC purchase of lodging and airfare. Meals will be provided by UCGPC.
Purpose:
This grant supports graduate and professional student advocacy and leadership development by covering travel, lodging, and programming costs for the UCGPC’s Sacramento Advocacy Day 2025 Program. Read more about the program here:
Eligibility:
All currently enrolled graduate and professional students at the University of California are eligible to apply. Priority will be given to students who demonstrate a commitment to advocacy and leadership development; and an active plan to utilize their experience at the DC conference to benefit their campus community.
ApplicationInstructions:
Please complete the following sections and submit by the deadline above. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Please note: Applicants must agree to participate in all scheduled meetings and events of the Sacramento Advocacy Day.
The selection committee will review applications based on the following criteria:
- Demonstrated commitment to advocacy and leadership development
- Financial need
- Potential impact of the conference experience on the applicant’s advocacy efforts and the campus community
- Active participation in the Sacramento Advocacy Day conference
We encourage you to submit a well-organized and complete application that highlights your qualifications for this grant.
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