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JOIN THE TEAMContact Your State Senator

We're in This Together.

When you become an NU Advocate, you join a circle of like-minded, passionate people who want to preserve the University’s impact on Nebraska. As an NU Advocate, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and resources you need to help make a difference. Will you join us in supporting a strong future for Nebraska?

BECOME AN NU ADVOCATE

Here’s the Situation

Help Grow A Strong Future, Invest in the University

This year, Gov. Pete Ricketts has proposed creating the Nebraska Career Scholarships program to provide a total of $16 million over the next several years for scholarships for students in high-need areas like engineering, nursing and IT. Half of that amount would go to University of Nebraska students, starting with $2 million in 2020-21.

The Nebraska Career Scholarships, which the Appropriations Committee has funded in its preliminary budget recommendations, would put the University and our higher education partners in a stronger position to attract and retain talented students to our state who can help meet urgent workforce needs. We hope the Legislature will support this important investment in access and economic growth, and we need your help in telling the story of why financial aid matters.

What Advocates Do

When you become an NU Advocate, you amplify the conversation about investing in the University of Nebraska. Here’s what you can expect when you join the effort, and how you can make the most of your actions.

Find the handles of your state senators and tag them on posts that talk about how the University of Nebraska has impacted you. Share positive NU news in your feed to help spread the word. Be sure to use our hashtag: #NUforNE.

Get Loud on Social Media

Get Loud on Social Media

Find the handles of your state senators and tag them on posts that talk about how the University of Nebraska has impacted you. Share positive NU news in your feed to help spread the word. Be sure to use our hashtag: #NUforNE.

Look for emails about events like our “I Love NU” Advocacy Day at the State Capitol. Or, attend bill hearings at the Rotunda to get more informed. When NU Advocates show up at the State Capitol, it sends a powerful message to legislators.

Attend Advocacy Events

Attend Advocacy Events

Look for emails about events like our “I Love NU” Advocacy Day at the State Capitol. Or, attend bill hearings at the Rotunda to get more informed. When NU Advocates show up at the State Capitol, it sends a powerful message to legislators.

Emails and phone calls are effective ways to reach state senators. If you're not able to speak directly with a senator, talk to a staff member or leave a message. Include your name and number and share why the University is important to you.

Call or Send an Email

Make a Call or Send an Email

Emails and phone calls are effective ways to reach state senators. If you're not able to speak directly with a senator, talk to a staff member or leave a message. Include your name and number and share why the University is important to you.

All new NU Advocates will receive a welcome packet with a window cling to help share your University pride. Use the cling on your car to show your support of the University of Nebraska.

Show Your University Pride

Share Your University Pride

All new NU Advocates will receive a welcome packet with a window cling to help share your University pride. Use the cling on your car to show your support of the University of Nebraska.

News and Events

Feb 24, 2020
Help Support UNO at "I Love NU" Day
UNO News
Feb 21, 2020
'I Love NU' advocacy day is March 10
Nebraska Today
Feb 20, 2020
Third annual 'I Love NU' Day is March 10
UNMC Newsroom

No Upcoming Events

All NU Advocacy-Related News & Events

Legislation to Watch

The 106th Nebraska Legislature second regular session began on January 8, 2020. This session, there were more than 480 legislative bills introduced for lawmakers to consider and debate over the next two years.

The University of Nebraska monitors hundreds of legislative bills each year that could impact college affordability, campus operations, research, economic development and our academic programs. 

Here are just a few key legislative bills impacting the University of Nebraska.

LB 1008

Gov. Ricketts’ proposal to invest a total of $16 million into career scholarships for college students in H3-career majors — permanent high-wage, high-skill and high-demand jobs such as engineering, IT and healthcare.

Full Details >>

LB 1026

Appropriation to the Daugherty Water For Food Institute for University research in water and agriculture.

Full Details >>

LB 1084

Legislation that would allow the Nebraska Transformational Project at UNMC to qualify for incentive-like state funds as part of a public-private partnership with federal, state, and philanthropic funding.

Full Details >>

 

What Does Being an Advocate Mean to You?

