On Tuesday, March 18, students from Ball State from Political Science, Teachers College, and CECL Democracy Fellows participated in an visit to the Indiana General Assembly as part of a special Ball State trip to the Statehouse. The day was packed with discussions, behind-the-scenes access to legislative proceedings, and opportunities to connect with policymakers.

This special Ball State event visit was hosted by Senate Chief of Staff Jeff Papa and Senate Deputy Chief of Staff Skip Brown, who developed the schedule and provided students with behind-the-scenes access to legislative operations and insight into the workings of the Indiana Senate.

A special acknowledgment goes to Dr. Pamela Schaal, whose planning made this trip a success. Her work ensured that students had a meaningful experience. Gratitude also goes to Dr. Sean Hildebrand, Dr. Chad Kinsella, and Andy Bauman, who played key roles in coordinating logistics and providing students with context throughout the visit.

Morning Activities

Our group departed Ball State at 8:00 AM, arriving at the Indiana Statehouse. Upon arrival, students gathered for an experience inside Indiana’s historic legislative hub.

The morning kicked off with a Statehouse tour led by tour office staff, providing students with an overview of the architecture, history, and role of the building in Indiana’s government. Following the tour, students had the opportunity to observe House and Senate committee hearings, gaining insight into how laws and policies are debated and shaped.

Engaging with State Leaders

A highlight of the morning was a special greeting from President Pro Tempore Senator Rod Bray, who spoke with students in the Senate Chamber, offering perspectives on leadership and legislative priorities. A group photo with Senator Bray marked the occasion. We also had the privilege of meeting Becca Rice, Vice President for Governmental Relations and Industry Engagement, who provided insights into state government operations and the importance of engagement at the Statehouse.

Lunch and Legislative Observations

At noon, students enjoyed a lunch, where they networked and reflected on the morning’s discussions. Following lunch, the group proceeded to the Senate floor session, observing live legislative proceedings and gaining a deeper understanding of state governance.

Afternoon Sessions: Judiciary and Internships

The afternoon was equally engaging, beginning with an internship presentation by House staff. This session highlighted the various opportunities available for students interested in public service and policymaking.

Students then met with Judge Altice in the Court of Appeals Courtroom, where they gained an inside look at the appellate judicial process. Judge Altice provided an overview of how appellate cases are reviewed and discussed the critical thinking and legal reasoning required in higher court rulings. Students asked insightful questions about legal precedents and decision-making processes within Indiana’s Court of Appeals.

Exploring the Supreme Court Law Library

Students participated in a guided tour of the Supreme Court Law Library with Judge Mathias. This tour provided an opportunity to explore historical legal documents and case law archives. BSU student Emma Robertson, a Social Studies Education major, read with Judge Mathias, exploring historical accounts of Marie Antoinette’s execution and reviewing archival materials that illuminated how historical legal cases have shaped modern law.

Meetings with Legislative Leaders

Following the law library tour, students had a meeting with Senate Minority Leader Shelli Yoder. Shelli Renee Yoder is an Indiana politician serving Monroe County, Indiana, from Senate District 40. Senator Yoder has held leadership roles in various nonprofit organizations. She shared insights into her journey in political leadership and encouraged students to get involved in shaping policy and advocacy work.

Students also met with Senator Scott Alexander, who represents District 26 and is a proud former Ball State student. The discussion centered on how state legislators engage with their communities, the responsibilities of a senator, and the ways students can actively participate in local and state government.

Reflections and Takeaways

Throughout the day, students demonstrated professionalism, curiosity, and a strong commitment to legislative engagement. This visit to the Indiana General Assembly provided a learning experience and fostered meaningful connections between students and state leaders.

A Generous Contribution from Linda Webb

A special acknowledgment and deep appreciation go to Linda Webb, a former Political Science instructor at Ball State, whose generous donation to the Political Science Department funded the trip and has significantly enhanced internship opportunities for students.

During her recent visit and on our trip to the Statehouse Linda inspired students by sharing stories about her experiences at Ball State and running for office in Indiana. After Ball State, she had a distinguished 23-year career with Houston Community College (HCC), where she served as government department chair at HCC-Southwest and as the coordinator of social science and public services.

Her dedication to political education and student mentorship continues to leave a lasting impact. Her support for student internships will provide future Ball State students with hands-on experiences in public service, government, and policymaking.

Thank You

A special thank you to all who participated and made this event possible. We look forward to continuing to provide opportunities for students to engage with civic institutions and explore careers in public service.

For those interested in learning more about future Statehouse engagement opportunities, please feel free to reach out!