From student government to state government, a group of student leaders from UNLV recently had the opportunity to engage with state legislators at the 2025 Legislative Session during UNLV Student Government Day.

During the 83rd Legislative Session, which began on Feb. 3 and is expected to conclude on June 2, several members of the UNLV Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA) and Consolidated Students of UNLV (CSUN) met with policymakers in Carson City and advocated for issues that affect not just themselves, but the community at large. 

Learning About the Legislative Process

In preparation for the legislative session, the students learned how to schedule meetings with elected officials, prepare agendas, and create meeting talking points. They were then able to meet with multiple lawmakers to advocate for issues ranging from student fee allocation to campus safety. The group even got to experience what it was like to sit and be recognized on the senate and assembly floor. 

“This is a moment of a lifetime," said CSUN Student Body President Allister Dias after being seated on the floor and witnessing the session.

“This experience was incredibly meaningful,” said outgoing GPSA President Teresa Marie. “I appreciate the legislators for listening to us. Knowing that the stories and concerns of graduate and professional students are being heard at the state level makes a real difference — it reminds us that advocacy can lead to action.” 

This trip also served as professional development for the students as they were invited to take a private tour of the Capitol Building, a historic landmark of Nevada. On the tour, they learned more about Nevada's history.

“Being able to see a state from the lens of its capital is not something that you see all the time," said Claiborne Ford, CSUN student body director of civic & legislative affairs. “Being able to attend the legislative session was beneficial to see as a student."

History of UNLV Student Engagement at State Legislature

The Nevada Legislature is not unfamiliar with engagement from UNLV students. During the 82nd session in 2023, GPSA organized the largest student delegation to the Nevada Legislature in university history, bringing 59 students, three staff, and the dean of the Graduate College to Carson City. The trip, orchestrated by then-GPSA President Nicole Thomas and GPSA Manager Virginia Smercina, focused on advocating for increased graduate assistant stipends at UNLV and University of Nevada Reno.

That effort, supported by the Graduate College, the Provost’s Office, the President’s Office, and advocacy training from Vice President of Government and Community Engagement Constance Brooks, helped secure $20 million in state funding ($14 million for UNLV and $6 million for UNR) bringing GA stipends into parity across the institutions. This landmark achievement stemmed from student-led advocacy that began in 2021.

To honor the impact of student engagement, students were recognized on the Assembly floor with a formal proclamation declaring March 3, 2023, as UNLV Student Day at the Legislature. The proclamation was signed by 11 members of Nevada Legislature from both the Senate and Assembly.

This year’s delegation builds on that legacy. Though the UNLV delegation was smaller, the 2025 trip echoes the same core values: students learning to advocate for themselves and their peers, the university providing mentorship and support, and leadership continuity guiding new voices forward. The Graduate College’s ongoing investment in civic education and student leadership equips students to engage directly in policymaking and represent their peers with clarity and purpose. Even as cohorts change, the commitment to student-led engagement remains strong.

Dias, who graduated this May with a degree in economics, encouraged future students to get involved in community engagement. Many of his fellow students echoed similar remarks about the positive impact the legislation session had on them. "Meeting and speaking with lawmakers who are making an impact on the community is one of the most meaningful experiences I've ever had as a student at UNLV," Dias said.