ASCSU Hosts Annual Day at Colorado Capitol

Student government event connects CSU students with state legislators and legislative process.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 6:05am

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The Associated Students of Colorado State University (ASCSU) hosted their annual 'Day at the Capitol' event on March 31, giving students the opportunity to observe the Colorado state legislature in action, meet with elected officials, and learn more about the legislative process. The event aimed to promote student engagement with state government and advocacy for student interests.

Why it matters

The Day at the Capitol event provides CSU students, many of whom are first-time voters, with valuable civic engagement experience and a behind-the-scenes look at how state government operates. By connecting students directly with lawmakers, the event helps cultivate the next generation of politically active citizens and community leaders.

The details

During the event, students were able to sit in on Colorado State House and Senate floor sessions, attend committee meetings, and meet with Governor Jared Polis and other elected officials and legislative staffers. Students reported gaining new insights into the language and processes used in the legislative chambers, as well as the opportunity to see CSU alumni working at the Capitol.

  • The Day at the Capitol event took place on March 31, 2026.
  • The Colorado State House and Senate were in session during the event.

The players

Jelicity Luna

The ASCSU director of governmental affairs, who said the event allows students to advocate for their interests by being present at the Capitol.

Josiah Avila

A CSU student majoring in political science, who saw Colorado Rep. Manny Rutinel and noted that interacting with legislators showed them as 'human' figures.

Ainslee Cole

A CSU student majoring in political science, who enjoyed the Capitol tour and observing the legislative process firsthand.

Ella Draper

A CSU student from Denver who appreciated the opportunity to engage with the legislative process with a deeper understanding.

Joseph Godshall

The ASCSU Vice President, who said the event allowed students to see potential careers at the State Capitol, drawing on his own experience as a legislative intern.

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What they’re saying

“Being able to show up and come to the Capitol and just be a presence here is really a privilege, but also, we have the right to take up that space and we should.”

— Jelicity Luna, ASCSU Director of Governmental Affairs

“I was too nervous to actually go up and talk to him, but it was cool being there and seeing him interacting with students. It just showed us that although these people are politicians, they're also human, and we can interact with them.”

— Josiah Avila, CSU Student

“The language they used in the chambers was really interesting. There's a specific language and way they talked to each other, which I didn't fully know about, but that was pretty cool.”

— Ainslee Cole, CSU Student

What’s next

ASCSU plans to continue hosting the annual Day at the Capitol event, providing more CSU students the opportunity to engage with state government and the legislative process.

The takeaway

The Day at the Capitol event empowers CSU students, many of whom are first-time voters, to become more civically engaged and understand how state government operates. By connecting students directly with lawmakers, the event helps cultivate the next generation of politically active citizens and community leaders.