Students Learn Research, Debate Skills In NC Student Legislature

For UNC Charlotte student Jessica Calderon, participating in the North Carolina Student Legislature offers an opportunity to improve her abilities to research and debate important issues.

“If you are a student at UNC Charlotte, and you are looking for an organization that will give you a platform to voice your opinions without the fear of judgment, then participating in the North Carolina State Legislature is for you,” says Calderon, chairperson of UNC Charlotte’s legislative delegation.

The statewide student legislature provides students at universities and colleges a chance to participate in a model General Assembly. Participants research and write bills and resolutions for presentation and debate throughout the year. They participate in the roles of legislators and members of the executive branch, such as governor.

“They set the agenda, debate, work out compromises, and deal with the thrill of victory or agony of defeat,” says Eric Heberlig, a UNC Charlotte political science professor who advises the UNC Charlotte effort.

Through this process, the students gain valuable insight into how the state engages in policymaking. They also learn to express their own beliefs and ideas with confidence, Heberlig says.

“NCSL is popular with students who plan to attend law school since it involves the creation of law and public speaking and argumentation,” Heberlig says. “For students interested in practical politics, it’s a good networking opportunity with other like-minded students.  For anyone interested in careers in public policy, it’s a good opportunity to think through how you actually put an idea into practice.”

NCSL operates as a club throughout the entire academic year and a class, POLS 4110, is offered during the spring semester.  Students do not have to take the class to participate fully in activities.

During the fall, students meet as the club and participate in Interim Councils to debate resolutions and prepare for a major spring event. During the spring event, students from across North Carolina come together in Raleigh to present and debate their bills. Once the legislation has passed both houses at the session and is signed by the student governor, it is compiled into a document called the Compendium.

The student legislature presents its Compendium to the General Assembly and prominent state leaders for their consideration each year. Over 40 percent of the legislative ideas have been written into actual law.

“I think it’s important for students’ legislation to make its way to the General Assembly because most often the issues brought up by the students are issues that are in everyone’s mind,” Calderon says. “Whether it’s homelessness or internships for high school students, these are issues that will make North Carolina a better state.”

Participants consider topics that reach beyond what might be considered typical for college students.

“Members of NCSL are able to see past their current position and circle of friends,” Calderon says. “They look at their community and other communities around them for issues that must be resolved. This year during a session, we had a variety of issues discussed. Animal cruelty, anti-bullying proposals, and parental rights were some of the few we were able to debate.”

Calderon points to improved presentation skills as another benefit of participating.

“NCSL is a great way to better one’s public speaking skills because you have to debate issues that are important to you,” she says. “Members of our club are always very supportive whether they agree with your position or not. They always try to give you constructive criticism.”

This year’s delegation brought home a number of awards from the spring competition, including: Best Delegation from a Large School; Delegate of the Year- Jessica Calderon Alvarado; Best Resolution-Matt Ellis; Best Speaker-Matt Ellis; and Best Bill in the House-Vincent Cahill.

UNC Charlotte student Andre Jefferies was elected Lt. Governor for the 2016-17 academic year. UNC Charlotte delegates Jose Montano, Brandon Hendricks, Ill Woong-Oh, and Andre Jefferies saw their bills passed in the NCSL House and Senate and signed by the NCSL Governor. The N.C. General Assembly then received their bills for possible consideration.

Words: Chelsy Grossman | Images: Lynn Roberson