Students

Attend the Presidential Inauguration Seminar

We’re offering a once in a lifetime opportunity to witness history in the making through our upcoming Presidential Inauguration Seminar. Since 1984, The Washington Center has hosted this popular seminar that gives students from across the country the unique opportunity to experience, firsthand, politics and media in twenty-first century.

Students will have the opportunity to:

• Gain political insight from great speakers and events
• Meet national and international leaders
• Build a professional network and explore potential career paths
• Understand the media’s impact on the presidential campaigns
• Witness history and democracy in action

The program provides both students and faculty with an exceptional behind-the-scenes perspective on Washington politics and media, through site visits, tours, and special events. Site visits often include embassies, executive branch offices, Congressional offices, media organizations, and nonprofit think tanks and trade associations. A bus tour of Washington, D.C. and special events, including a reception at the National Press Club is also included in this program.

This program runs from January 12-22, 2013 in Washington, D.C. The program fee of $1,995 includes housing and credit, when proper arrangements are made with your institution.

Application Deadline

We have reached capacity for this seminar but are still accepting applications on a waitlist basis until December 10, 2012. For more information, please contact us at C2012@twc.edu [4].

• Frequently Asked Questions [13]

What students had to say about the National Conventions Seminar

“It brings everything you are studying to life. It's incredible because you can't read about what's going on here, you have to come here and experience it and for me it's been a chance of a lifetime to be able to come here and see how everything works."

Jack Minor

Student

Elon University

Read more from students and faculty at our recent seminars [5]

Photos

[7] [8] [9] [10] [11]

View the Inauguration 2009 photo set [12]

Faculty

Attend the Presidential Inauguration Seminar

Since 1984, The Washington Center has hosted a Presidential Inauguration Seminar. In 2009, more than 675 students from across the country participated in this very popular seminar and our recent academic seminars held at the National Political Conventions in Tampa and Charlotte gave hunreds of students from 117 colleges and universities a unique opportunity to experience history in the making. Now, we’re offering a once in a lifetime opportunity to attend the 2013 Presidential Inauguration Seminar.

In addition to witnessing history and democracy in action and representing your institution, the benefits of attending this exciting event include:

• PR opportunities for your school and faculty [14]
• Students can report on their activities in real-time
• Interact with nationally and internationally recognized leaders in politics and media
• Personal and professional development of your students
• Use these experiences for additional learning opportunities upon returning to campus

We are anticipating a high demand for this academic seminar. Unlike 2009, we will be limiting the number of students we are accepting into the program. Because of this we are asking that as soon as possible, you turn your soft reservation into a hard reservation. You can do this by having your students apply online [15] to the program or by sending a deposit for $150 for each student. You can make arrangements with me to complete that process.

Below you will find a variety of resources that we will have available to you. If there is something missing from this list, please feel free to reach out to me so that these materials can be created. Additionally, if there is any information that you will need personalized, we would be more than happy to accommodate this request.

• Sample E-mails to Students [16]
• Powerpoint [17]
• Frequently Asked Questions [13]
• Selected Previous Academic Seminar Speakers [18]
• List of Suggested Majors to Target on Campus [19]
• List of Suggested Campus Clubs & Organizations to Target [20]
• Quotes from Past Faculty [21]

Application Deadline

We have reached capacity for this seminar but are still accepting applications on a waitlist basis until December 10, 2012. For more information or if you would like to make a reservation for your students, please contact Patricia Guidetti (patricia.guidetti@twc.edu [22]) 202-238-7929 or fill out the Faculty Leader Response Form [23].

What faculty had to say about our National Conventions Seminar

“You’re there and walking down the street and meeting the mayor of New York City or the governor of Pennsylvania or George Stephanopoulos – the leading government and media officials in the country.”

Dr. Kevan Yenerall

Professor of Political Science

Clarion University

Read more from students and faculty at our recent seminars [5]

Photos

[7] [8] [9] [10] [11]

View the Inauguration 2009 photo set [12]

Handbook

In this section, you will find a plethora of helpful information to assist in preparing you for your time in Washington, D.C. This section will be updated throughout the days leading up to the academic seminar, so please be sure to check back often.

If there is any information that you think will be valuable that is missing, or if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at C2012@twc.edu [4]. We are more than happy to help. So please explore this section and we look forward to seeing you in D.C. soon.

If you do not see this video you can view it here [24].

Schedule

The schedule provided below is a tentative schedule. This should only be used as a guide to give you an idea of the events next week. As there are still many details that need to be finalized, you should not use this as the final version, nor should you bring this with you to the academic seminar. You will be provided with the most up-to-date version upon check-in.

