While you may be wondering what Lobby Board is and why Auburn University needs lobbying efforts from students, everyone should know that our Lobby Board performs much more than just what their title stands for. Not only does this group of students maintain communication between Auburn University and the Alabama State Legislature, they also coordinate voter registration drives, Board of Trustees recognition projects, Higher Education Day, and participate in a mentor program with the state. Through these efforts, lobby board has made a big difference for the university and the community.
A subsidiary of SGA Cabinet, Lobby Board is lead by the Director and Assistant Director of Legislative Relations under the Secretary of Political Affairs, which is Leigh Pettis. Pettis, a
junior at Auburn, states “Lobby Board works closely with the Board of Trustee members and Auburn lobbyists and legislators to ensure that legislation gets passed and that Auburn receives the funding needed for the next year.�
Over the course of 2005-2006, Auburn University received a $41 million increase in state funding from Alabama Education Trust Fund. Lobbying efforts from Auburn’s Office of Governmental Affairs and Lobby Board helped make this increase in state funding possible for Auburn University.
“Through the university’s increase of state funding, Auburn is now able to give out more student scholarships, support research of ethanol and oil by the Research Park, prevent
students’ tuition from increasing, and several other efforts that will fasten the university,� says Pettis.
Lobby Board works closely with the Office of Governmental Affairs to bring a student perspective to Auburn’s efforts with the legislature. This is a vital step for any university to take in order to better understand and provide for their student body. Through Lobby Board, Auburn University is able to let Alabama legislators know that they care about the state and what legislation is passed. Members of Lobby Board are able to make lasting impressions for the university as they interact and lobby with state legislators.
Jordan Huff, a member of Auburn’s Lobby Board, enjoys the experience and has realized how much impact students are able to make. “Lobby Board is an amazing opportunity for us as students,� says Huff. “We able to make a difference and work for what the administration and students want for Auburn. State legislators really enjoy seeing students work for their university and we are able to stamp a good impression of Auburn on the legislators through our efforts.�
Currently, Lobby Board just began participating in a state mentor program for Higher Education Partnership. This program mentors to 40 students at Selma High School who have not had the opportunity to use e-mail before. Auburn University Lobby Board members will correspond with these students through e-mail once a week, providing these students with an opportunity to learn how to e-mail. Lobby Board members will also offer these students with writing and e-mail tips, school study help, and encouragement for them as they are about to graduate from high school.
Through all of these efforts, Lobby Board continually works hard in order to ensure that Auburn University, the students and the community receive the best. If you would like more information on Lobby Board, please e-mail Leigh Pettis at petticl@auburn.edu or visit their website.
AU Lobby Board Interview with Leigh Pettis [3:06m]:
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