Miami University Government Relations Network
On the afternoon of March 3, Director of Institutional Relations Randi Malcolm Thomas, Esq., and Chief of Staff Joe Trivette travelled to Washington DC. The two met with Shelley Landry, Advocate with the firm Majority Group, to plan the Alternative Spring Break Advocacy and Leadership conference for the Government Relations Network and the representatives students were going to meet. That evening, they attended the Congressional Ohio Birthday party at the James Madison Building at the Library of Congress.
On March 5-6, they also attended the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU) winter meeting and met with Ohio Congressman Warren Davidson, Kevin Fitzpatrick from the US House Small Business committee and Ian Mercer from Ohio Congressman Steve Chabot’s office. Among other topics, advocacy for Miami’s College@ELM TECH innovation corridor was discussed. Finally, there were events with Alumni relations and connected with Miami alumni in Washington.
Randi Thomas and Joseph Trivette meeting with Alumni.
On March 9th, Governor Mike DeWine contacted universities including Miami to confirm the first COVID-19 case in Ohio. On March 10, President Greg Crawford announced Miami University would start remote learning following the state of emergency declared by Governor Mike DeWine due to cases of COVID-19. The Office of Institutional Relations also moved to remote work. Additionally, the Alternative Spring Break Advocacy and Leadership conference for the government relations network was cancelled.
On March 11, Director Thomas, Hannah Specogna, Nicolas Hollander, Joe Trivette and Olivia Kelly attended the presentation for the 2020 Freedom Summer of ‘64 Award to Dr. Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins. Jefferson-Jenkins was presented the award in honor of Women’s History Month.
GRN students with Dr. Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins in Kumler Chapel.
In response to the remote work, the office has focused on a social media campaign to continue advocacy for university plans and highlight actions the university is taking in response to the crisis. This includes a social media campaign to contact state and federal government officials, highlighting the work of Miami students serving the community and preparing for the GRN LLC for the 2020-21 school year.
The Miami University 2020 Distinguished Service Award was announced and presented to seniors, including GRN members Annika Fowler, Lauren Poythress, Megan Cremeans, Cecelia Comerford and Joseph Trivette. The award was given to these students for their “spirit of being a citizen leader of uncommon quality.” GRN senior Hannah Specogna was awarded the Senior Service Leadership Award.
Legislation Tracking
| Bill | Summary/Title | Last Action | Sponsors |
| HB310 | Greek Life Anti-Bullying and Hazing Act | 1/23/20House Primary & Secondary Education Committee Hearing | Greenspan (R) |
| HB194/SB111 | Legalize/Regulate sports gaming/taxing sports gaming business (college sports betting) | 11/7/19Referred to House Finance Committee Hearing | Greenspan (R) and Kelly (D) |
| SB181 | Work +, Template for workforce education partnership program | 11/12/19Passed Senate, Introduced in House | Coley (R) |