On Tuesday, March 18, Ball State students from Political Science, Teachers College, and the CECL Democracy Fellows program traveled to Indianapolis for an immersive day at the Indiana General Assembly. This special visit provided students with a firsthand look at the legislative process, offering valuable insights into state government, public policy, and civic leadership.
Hosted by Senate Chief of Staff Jeff Papa and Senate Deputy Chief of Staff Skip Brown, the visit included guided tours, committee hearing observations, and conversations with key policymakers. Dr. Pamela Schaal played a lead role in organizing the trip, with essential support from Dr. Sean Hildebrand, Dr. Chad Kinsella, and Andy Bauman.
Students began their day with a guided tour of the historic Statehouse before sitting in on House and Senate committee hearings. One of the highlights of the morning was a special greeting from Senate President Pro Tempore Rod Bray in the Senate Chamber, followed by a group photo and an encouraging talk on leadership and public service.
Afternoon activities included a behind-the-scenes look at internship opportunities, a discussion with Court of Appeals Judge Robert Altice, and a tour of the Supreme Court Law Library with Judge Paul Mathias. Students also had the opportunity to meet and learn from Senator Shelli Yoder and Senator Scott Alexander, a proud Ball State alumnus, about their experiences serving Indiana communities.
A meaningful highlight of the day was made possible thanks to the generosity of Linda Webb, a former Ball State Political Science instructor, whose support funded the trip and continues to enhance student opportunities through internships and civic learning.
For more details, and photos from the day, visit the full blog post here.