By Emily Gallagher, Student Services Assistant in the College of Human Ecology Registrar’s Office at Cornell University
Washington, D.C.—a city of enduring contradictions—set the stage for our purpose of standing united in support of higher education’s indispensable role amid persistent pressures. The day before our Hill Day congressional meetings, the ̽»¨Â¥ Government Relations team prepared us with insights from industry experts and former Hill staffers, guiding us through the complex landscape of advocacy. That same afternoon, news broke of the Supreme Court’s ruling to drastically reduce the Department of Education’s staff—a sobering reminder of the challenges facing higher ed.
The People Talking Policy
Against this backdrop, we gathered the next day with our respective groups. Throughout it all, I was reminded that advocacy transcends titles and tenure; it is rooted in personal connection, thoughtful dialogue, and the deliberate humanization of complex policy issues.
In each congressional office, I encountered varying levels of engagement. Some responses felt reserved, a polite acknowledgment rather than urgent concern, while others demonstrated genuine attentiveness that underscored the importance of our presence. Staffers took careful notes, asked thoughtful questions, and showed sincere interest in the challenges facing students and institutions. These interactions strengthened my hope that meaningful change is possible when those in power, or near it, listen with intention and commit to action.
Throughout these conversations, my colleagues Dr. Sara Sullivan, Associate University Registrar for Compliance at Cornell University, and Vicki Walker, Associate Director of Financial Aid at NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine-Arkansas, and I emphasized one key approach: humanizing policy. We reminded those we met that they, too, were students navigating the complexities of higher education. College is a fundamental opportunity accessible to all who seek it, and that opportunity must be fiercely protected. This perspective helped shift discussions beyond statistics and jargon to the lived experiences often lost in bureaucratic discourse.
A Partnering Perspective
Reflecting on these engagements, I was curious about how fellow participant Will Lipske’s outlook had evolved after his time on the Hill. I asked Will, from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, whether he felt the offices he met with truly grasped the urgency of issues from international student support to the potential closure of key departments. He noted that the true test would come when budgets were finalized and priorities set, but what made the conversations impactful was their ability to personalize the issues.
For example, sharing concrete stories, such as international students whose visas were abruptly terminated this spring, including one student weeks away from completing their degree, made the institution’s problems easier to grasp. Thankfully, that particular situation was resolved. While no immediate shifts in agenda occurred, he noticed moments when challenges were clearly acknowledged and quantified. By tailoring discussions to specific students, institutions, and the broader community, it brought a sharper sense of urgency to the table. Will described this approach as “more modern, more reflective of students’ experience in higher education at large,” highlighting how connecting personal stories to broader policy can deepen understanding and drive impact.
This emphasis on personal stories, rather than relying solely on dense data, resonated throughout the meetings. Will recalled a moving moment with a congressional intern who shared her journey through multiple universities due to inadequate accommodations. Her eagerness to engage underscored the profound impact policies have on current students’ lives and reminded us why our advocacy matters. He emphasized that striking the right balance between data and lived experiences is essential. Numbers help define the scope of an issue, such as the number of international students a district serves or the impact of transfer credit barriers, but statistics alone cannot capture the full reality. It is the narratives of affected students and staff that give those figures meaning, inviting empathy and compelling action.
When I asked how his perspective shifted more broadly, Will admitted that many conversations unfolded differently than expected. Some offices were pressed for time, moving quickly through agendas. Others welcomed dialogue and expressed gratitude for reminders of our shared goals. He noted that, alongside the ̽»¨Â¥ policy briefs and data, what truly resonated were stories that we could share from our own institutions. Highlighting international students’ contributions, not only to campus life but also to local economies and research, carried weight.
The Impact of Interconnected Engagement
Will also found meaning in the diversity of his delegation. Partnered with his colleague Yasmine Hill from the New England Conservatory of Music, he approached conversations from both national and institutional perspectives. Their dialogue revealed how his experiences in Wisconsin contrasted with those of colleagues from other regions, yet they also found common ground. This interplay of perspectives, he reflected, not only enriched the advocacy itself but underscored the profound interconnectedness of higher education institutions across the country.
I felt this interconnectedness as well, reminding us that our institutions are capable of building both citizens and communities. My colleague from Arkansas described the immediate impact of the recent Supreme Court ruling, which effectively halved the Department of Education. That Monday night, she spent hours trying to reach someone by phone—only to be met with silence. The phones still ring, but no one is there to answer.
What I took from my conversation with Will—and what I hope others take from Hill Day—is that this event matters because we are all engaged. Whether just beginning your career or bringing years of experience, no matter the size or setting of your institution, every perspective adds meaning to this conversation. The work matters.
To anyone considering Hill Day: don’t wait until you feel “ready.” Be willing. Be curious. Be open. Trust that your story—like mine, like Will’s—belongs in the room.