I hope this message finds you well and rejuvenated after a restful winter break. As we kick off spring classes, I am thrilled to welcome each one of you back to another exciting semester at the College of Professional Studies.
Before we delve into the semester ahead, let's take a moment to reflect on the wonderful events and programs that marked the end of 2023. December was filled with memorable occasions, including the highly successful Professional Access Roundtable, where our Graduate School of Political Management community had the opportunity to connect with various practitioners in politics. The Sustainable Urban Planning program's Capstone event showcased the outstanding achievements of our student community.
| |
This is going to be an exciting year for CPS! We have successfully launched the first of our highly anticipated year-round Semester in Washington (SIW) programs. These programs are targeted to undergraduate students around the world. Our first SIW program will focus on the field of applied politics. Over time we plan to expand the number and types of fields and industries covered in our Semester in Washington programs. SIW programs offer an exciting, immersive semester in the heart of Washington, D.C. and expose undergraduate students to the many cutting-edge and distinctive graduate programs offered by the college. Additionally, we are proud to announce our notable partnership with the esteemed Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute, which has led to the creation of the annual summer program called the Academy for Civic Education and Democracy (ACED).
We also have an incredible array of activities planned for the semester. You can learn more and sign up for these events here.
Our Signature Event Series continues with virtual and in-person Professional Access Roundtable events, providing students with valuable insights and small-group networking opportunities. This semester our in-person Professional Access Roundtable event will focus on all of the other CPS programs outside of the Graduate School of Political Management. Our virtual Professional Access Roundtable event will offer opportunities for students across all of our programs to connect with practitioners in their respective professional fields.
Our Signature Event Series this spring also includes an exciting lineup of experts. Among those events includes a live taping of Chief Influencer, our co-sponsored podcast series with the social media company, Social Driver. At this event, podcast host Anthony Shop will interview Johnny Taylor, Jr., CEO of the Society of Human Resource Management. Join us at this event to learn more about current hiring and employment trends in the DMV and beyond.
We are also proud to co-sponsor The Frank Sesno Series at the Jack Morton Auditorium, which will address the topic "Disagree Better: How Politics, Public, and the Press Can Turn Down the Heat," among a selection of politicians, journalists, and students.
We also are hosting the annual winter conference of the Pi Sigma Alpha student association, promising enriching discussions and networking opportunities.
There are numerous ways to engage with the College community, whether it's on your way to class, in the dean's suite, or at one of our incredible events. Your active participation enriches our community, and I am genuinely looking forward to seeing many of you on campus throughout the semester.
Wishing you a fantastic start to the spring semester!
| |
Liesl Riddle, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Professional Studies
The George Washington University
|
|
Apply for Funding: Student Support and Student Emergency Funding Awards Applications DUE February 5th | |
The Revamped Mastering the Room Political Podcast is Back! | |
Get ready to dive into the dynamic world of politics with "Mastering the Room," as political analyst and associate professor Casey Burgat takes the helm, continuing the legacy of the GSPM original. This revamped podcast is tailor-made for today's political enthusiasts, offering a streamlined format that caters to the fast-paced lives of its listeners. In the time it takes to commute to work, Mastering the Room provides an in-depth exploration of today's pressing issues, delivering unique information and perspectives that set it apart from the rest. This podcast goes beyond the surface, transcending the typical Sunday show talking points, and provides a genuine platform for discussing the arguments that fuel the most polarizing topics. Get ready to be informed, engaged, and inspired as Mastering the Room redefines the political podcast experience.
“We're thrilled to announce the relaunch of 'Mastering the Room,' an edgy political podcast produced by George Washington University’s Graduate School of Political Management. From bestselling authors to prominent journalists and the brightest minds in politics and policy, our diverse range of topics ensures engaging conversations that delve deep into the heart of current politics. Embracing discomfort, we believe it's in those challenging moments that the most important discussions unfold, making 'Mastering the Room' a space for much-needed dialogues that go far beyond the talking points we’ve all grown tired of.”
Casey Burgat, political analyst and associate professor, Legislative Affairs program
| |
Semester in Washington - Be in the Center of the Action | |
In an exciting development, The George Washington University's College of Professional Studies is gearing up to relaunch its highly anticipated Semester in Washington (SIW) program this summer. Focused on applied politics, this year-round transformative and immersive educational experience offers undergraduate students from around the world a unique opportunity to delve into the inner workings of American government while gaining practical skills and insights into political management.
Now accepting applications for Summer 2024.
| |
Homeland Security Student Receives 2023 NMIF Merit Scholarship | |
James Miller, a standout scholar, was recently honored as the recipient of the 2023 National Military Intelligence Foundation Merit (NMIF) Scholarship. This prestigious scholarship recognizes James's exceptional academic achievements and commitment to excellence. James is a GW graduate student pursuing a master's degree in Homeland Security. | |
Political Management Alumna Presents at the COP28 Climate Change Summit | |
In a quest to address climate challenges faced by vulnerable populations, Adriana Sandoval, a recent graduate of the GW Graduate School of Political Management’s M.P.S. in Political Management program, delves into the co-production of public policies for climate change adaptation in Colombia. Through her active participation in international forums, Adriana emphasizes the crucial role of universities in generating research for improved policies to uplift the well-being of citizens in coastal regions. Most recently, she used her CPS Professional Development Student Award to give a presentation at the COP28 UN Climate Change Conference in December 2023. | |
Register for a Unique Elective: Washington DC Residency
PMGT 6480 // Spring 2 Semester: April 1, 2024 - June 16, 2024
Are you looking for a unique elective? Register for GSPM's Washington, DC Residency. This three-credit, ten-week course counts as an elective toward any of GSPM's master's degrees for on-campus or online students. The course includes ten weeks of online classes and one week on-site in Washington, DC (June 10-June 14). The DC week offers a dynamic schedule of skills workshops, meetings with Washington power players and networking organized by GSPM. If you have any questions or require further information, contact Student Success Coaches Adam Greczkowski at agreczkowski@email.gwu.edu or Sydney Roig at sydney.roig@gwu.edu.
