Exploring Politics and Civic Engagement
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 2026-27 academic year.
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Move-in date | Sunday, August 16, 2026 |
| Program start | Monday, August 17, 2027, 9 a.m. |
| Program end | Thursday, August 20, 2026, noon |
| Eligibility | Domestic first-year and transfer students |
| Program cost | $0 program fee. Participants are responsible for paying the early arrival housing fee. The early-arrival housing fee will be billed to the student's Bursar account. The Menard Center will provide some Dining Dollars on student meal plans and provide additional meals. |
| Registration dates |
May 14 at 1 p.m. - July 20 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time |
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 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 Menard Family Center for Democracy and Maggie Simpson, Coordinator in the Menard Family Center for Democracy
For program-related questions
- Email: forrenjp@MiamiOH.edu
- Email: maggie.simpson@MiamiOH.edu
Registration Contact: Student Transitions and Family Engagement
For registration support, changes, or cancellations
- Email: orientation@MiamiOH.edu
- Phone: 513-529-9771
Contact Us
Student Transitions and Family Engagement
213 Warfield Hall
451 E. Spring St. Oxford, OH 45056
