Exploring Politics and Civic Engagement

students smiling and engaging in a classroom

Program Details

Move-in date: August 20, 2023

Program start: August 21, 2023; 9 a.m.

Program end: August 24, 2023

Cost: Free; housing and meal costs for participants will be covered by the Menard Family Center for Democracy.

Eligibility: Domestic first-year and transfer students.

Registration for Exploring Politics and Civic Engagement is closed. 

About Exploring Politics and Civic Engagement

Move into your residence hall early and join us for a highly interactive, "hands-on" exploration of politics and civic affairs. Through a wide variety of simulations, mini-workshops, site visits, guest speakers, and small-group activities, students will explore how government works, what 'good citizenship' might mean for each of us, and how individuals can make a positive difference in their local communities. Several large-group activities will be combined with multiple small-group opportunities that allow participants to 'choose their own journey' into law, politics, and civic affairs. Participants will be invited at the conclusion of the program to join the Menard Family Center's First-Year Civic Scholars cohort for the 2023-24 academic year.

For participating students, this program will:

  • increase their knowledge of politics and/or civic affairs.
  • establish a network of fellow first-year students who share interests in politics and civic affairs.
  • introduce them to the various civic engagement opportunities available at Miami and to faculty staff and community partners who work in that arena.
  • introduce students to various civic engagement opportunities available at Miami and to faculty, staff and community partners who work in that arena.
  • provide a 'first look' at career and professional opportunities in the non-profit and public sectors.

Contact Information

Program Contact: John Forren, Executive Director of the University's Menard Family Center for Democracy

For program-related questions

Registration Contact: Orientation and Transition Programs

For registration support, changes, or cancellations