Advocacy Day brings Michigan Independent Colleges & Universities members and students to the State Capitol on April 17th! We will meet with legislators and policymakers to advocate for continued investment in the Michigan Tuition Grant (TG) and Michigan Achievement Scholarship (MiAS) as well as bring attention to independent higher education institutions in Michigan.

During Advocacy Day the legislature will typically hold a Higher Education Committee hearing for MICU members and students to testify on the benefits of student financial aid programs. The institutions will testify with students who can share personal stories about how state aid programs have helped them and the impact of these programs on our institutions.

We also encourage members to bring mascots for the day. Mascots are frequently featured in the news and on legislator's social media. Having mascots brings attention and excitement to the day and generally creates a buzz around the capitol.

The event runs roughly from 9am to 3pm but meetings may be scheduled outside these times if needed by a legislator or policymaker. MICU will set up legislative meetings for your institution. Lunch will be available to attendees. MICU will provide each institution agendas, talking points/materials, and legislative meeting times (times and locations that you will meet with your Senator, Representative, and staffers within your institution's legislative district) with you prior to the day.

There is a $500 per institution fee to participate in Advocacy Day.