Higher Education Day is an event that has been steadily growing over the last few years. Sponsored by Higher Education Project, the event will be held at the statehouse in Montgomery on Thursday. The Student Government Association will provide buses for students interested in participating.

SGA is also offering a barbecue lunch and community service points to participating students. But Higher Education Day is more than just a free lunch; it is an opportunity for students to advocate the importance of increasing funding for higher education through direct contact with policy makers.

Students, faculty and staff from the University will join other participants from Alabama’s 15 public universities in interacting face-to-face with Alabama’s policy makers.

Alan Rose, SGA vice president for External Affairs, encourages students to attend as advocates for the University.

“Higher Education Day is a unique opportunity for students to have a voice in higher education funding,” Rose said. “Students who participate are a physical reminder to Alabama leaders that there is a need to support funding.”

Last year’s event allowed students to raise their concerns over the rising cost of tuition and other educational issues directly to legislators, and this year offers to do the same.

The event will begin at 10:30 a.m. with a parade from the Cramton Bowl area that will conclude at the statehouse. After the parade, the rally will take place at 11 a.m. followed by lunch. More than 2,000 students are anticipated to attend.

Philip Westbrook, director of the University’s Blackburn Institute, also emphasizes the importance of UA students attending this event as it has a significant influence on their education.

“The funding UA receives from the state directly impacts students,” he said. “Declining state funding has resulted in increased student tuition and fees. Students should let their voices be heard in support of their University.”

Austin Clifton, a student at the University, plans to attend the event in order to attempt to address students’ concerns about education in Alabama.

“We plan to advocate for more funding so the University of Alabama [can] reduce the cost of tuition for students, increase scholarships and improve the overall quality of our environment here on campus,” Clifton said. “It’s important for everyone to appreciate the roots of our education, starting by attending Higher Education Day in Montgomery.”

For more information, visit the SGA office located at the Ferguson Center, or students can register online at sga.ua.edu.

If You Go

What: Higher Education Day

Where: Montgomery statehouse

When: Buses will leave at 7 a.m. from the Recreation Center parking lot