Download this document [25]

Student Information

• Housing and Code of Conduct [26]
• IW2013 Important Locations [27]
• Participant List [28]
• Student Small Groups [29]
• Transportation Information [30]

Staff and Faculty Information

• TWC Staff Biographies [31]
• Faculty Director and Faculty Leaders Biographies [32]

Academic Requirements

During your time in Washington, D.C. you will be witnessing history being made as the United States of America welcomes President Barack Obama for a second term. The Washington Center's Inside Washington 2013: The Presidential Inauguration academic seminar will provide you with a variety of opportunities, both academic and experiential, crafting a behind-the-scenes look at the politics of the day. Students will be able to experience and witness D.C. in a time of transformation as the inauguration unfolds. Below you will find a list of academic materials that will be of use over the course of the seminar. These documents provide detailed information on how you will be graded, and include the rubrics that your grades will be based upon and the evaluation forms that will be sent back to your home institutions.

• Sample Journal Evaluation Form [33]
• Inauguration Curriculum Map [34]
• Inauguration Seminar Goals and Component [35]
• Engaged Participation Seminar Rubric [36]
• Final Evaluation of Student Form [37]

Overview

Overview: Republican National Convention

Combining formal instruction, guest lectures, panels, tours, site visits, and fieldwork assignments, the program gives students the opportunity to experience the convention from behind the scenes, and to witness democracy in action at both the grassroots and national levels.

During the first week, students witness and participate in the building excitement of the convention preparations. As the weekend approaches, students are able to volunteer for convention-related assignments and attend convention receptions and rallies. Topics during the first week include the history of political campaigns and conventions, the nomination  process, convention planning and procedures, party organizations, campaign finance, and media coverage. Students also enjoy an introduction to the host city and the convention facility.

During week two, the week of the convention, the daily program continues as each previous day’s events are analyzed and the upcoming events of the day are anticipated and discussed. The second week focuses on the keynote address, party platform, party factions, selection of the presidential and vice presidential nominees, campaign issues and strategies, and other important races.

For more information, please contact us at C2012@twc.edu [4].

Photos from the 2008 Conventions

[39] [40] [41] [42] [43] [44] [45] [46] [47]

View the 2008 Political Conventions photo set [48]

Dates & Deadlines

Dates & Deadlines: Republican National Convention

Dates

August 18-31, 2012, Tampa, FL

Application Deadline

June 1, 2012

For more information, please contact us at C2012@twc.edu [4].

Photos from the 2008 Conventions

[39] [40] [41] [42] [43] [44] [45] [46] [47]

View the 2008 Political Conventions photo set [48]

Fees

Fees: Republican National Convention

• $4,495 (housing included)
• $150 (non-refundable deposit)

Housing costs are reflected in the above pricing. If students prefer to use their own housing, please contact us for adjusted pricing information. Transportation and personal expenses are not included, although some food will be provided at special events.

Deposits are nonrefundable, but substitutions may be made until July 15, 2012. Full payment is required by May 1, 2012.

For more information, please contact us at C2012@twc.edu [4].

Photos from the 2008 Conventions

[39] [40] [41] [42] [43] [44] [45] [46] [47]

View the 2008 Political Conventions photo set [48]

Brochure

For more information, please contact us at C2012@twc.edu [4].

Overview

Overview: Democratic National Convention

Combining formal instruction, guest lectures, panels, tours, site visits, and fieldwork assignments, the program gives students the opportunity to experience the convention from behind the scenes, and to witness democracy in action at both the grassroots and national levels.

During the first week, students witness and participate in the building excitement of the convention preparations. As the weekend approaches, students are able to volunteer for convention-related assignments and attend convention receptions and rallies. Topics during the first week include the history of political campaigns and conventions, the nomination  process, convention planning and procedures, party organizations, campaign finance, and media coverage. Students also enjoy an introduction to the host city and the convention facility.

During week two, the week of the convention, the daily program continues as each previous day’s events are analyzed and the upcoming events of the day are anticipated and discussed. The second week focuses on the keynote address, party platform, party factions, selection of the presidential and vice presidential nominees, campaign issues and strategies, and other important races.

For more information, please contact us at C2012@twc.edu [4].

Photos from the 2008 Conventions

[39] [40] [41] [42] [43] [44] [45] [46] [47]

View the 2008 Political Conventions photo set [48]

Dates & Deadlines

Dates & Deadlines: Democratic National Convention

Dates

August 25-September 7, 2012, Charlotte, NC

Application Deadline

June 1, 2012

For more information, please contact us at C2012@twc.edu [4].

Photos from the 2008 Conventions

[39] [40] [41] [42] [43] [44] [45] [46] [47]

View the 2008 Political Conventions photo set [48]

Fees

Fees: Democratic National Convention

• $4,495 (housing included)
• $150 (non-refundable deposit)

Housing costs are reflected in the above pricing. If students prefer to use their own housing, please contact us for adjusted pricing information. Transportation and personal expenses are not included, although some food will be provided at special events.

