• Senate Chamber presentations are designed for students in grades 4 through 12 who are studying history, government or civics.  

• These presentations are also ideal for adult civic groups and professional organizations.  

Months

• late-April

• May 

• September

• October

• early-November     

Days of the week and start times

• Monday - Friday 

• 9:00 a.m. (earliest) to 3:00 p.m. (latest) 

Important: Presentations are not possible during summer months, on weekends, or during the legislative session which begins on the second Wednesday in January and runs through approximately mid-March in even-numbered years or mid-April in odd numbered years.   Special legislative sessions and other legislative business may limit scheduling availability. 

This interactive and hands on learning opportunity will cover the following:

• features of the Senate Chamber

• specifics about Senators' desks

• basics about how a bill becomes a law

• the role of Senate Pages in the day-to-day operations of the Senate of Virginia

As a participant, you will

• gain an understanding of the role of citizens

• test your civic knowledge

• debate a mock piece of legislation

• cast several votes using the computerized voting system...just like a REAL Senator

• Due to the engaging nature of this experience, a full presentation requires a minimum of 20 participants.  We have 40 Senator seats and two additional seats for someone to serve as Presiding Officer and Clerk.  

• If your group is larger than what the Senate Chamber can accomodate, we recommend scheduling a Chamber Presentation with the House Clerk's Office.  They have 100 Delegate seats and two additional seats for someone to serve as Presiding Officer and Clerk.  

• We strongly encourage chaperones and group coordinators to review our tips for prior to and the day of your visit.  These will help maximize your experience.

  • prior to your visit 

  • the day of your visit  

• If your group is properly prepared, they will get the maximum benefit from a Chamber Presentation. 

• Each presentation lasts approximately one hour. 

• Abbreviated presentations are available; however, we strongly encourage a full presentation for a more thorough understanding of the legislature.

• Yes, we strongly recommend a Capitol tour prior to attending a Senate Chamber Presentation.

• A Capitol tour last approximately one hour.

• Combined with a Senate Chamber Presentation, you should plan for at least two hours (excluding time to park, walk to the Capitol, and go through security.

• If your Senate Chamber Presentation has to be cancelled due to legislative business, your Capitol tour would remain scheduled.  

• No.  Senate Chamber Presentations, in addition to House Chamber Presentations and Capitol tours, are offered free of charge.

• Yes, reservations are required.

• For Senate Chamber Presentation availability and reservations, please contact the Senate Clerk's Office by calling (804) 698-7410 or e-mail:  information@senate.virginia.gov

• For Capitol tour availability and reservations, please call (804) 698-1788 or e-mail: CapitolTourGuides@captourguides.virginia.gov 

• If you want to combine a tour and Senate Chamber Presentation, we strongly recommend you check with the Capitol Tour Desk/Guides and the Senate Clerk's Office to coordinate your visit.