There is an informal orientation the evening of check-in, and a
formal orientation is scheduled for the next morning. Information about the campus, housing facilities, safety and security and related logistics is provided. Then, an overview and analysis of the presidential race are presented by the Faculty Director and Faculty Leaders.
Throughout the seminar, notable present and former public and party officials, media representatives, campaign professionals, policy experts, corporate representatives and others knowledgeable about conventions will address program participants. A very exciting aspect of the program is that students meet and can question a variety of knowledgeable experts, many of whom are players on the national political scene. (See sample list of speakers at previous seminars.)
Students meet regularly in small groups (10-15 students each) led by a Faculty Leader to discuss specific topics and analyze reactions to guest speakers, convention proceedings, assigned readings, and other activities. Group assignments are usually made according to each student's interests. This is a very popular component of the program, as students have an opportunity to ask questions, share opinions, and interact with a faculty member and fellow students in a meaningful way.
Students can often choose from a variety of workshops, training sessions, issue forums, press conferences, and other events organized by a wide range of party and policy groups that gather during the convention. The Washington Center works to inform students of these events as they are announced.
Whenever feasible, students attend convention sessions, committee hearings, press conferences, luncheons, receptions, host committee events, welcoming rallies, and other convention-related activities. Attendance at these events is dependent upon availability of tickets, passes, or other restrictions. While The Washington Center staff works closely with party, convention and city officials to ensure student involvement, we cannot guarantee admission to the events or convention proceedings.
Months prior to arrival, students complete a fieldwork placement form. This guides us in the placement of students in volunteer activities related to their primary interests (e.g., party organizations, the media, interest groups, etc.). We seek to place students with individuals or organizations and enable them to attend the convention and have the appropriate credentials for admission to convention sessions and other events. The purpose of the fieldwork assignment is to give students the opportunity to be “at the right place at the right time” and to contribute to some part of the operation of the event. Students meet their respective learning goals through listening, negotiating, sharing information, decision making, problem solving, leadership and demonstration of professionalism. Placements vary in the degree of substantive work, but often the opportunity to conduct interviews, see important events, hear interesting speakers, meet VIPs or be a part of what goes on behind the scenes outweighs the expectation of any major role during convention. Depending upon the nature and availability of placements, students may be given one fieldwork placement or may have different assignments to meet the six-hour minimum.
*Hours indicated are usually minimum hours of each component.
The Washington Center is a nonpartisan, educational organization. We, therefore, do not directly provide students with credentials, but instead work for a year in advance to make sure students are aware of how to arrange or apply for credentials while at the conventions. Through staff efforts along with strategic fieldwork placements, most, if not all, students are able to gain access to the convention hall at least once during the seminars.
The headquarters and housing of the Campaign 2008 Republican National Convention seminar will be near the campus of Augsburg College in Minneapolis, Minnesota, located close to downtown and public transportation. To learn more about Augsburg College, please visit http://www.augsburg.edu/ .
For the National Political Convention Seminars: Undergraduate and graduate students with a GPA of 2.75 or higher at their home institution are eligible to apply. Students with less than a 2.75 GPA who are in good standing (no probation) may apply, but must submit a letter of recommendation from a faculty member. Students wishing to attend any of the seminars in the Campaign 2008 Seminar Series who has completed his or her undergraduate degree are eligible to attend any of the seminars as a student within eighteen months of graduation. Students must be at least 18 years of age to live in The Washington Center housing.
The Campaign 2008 Series is designed to give students a comprehensive course of study directed toward understanding the presidential election process. The Washington Center does not grant academic credit. However, because the program includes academic components, most colleges and universities typically grant 2-4 credits for the two-week programs. Tuition for this credit is the responsibility of the student. Estimated contact hours are at least 56 hours over two weeks. Detailed information about the academic requirements is available by contacting us at C2008@twc.edu.
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DEADLINES |
Until March 1, 2008 |
Until June 1, 2008 |
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COSTS* |
$3,995 with housing |
$3,995 with housing plus $100 late fee |
*There is a $60 application fee, which is paid once and applies to all Campaign 2008 seminar programs. Fee does not include food, travel or personal expenses.
Participants who choose to attend one of the national political conventions and another C2008 seminar or our internship program will be eligible for certain discounts.
| Fall 2008 Internship Program plus one National Political Convention Seminar |
Minimum award of $1,000 off Fall 2008 Internship housing |
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Attend one National Political Convention seminar and The Presidential Inauguration Seminar |
$300 discount on The Presidential Inauguration Seminar |
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Attend Inside Washington ’08 , one National Political Convention Seminar and The Presidential Inauguration Seminar |
$300 discount on the National Political Convention Seminar and $300 discount on The Presidential Inauguration Seminar |
Refund policy: Based upon a written request, a 100 percent refund is available until December 1, 2007. After December 1 and until March 1, the refund is 100 percent minus a $500 administrative fee. Between March 1 and June 1, a 100 percent refund minus a $1,000 administrative fee is refunded. There are no refunds after June 1; substitutions, however, may be allowed.