Logan Krejdl

“I’ve been able to get a great education, for an affordable cost, that’s preparing me for my future. I want other young people to have the same opportunity. For my fellow students and I, the state’s partnership with its University sends a strong message that policymakers want to invest in the next generation.”

Logan Krejdl
Student Regent, University of Nebraska at Kearney

Sarah Moylan

“Workforce development is one of our top concerns. If we can’t recruit and retain the best talent in Nebraska, other states are going to gain a competitive advantage. Our economic future depends on a talented workforce–the kind of graduates the University of Nebraska provides. I want to see that pipeline grow.”

Sarah Moylan
Senior Director of Talent, Omaha Chamber of Commerce

Judi Gaiashkibos

"As a proud Native American and lifelong Nebraskan, I believe that education is a singular force in leveling the playing field. I support NU's commitment to providing access to all Nebraskans and promoting diversity. That's the kind of University I want to see serving Nebraska for generations to come."

Judi Gaiashkibos
Executive Director, Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs 

Bart Ruth

“For almost 150 years, the University of Nebraska has been a key partner in advancing agricultural research and production in our state—and beyond.  As a sixth-generation farm operator and UNL graduate, I believe the future of agriculture depends in part on the skilled graduates and research produced by Nebraska’s only public university.”

Bart Ruth
Past President, Ag Builders of Nebraska

“The economic success of our state is linked to the growth of rural Nebraska, which faces real challenges: brain drain, gaps in access to technology and other resources, workforce shortages. The University of Nebraska is a critical partner in addressing those challenges. I’m proud to join business and community leaders across the state in supporting a strong University for Nebraska’s future.”

Lance Hedquist
City Administrator, South Sioux City

Valquier Chavez

“The University of Nebraska is a source for innovation and growth within our state. And that growth includes important roles for students. Each campus works closely with students to improve academic success and foster community engagement. I appreciate the opportunity to make a difference, and will continue to support the University—just as it supports me.”

Renata Valquier Chavez
Student Regent, University of Nebraska at Omaha

Become an NU Advocate

Make your voice heard in support of the University of Nebraska. Join the movement by entering your details below, and you’ll receive an “I Love NU” window cling just for signing up. We’ll use this information to keep you updated about future events and important NU Advocates news.

You can also make an impact by voting. Not registered to vote? Learn how here.

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Find Your Nebraska State Senator

Get started by entering your address below. Next, you'll receive information on who your senator is—and how to reach him or her.

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Your Senator Is:

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Call Senator

Making a call only takes a few minutes and sends a strong message to your state senator. Your senator may not be able to take the call, but you can speak to the legislative aide who works for the senator. They will log your call, take a message and pass it on. Keep your conversation brief, and be sure to cover these essential points:

  • Introduce yourself as a constituent in their district and provide your name.
  • Be clear that you're calling about the University's portion of the state appropriation.
  • Ask if your senator will support funding the University. Thank them if they already do.
  • Share your story about how the University has impacted you or your family. A personal story is hard to ignore. Explain why it's important to you that your senator invests in the University of Nebraska. Again, keep it brief and to-the-point.
  • Ask for your opinion to be noted. Politely finish the call by thanking the senator or legislative aide for their time.
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Email Senator

Sending a written message to your state senator is generally more effective than making a call. They're more concise and easier to respond to, and they're more likely to be viewed by the senator. If you can, send a personalized message with these essential points. Keep your message brief (a paragraph or so).

  • Write a personal, attention-getting subject line that lets the senator know your topic— "Investing in the University of Nebraska" or "University of Nebraska State Funding."
  • Introduce yourself as a constituent in their district; provide your name.
  • Be clear that you're writing about the University's portion of the state appropriation.
  • Share your personal story about how the University has impacted you or your family. Explain why it's important to you that your senator invests in the University of Nebraska. Again, keep it brief and to-the-point.
  • Ask if your senator will support funding the University.
  • Indicate that you'd appreciate a reply and thank your senator for their time.
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You Just Made a Difference

Keep making a difference by becoming an NU Advocate. As an Advocate, you'll receive communications about important issues and legislative bills concerning the University of Nebraska—and you'll be the first to hear about upcoming advocacy events. And, we'll let you know when you need to raise your voice again.

BECOME AN NU ADVOCATE