Deposits are nonrefundable, but substitutions may be made until July 15, 2012. Full payment is required by May 1, 2012.

For more information, please contact us at C2012@twc.edu [4].

Photos from the 2008 Conventions

[39] [40] [41] [42] [43] [44] [45] [46] [47]

View the 2008 Political Conventions photo set [48]

Brochure

For more information, please contact us at C2012@twc.edu [4].

Journalist in Residence

Banner Image: 

Leadership_in_Communication.jpg [51]

Aaron Brown

Walter Cronkite Professor of Journalism

Arizona State University

Aaron Brown is renowned for his reporting of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center for CNN, for which he won the coveted Edward R. Murrow Award. In addition, Brown has also won three Emmys, a DuPont, two New York Film Society World medals and a George Foster Peabody Award.

Brown began his career hosting talk radio programs in Minneapolis. For eighteen years he was a reporter and anchor at KING TV and KIRO TV. He left in 1991 to join ABC News and was a founding anchor for ABC’s “World News Now.” Later he anchored “World News Tonight Saturday”, and was a correspondent for “World News Tonight with Peter Jennings”.

At CNN, Brown hosted the “NewsNight with Aaron Brown”. In 2006, Brown held the John J. Rhodes Chair in Public Policy and American Institutions at Barrett Honors College at ASU. Brown also serves as anchor of “Wide Angle,” PBS’ weekly global public affairs series.

For more information, please contact us at C2012@twc.edu [4].

Photos from the 2008 Conventions

[39] [40] [41] [42] [43] [44] [45] [46] [47]

View the 2008 Political Conventions photo set [48]

Program Goals & Benefits

The program is designed to train students to study various types of leadership communication in a political setting that enhances civic engagement and achievement. Under the guidance of experienced faculty, and a journalist in residence [52], students are able to observe, report, analyze, and critically evaluate the events they experience first-hand in a unique political setting. The expertise, knowledge, and experience gained from this experiential education program is thus, easily transferable to a more traditional classroom setting.

The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars provides an integrated academic and fieldwork experience to help college students and other program participants learn about the American presidential nomination and election process through an on-site immersion experience. The mission of The Washington Center is to provide opportunities and experiences to better prepare students for lives of professional and academic achievement, leadership and civic engagement.

For more information, please contact us at C2012@twc.edu [4].

Photos from the 2008 Conventions

[39] [40] [41] [42] [43] [44] [45] [46] [47]

View the 2008 Political Conventions photo set [48]

Program Components

Speakers, Briefings & Panel Discussions

Throughout the seminar, lectures, briefings, and panel discussions involving national leaders, the media, faculty, and other types of convention participants are presented to the seminar participants. These expert speakers, representing the private, public, academic, and advocacy sectors, present various views on topics related to the pertinent issues of the 2012 presidential campaign. Students will be asked to participate in these sessions by asking thoughtful and direct questions of the participants.

Please Note:

The Leadership in Communication Program overlaps with the two-week seminars, Campaign 2012: The Democratic National Convention and Campaign 2012: The Republican National Convention.  The faculty will determine the extent to which the LIC program will access speakers from these programs or provide alternative programming exclusively for the LIC students.  So in some cases students will be in a large group session and in other cases will be as a self-contained group with a guest speaker or lecture from the faculty director or faculty leader.

Political Workshops & Issue Forums (Optional)

Workshops, training sessions, convention committee hearings, and other special educational activities sponsored by the convention organizers and related groups will be made available to participants whenever possible. Many of these will be optional activities, as their scheduling may conflict with some Washington Center programming events.

Small Group Discussion Sessions (About 12-15 Hours)

Participants are assigned to a faculty leader who is responsible for supervising the academic activities of approximately 18 students.  The faculty leader uses the group discussion sessions to identify themes, issues, and perspectives common to the general sessions, readings, and fieldwork experiences of the students.  The faculty leader encourages student participation during the group discussions, enabling students to express their opinions, observations, and insights, as well as better understand the views of others in the group.

These small group meetings may either be held in formal classroom settings or in various locations close to students’ fieldwork locations or places that provide greater access to potential guest speakers.  Depending upon scheduling and availability of speakers, the formal group presentations and small group discussion meetings may be intertwined.

Convention Sessions, Host City Activities & Special Events (About 6 Hours)

Students are kept informed about convention sessions, press conferences, workshops, tours, receptions, and other convention-related activities.  Students are able to choose from a variety of optional activities to suit their own interests and learning goals. The Washington Center does not guarantee passes or credentials to these events, but we try to facilitate access whenever possible.

