FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When is it?

March 16-19, 2025

Where is it?

Washington D.C. 

Where will I stay?

You can opt in to staying in an Air BnB with other ODSA members attending. Be sure to mark this option on the application. 

How is this allowable with my grant funds? 

 Neither the Leadership Summit nor the Seminar on Relations with the Department of Education will involve lobbying activities. They are allowable costs on a federal award; however, certain aspects of the Legislative Conference will involve such activity. Therefore, federal grantees must allocate expenses for these activities appropriately and consistently with their institutional policies.  Contact Angelica Vialpando at angelica.vialpando@coenet.org or Jen Rudolph at jennifer.rudolph@coenet.org if you have any questions.

What is the plan? 

Seminar on Relations with the U.S. Department of Education • Monday, March 17, 2025  

In this moment of urgent need, let us unite to defend the future of TRIO. Your voice in Washington matters. We urge you to join us and ensure that TRIO remains a lifeline for those who need it most. This seminar provides information about the following.

• U.S. Department of Education fiscal and programmatic policies and reporting requirements
• The latest information on TRIO regulations and
• The outlook for upcoming TRIO grant competitions

For questions on the Seminar on Relations with the U.S. Department of Education, please contact Angelica Vialpando at angelica.vialpando@coenet.org.
Legislative Conference • Tuesday and Wednesday, March 18-19, 2025  COE uniquely advocates for low-income, first-generation students and students with disabilities in policy meetings. On January 3, 2025, the 119th Congress begins, bringing many new Members of Congress. It's crucial for the TRIO community to "walk the Hill" to educate Congress on the history and impact of Federal TRIO Programs. Conference participants will receive advocacy training to prepare for these Congressional visits.

IMPORTANT NOTE: All congressional meetings will be held in person on Capitol Hill. If you have any questions, please contact Diane Shust at diane.shust@coenet.org or Owen Toomey at owen.toomey@coenet.org

Who is encouraged to attend? 

TRIO professionals and TRIO alumni are urged to attend Policy Seminar

What if I have questions but I do not want to reach out to a COE official? 

Please reach out to ODSA President, Elizabeth Gordon at egordon@rsu.edu.