Military and Veteran Fly In
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Dates: May 22, 5-7 pm | Capitol Hill visits on May 23
Location: CECU Office | 1530 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA Join us May 22 and 23 for our URGENT Military and Veteran Fly in on Capitol Hill! We need all institutions in the sector to come to Washington with their Veteran students to advocate for their right to choose where they study, train and learn with their earned benefits. CECU staff will brief attendees on the evening of May 22 from 5-7 pm with the necessary messaging and tools needed. Then on May 23, we will host meetings with members of Congress and congressional staff members to provide an opportunity to educate them on the role our institutions play within the higher education sector. CECU's Military and Veteran Fly in event is an opportunity for institutions of higher education to speak out on issues involving our student veterans' access to the education they choose. The briefing agenda will be designed to provide attendees with a peek into the future of the sector as well as the most recent and comprehensive update on the latest federal events and sector research. |
Register by May 1, 2019
There is no charge to register, but we will need to know how many are in your party to arrange visits and accommodations. |
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Hotel Accommodations
CECU does not have a hotel block for this meeting, but there are a number of hotels within the area to choose from. Hotels located within 2 blocks of the CECU office
Hotels located less than 10 minutes away from the CECU office
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Travel Recommendations
Airports - There are two airport options into the Washington Metro area (Ronald Reagan National Airport and Dulles International Airport)
Train Station - Union Station is approximately 20 minutesfrom the meeting location by car or metro Parking - Parking is available onsite at the CECU office |
What you should know!
When should I arrive/depart Washington DC?
Please arrive in the area in time for a briefing at 5 pm on May 22 in Arlington, VA. The briefing will take place at 1530 Wilson Blvd Arlington, VA 22209. CECU will schedule visits on Capitol Hill on May 23 between 9-4 pm.
Who from my institution should attend?
We strongly encourage C-suite executives from your institution to attend with as many student veterans as possible (either past or presently enrolled).
What is the main policy "ask" for the Veteran Fly in Congressional visits?
The GI Benefit is an “Earned Benefit” each veteran earns through their service to our nation. It is not an economic subsidy for low-income students. Each Veteran should be allowed to choose the school right for them and their future career. For many Veterans returning from service, they seek an accelerated, focused academic program building upon the career skills learned in the military. Our schools specialize in these postsecondary career programs. And, we have the data to show that most veterans have had a successful experience at our schools.
Thus, the Congress should eliminate the 90/10 rule; not seek to include GI Benefits in the calculation of a school’s compliance with 90/10. Were this to happen, thousands of veterans would lose their ability to choose their school and their career.
What should I do to prepare for this meeting?
You should be prepared to provide basic information about your organization:
When should I arrive/depart Washington DC?
Please arrive in the area in time for a briefing at 5 pm on May 22 in Arlington, VA. The briefing will take place at 1530 Wilson Blvd Arlington, VA 22209. CECU will schedule visits on Capitol Hill on May 23 between 9-4 pm.
Who from my institution should attend?
We strongly encourage C-suite executives from your institution to attend with as many student veterans as possible (either past or presently enrolled).
What is the main policy "ask" for the Veteran Fly in Congressional visits?
The GI Benefit is an “Earned Benefit” each veteran earns through their service to our nation. It is not an economic subsidy for low-income students. Each Veteran should be allowed to choose the school right for them and their future career. For many Veterans returning from service, they seek an accelerated, focused academic program building upon the career skills learned in the military. Our schools specialize in these postsecondary career programs. And, we have the data to show that most veterans have had a successful experience at our schools.
Thus, the Congress should eliminate the 90/10 rule; not seek to include GI Benefits in the calculation of a school’s compliance with 90/10. Were this to happen, thousands of veterans would lose their ability to choose their school and their career.
What should I do to prepare for this meeting?
You should be prepared to provide basic information about your organization:
- They will most want to hear from your veterans of their experience at your schools.
- They will want to know the number of veterans served; the number who graduated; the number employed; etc.
- Help them understand that if the GI Benefits were included in the calculation of 90/10 that you would likely have to refuse to serve either low-income students; veterans; or both!
- Remember that most Hill visits are brief (15-20 minutes) and often with a legislative staffer who is responsible for education issues. Therefore, plan on making no more than three key points, using examples and, if you brought an employer and/or a student/alumni, give these advocates time to talk.
- Be Prepared and Concise -Review and rehearse the key points you want to make.
- Be on Time
- But don’t be surprised if the members of Congress and/or their staff are not on time. Congressional schedules are hectic; therefore you need to be flexible and patient. If CECU has scheduled your meetings, we work to accommodate for the unexpected. If you are running late for your next appointment, call that office to let them know.
- Answer their questions, but if you can’t, let them know you will get back to them with the information and follow-up.
- Thank your elected official or the congressional staff person. Following the meeting send a thank you note to the person you met with. In your thank you note, consider mentioning an open invitation to visit your campus when the member of Congress is back in the district/state.
- Provide Feedback