The Sacramento Legislative Seminar has been a tradition in Loyola Marymount University’s Political Science Department for more than 50 years. Students enrolled in the California Politics course meet six times during the spring semester to examine and discuss the most current events in preparation for the conclusion of the course. To conclude the course, students attend a 3-day program in Sacramento with participants from other California universities. The program is held at the Capitol Building and consists of a number of panels that include legislators, government leaders and advocates. Each panel focuses on current issues and allows the students to engage in the discussion by asking pressing questions during the Question and Answer session.

In addition to attending the panels, the students are given the opportunity to personally meet with government leaders to discuss the state of California and possible future careers. This program also provides a great networking opportunity, as students are given the chance to meet other students interested in politics, policy and social science, as well as alumni currently working in the California State Capitol.

In an effort to maintain this tradition, the Center for the Study of Los Angeles plays a key role in planning, coordinating and executing the Sacramento Legislative Seminar.