Why spend a semester in our nation's capital?
The Washington Semester contributes to the political education of undergraduate
students, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed for productive
citizenship. Students have the opportunity for direct involvement in the
national political process, which illuminates the relationship between
academic knowledge and practical understanding of the political world.
Content
The Washington Semester internship provides students with work-study experience
in Washington, DC, politics. Since the program's inception, more than
600 students have been placed in Congressional offices or committees,
the federal bureaucracy, interest groups, and , on occasion, with the
office of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
Academic and field supervision
The program director, as the intern's academic advisor, help the students
with placement, provides the student with essential background information
on the selected office, interacts with the student through on-site visits
and telephone calls, provides guidance during the internship, and evaluates
the intern's work upon completion. In the field, students are supervised
by staff persons who have been briefed by the program objectives and academic
requirements.
Academic requirements
The program offers 16 credits. Three grades are derived in a final evaluation
through examination of the submitted materials (work file, intern evaluation,
field supervisor's evaluation, major research paper), and participation
in the weekly seminar.
Career Opportunities
Washington-based internships in the public policy arena offer students
a work-study experience equal to that of a junior or entry level professional.
The student also receives the opportunity to improve reading, writing,
research, and analysis skills in the work-place.
Program graduates have embarked on careers in the public and private sectors. Positions in Washington, DC have included staff directorship of a Senate subcommittee, program analyst at an executive agency, public interest advocate, and President's staff member in the White House.
Zotero (Education focus)
5 pm - 6:15 pm
Naturalization Ceremony
11 am - noon
Leadership Program Kick-off
3:30 pm - 5 pm
ADP Distinguished Speaker Series "The Audacity to Heal: Our Rape Culture"
7 pm - 9 pm
Faculty/Staff Campaign Kickoff
noon - 1:30 pm
