WVU Extension

WVU & WVU Extension
Day at the Legislature

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions Last Updated: February 14, 2013

Who should attend?

WVU Extension attendees: CEOS club members, 4-H’ers, Master Gardeners, Energy Express families, farmers, volunteers, firefighters, nutrition educators, Extension employees, retirees, and others are invited.

WVU attendees: Students, alumni, volunteers, WVU employees, retirees, and other WVU supporters are invited.

What activities are planned for the day?

The schedule of activities is still being determined. Please check the site for regular updates.

How can I register to attend?

WVU/Extension Exhibit/Group and Extension Volunteer/Staff registration opened February 14 and closes March 1.

How can we display an exhibit?

If your program, group, or club would like to bring a display, please indicate it on your registration, and you will be given consideration for exhibit space. Please note: Exhibitors should follow the Exhibitor Guidelines, and displays should be set up and removed according to the schedule. We recommend that your group send at least two people to unload, set up, staff, and pack your group’s exhibit.

Where do exhibitors unload?

Please refer to the Exhibitor Guidelines for complete information.

Where do exhibitors set up?

Please refer to the Exhibitor Guidelines for complete information.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable shoes; the marble floors are lovely, but they’re hard on your feet. Since this is an educational day for our youth and volunteers, many will be wearing their Sunday best for calling on legislators. To others, we suggest wearing your “proudest” gold and blue.

Where is Capitol parking?

There is limited visitor parking directly outside the Capitol. The best option for parking is the area adjacent to Laidley Field.

There are some metered parking spaces near the complex, but spots fill quickly. Download the Parking Map for WVU & WVU Extension Day at the Legislature (PDF). Directions to parking can also be found on the directions and maps page. Contact the Capitol Complex Parking Unit with specific questions.

Where can I take a shuttle service to the Capitol?

All-day shuttle service is provided between the Capitol Complex and the Laidley Field parking area. The shuttle departs from Laidley Field starting at 7 a.m. and ending at 6 p.m. Each stop is served approximately every 10-15 minutes.

Please note: The shuttle does not operate from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Shuttle stops include: the Division of Highways Building 5, Building 6 California Avenue, East Wing entrance to the Main Capitol Building, the Governor’s driveway (Greenbrier Street), and Laidley Field. The shuttle bus is handicapped-accessible.

What happens at the Culture Center?

  • WVU & WVU Extension’s Day at the Legislature officially starts at the Culture Center.
  • Check in at the Greeters’ table at the Culture Center if you are not displaying an exhibit.
  • Pick up schedules and other important materials and information for your day.
  • Participate in activities like the group photograph, interactive map board, and live entertainment.
  • Attend our special WVU Welcome with speeches from West Virginia dignitaries and special quests.
  • Ask questions and get ready to start your Capitol visit.

What happens at the Capitol?

  • WVU & WVU Extension’s Day at the Legislature continues in the Capitol Building.
  • Check in with WVU-ES staff at the Capitol if you are displaying an exhibit.
  • Stop by the Greeters’ table to pick up schedules and other important materials and information for your day.
  • Participate in activities like browsing educational and interactive displays, viewing the House and Senate in action, touring the Capitol, and meeting with legislative officials.

Where are handicapped-accessible Capitol doors?

Handicapped-accessible entrances are located in both the East and West Wing loading docks. For individuals entering the Main Building (also called Building 1) from the fountain side of the Capitol Complex (the courtyard), a ramp and automatic doors are situated on the ground floor adjacent to Room 146-M. A fourth handicapped-accessible entrance is located at the entrance to the West Wing facing the Culture Center. In each of the wings, ramps are located to the sides of the stairs leading to the Main Building. Security guards located on both the east and west side of the Capitol will be happy to provide additional directions.

Will name tags be distributed?

Name tags will be shipped to registered groups prior to the event. Extra name tags will be available at the greeters’ table.

Where can Capitol maps be found?

A set of Capitol maps will be mailed to each registered group prior to the event. Maps can also be found on-line and printed. During the event, volunteers will be standing by (they’ll wear gold “staff” name tags) to help you find your way around the Capitol.

Will I be able to meet with all my legislators?

It depends. Please note: Your lawmakers may be called to newly scheduled business at any given time.

On any given day the pace in the Capitol is hectic. During WVU & WVU Extension Day at the Legislature, that space will be filled with several hundred additional WVU and WVU Extension supporters sporting gold and blue Flying WV’s. To help keep the day somewhat organized, a schedule will be provided allowing for time to meet with legislators. Even if you’re unable to meet with lawmakers at your agreed time, it’s still important to contact them and work to schedule an audience later that day or at another time in Charleston, or in your local community.

Remember, the legislative process is dynamic and a lot of meaningful activity has been purposely planned into this special day. Experiencing or participating in everything offered on this one day in Charleston would be unrealistic and exhausting. Make plans now to organize another trip next year and focus on different activities and offerings!

Are there any suggested tips or conversation starters?

Yes. Tips and conversation starters are available to help you visit with legislators. Check out the Working with Legislators page for complete details on how to identify and locate your lawmakers, as well as contact and meet with them.

Will thank-you gifts be given to legislators?

In appreciation for the work of our West Virginia legislators, and to showcase Extension programs, a small token to legislators is planned for this year’s event.

Is giving a gift to a legislator allowed?

Yes. Please note: No tax-payer monies are used for purchasing our gifts to legislators. The cost of each gift will be under the $25 gift limit for political gifts.

What are my lunch options?

WVU Extension no longer makes arrangements for counties and departments to order boxed lunches. Please take advantage of Charleston’s many restaurants, or grab a bite at the Capitol Cafeteria.

Can visiting 4-H students serve as pages?

If 4-H’ers wish to serve as pages, please arrange this in advance with the office of your delegates or senator. If your 4-H’er can’t serve as a page, ask about making arrangements for a different date.

Need additional assistance contacting your legislator? Contact Ann Bailey Berry or W.Va. Legislature staff.

What is the interactive map board?

Stick up for your county and hometown – let us know you’re here by stopping by the WVU Extension Map Board. The map board lets everyone know and see the variety of places from which our WVU and Extension folks have traveled to participate.

Where can the interactive map board be found?

The map board can be found in the Culture Center Lobby at the beginning of the day and will be relocated to the Upper Rotunda when activities move to the Capitol.

Where can group photos be taken?

To provide for the best natural indoor lighting, we suggest taking group photos in the Culture Center Lobby or in the Upper Rotunda of the Capitol. Bring your own camera and snap away!

Please note: Per the schedule, a mass group photograph will be taken in the Culture Center. Don’t be late.

How can the Capitol be toured?

Free guided tours of the Capitol Complex are available on the half hour. Call 304-558-4839 for details and to schedule your tour.

Are other tours available?

Groups are invited to arrange other activities and tours on their own.

Other attractions to plan for include the Culture Center, Town Center Mall, and West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

Free tours of the public television and radio facilities should be reserved about two weeks in advance. Call 304-556-4900 or 1-888-596-9729 to schedule a tour of West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

What other highlights are planned for the day?

Please refer to the schedule for a list of activities that are planned as part of the official event.