Fieldwork (Up to Approximately 40-60 Hours)

Toward the end of the first week of the program, students begin their assigned fieldwork/volunteer placements.  Efforts are made to match student interests and expertise with appropriate and available placements.  In addition, there is an on-call “HOTLINE” set up to receive last minute requests for assistance from students who have some additional free time to contribute to convention activities.  Most participants will likely volunteer or, depending upon assignment, commit for considerably more than 40 hours.

Throughout the fieldwork assignments, students are expected to develop and utilize their initiative, assertiveness, and leadership skills to enhance the opportunity to attain their academic and/or professional goals for the seminar.

Fieldwork performance is evaluated along professional levels of expectations.  Fieldwork should not be confused with the term “internship,” which may imply a more substantive nature to the assignment.  Instead, fieldwork is more akin to opportunities for participant observation than for substantive responsibility, although that may occur.

The primary goals of fieldwork include:

1. To provide participants with an opportunity to have access to people and places in order to observe and experience first-hand the role that various individuals and organizations play at the conventions.
2. To, at least a limited extent, provide a professional opportunity to contribute to the goals of an organization that works in support of the host city, convention organizers, the political party, and/or the presidential ticket or in the civic enterprise nature of the event.

For more information, please contact us at C2012@twc.edu [4].

Photos from the 2008 Conventions

[39] [40] [41] [42] [43] [44] [45] [46] [47]

View the 2008 Political Conventions photo set [48]

Academic Expectations

Awarding Academic Credit

The Washington Center does not award academic credit. Typically though, many colleges and universities have granted 2-4 semester hours of credit to their students for participation in the two-week convention programs. For this three week program, which involve considerably more contact hours and fieldwork, at least 3 credit hours are warranted. Occasionally institutions have granted more than 3 hours of credit when academic requirements beyond those set by the Washington Center are met.

Arrangements for the awarding of credit by the student's home institution are solely the responsibility of the student. Therefore, students are strongly encouraged to make every effort to clarify the requirements they must meet prior to attendance at the seminar.

This Washington Center academic seminar has been designed to be a comprehensive course of study with rigorous evaluation standards. Program components during which there is professional supervision and evaluation total approximately 60-80 hours, while additional activities on the weekends and evenings could add more than 20-25 hours of student involvement (a college course for three semester credits usually meets three times a week for fifty minutes for fifteen weeks. This totals approximately 37.5 contact hours).

Students Receiving Academic Credit

The faculty leader is required to submit an individual student evaluation, along with a suggested letter grade, of each student's performance according to the specified criteria. These evaluations are forwarded to the student's campus liaison or another faculty member or campus sponsor designated by the student.

The faculty leader is also available to provide academic assistance to students who have additional academic requirements from their home institutions. This may involve suggestions for reading and research or evaluation of preliminary drafts of essays written during the program. Students engaged in more extensive academic assignments or research should contact The Washington Center prior to the program.

Students Not Receiving Academic Credit

Students or other participants who will not be receiving academic credit for the program are still expected to participate in all phases of seminar activities and complete the assignments.  To do otherwise would be disruptive and counterproductive to the goals of the program.  It is expected that these students will meet with the faculty leader at the beginning of the program and come to a professional, preferably written, understanding about satisfying the academic requirements of the program.  Nevertheless, faculty leaders will still prepare a written evaluation of all seminar participants.  If no campus liaison or faculty sponsor is available for the student, a copy of the evaluation will be sent directly to the student, with the original maintained at The Washington Center.

The convention programs offer students an opportunity to be evaluated by respected faculty and other professionals in a high-pressure environment. It is an ideal opportunity to demonstrate one's ability in situations that could serve to impress these individuals. Even though a participant may not be earning credit for the program, it would be unfortunate for a non-credit student to pass up an opportunity to gain an important letter of reference by not fully participating in the components and activities of the program. Many faculty report keeping in touch with their former group members long after the convention programs are over.

While The Washington Center records grades for all participants, the written evaluations are kept for only about six months.  No written evaluations are required for students whose faculty leader is from their own institution.

For more information, please contact us at C2012@twc.edu [4].

Photos from the 2008 Conventions

[39] [40] [41] [42] [43] [44] [45] [46] [47]

View the 2008 Political Conventions photo set [48]

Fees & Deadlines

Special Nomination Price

Students nominated by a campus faculty member or administrator receives a $500 Scholarship and a special price of $5,995.  We strongly encourage institutions to provide funding or matching funding to assist students.

Standard Price

Students without a nomination from a faculty member pay $6,495.

Price includes:

Program and housing for three weeks in Tampa (two weeks) and Charlotte (one week) and airfare between Tampa and Charlotte.  Does not include local transportation or personal expenses, such as meals, but does include two receptions and breakfast during the first week.

Application Deadline

May 1, 2012

For more information, please contact us at C2012@twc.edu [4].

Photos from the 2008 Conventions

[39] [40] [41] [42] [43] [44] [45] [46] [47]

View the 2008 Political Conventions photo set [48]