Student Delegation to Meet with State Legislators in Richmond Jan. 27

A delegation of more than 50 Old Dominion University students will board a bus to Richmond on Thursday, Jan. 27, for a day at the state capitol.

They are part of ODU's Government Relations Student Advisory board, and are typically students with an interest in the legislative process. They'll spend the day meeting with state senators and delegates, and be introduced in the legislative gallery during the Virginia General Assembly session.

The students will also carry an important message to the lawmakers, said ODU Acting Dean Don Stansberry. "It's an effort to make legislators aware of the benefits of supporting initiatives that will enhance the Monarch experience for ODU students. They'll share their experience, and ask them to support it," Stansberry said.

The students have been made aware of the additional $5 million written into ODU's budget this year by Gov. Bob McDonnell, Stansberry added. By understanding and expressing appreciation for this additional support, the students can act as ambassadors for the university in pursuing further initiatives on ODU's behalf, he said.

The students will leave from campus early on Thursday morning, and arrive back at ODU after a full day in the Virginia Capitol.