| | | |
Announcement: Student Email Communications
In our continuous commitment to keeping students (as well as faculty and staff) at the College of Professional Studies informed, we are thrilled to announce the introduction of a new bi-weekly email highlighting the latest events and opportunities. The first edition will be delivered on Tuesday, February 13.
The Graduate School of Political Management’s weekly email will undergo an exciting transformation. Formerly known as "Three Things You Need to Know This Week," it will be rebranded to “Things You Need to Know” beginning Tuesday, February 6, to better reflect its enriched content and will be sent bi-weekly. While it will still feature upcoming events, the revamped format will be more comprehensive, showcasing more than just three events.
| | | |
In the most recent episode of The Professionals Podcast, Program Director Sandra Whitehead takes center stage as she discusses GW's Urban Planning Program in an episode aptly titled "GW's Urban Planning Program: Nurturing Tomorrow's Climate Resilient Planners." Whitehead delves into the program's commitment to shaping the next generation of planners equipped to address climate resilience challenges.
The conversation explores the innovative approaches and strategies employed by the program to prepare students for the evolving landscape of urban planning. If you're interested in gaining insights into the intersection of urban planning and climate resilience, this episode is a “must listen.” Find it on your preferred podcast platform, where you listen to all your podcasts.
| |
UPCOMING STUDENT & COMMUNITY EVENTS | |
Cyber Criminals: A Forensic Profile of Insider Threats
Feb. 6: 5:30 PM-7:30 PM | Old Ox Brewery, Ashburn, VA
Dr. Scott White, a Clinical Criminologist and Director of the Cybersecurity BPS Program at The George Washington University’s College of Professional Studies, will be the featured speaker at an upcoming event hosted by the Loudoun County Cyber Professionals and Loudoun County Economic Development groups.
| |
Chief Influencer LIVE with President & CEO of SHRM Johnny C. Taylor, Jr.
February 7, 2024: 5:30 PM -7 PM | In-person, GW Alexandria Education Center
Chief Influencer is a groundbreaking initiative brought to you by Social Driver and The Communications Board, in partnership with The George Washington University - College of Professional Studies. This initiative recognizes individuals, “Chief Influencers,” for their unique ability to connect with others, motivating individuals both inside of their organizations and beyond and creating a lasting impact.
| |
Professional Access Roundtable (CPS & GSPM)
February 9, 2024: 5:30 PM - 7 PM | Virtual
Our "Professional Access Roundtables” allow current and prospective students, alumni, and employers to connect and network while discussing hot topics within their professions and disciplines. These small-group, semi-structured conversations are designed to catalyze an exchange of ideas and experience to enhance students’ professional development and build community.
| |
The Sesno Series- Disagree Better: How Politicians, the Public and the Press Can Turn Down the Heat
February 21, 2024: 4 PM - 5 PM | In-person, Jack Morton Auditorium, GW's Media & Public Affairs Building, 805 21st Street, NW, Washington, DC.
Endowed by GW alumni Ted Segal, B.A. ’03, and Meredith Perla Segal, B.Accy. ’05, the Sesno Series was created to honor the contributions of Frank Sesno, SMPA professor and former SMPA director, CNN reporter, anchor and Washington bureau chief. These annual events aim to promote critical conversations around democracy, civil discourse, and public understanding while enriching the student experience at GW. The series will examine trends in democracy, culture, journalism, and media. We will feature thoughtful, compelling, and sometimes unusual public figures to provide insight and genuinely thought-provoking conversation.
| |
Professional Access Roundtable (CPS)
February 23, 2024: 5:30 PM - 8 PM | In-person, Holiday Inn in Arlington at Ballston
Our "Professional Access Roundtables” allow current and prospective students, alumni, and employers to connect and network while discussing hot topics within their professions and disciplines. These small-group, semi-structured conversations are designed to catalyze an exchange of ideas and experience to enhance students’ professional development and build community.
| |
2024 Paul O'Dwyer Endowed Forum |The Normalization of Impeachments: History, Ethics, and Implications
February 29, 2024: 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM | In-person, Jack Morton Auditorium, GW's Media & Public Affairs Building, 805 21st Street, NW, Washington, DC.
The Paul O'Dwyer Forum is an annual endowed event made possible by the generosity of GW alumnus and donor, Brian O'Dwyer, CCAS BA '66 and LAW '76, in honor of his father, Paul O'Dwyer. This endowed event series is focused on ensuring students and the GW community continue to emphasize the role of ethics in politics.
| |
Comments from Dr. Matt Dallek | |
Comments from Dr. Todd Belt | |
Comments from Dr. Casey Burgat | |
Comments from Dr. Scott White | |
Comments from Dr. Sandra Whitehead | |
Comments from Rachael Jonassen | | | | |