Institute Insider

"Your experience as a student in our diverse, multi-national community will give you the confidence to be a leader," said Dean Brian Atwood. "It will give you the courage to speak up at a crucial moment and the skill to prevail. It will give you the background to run an effective organization. It will enable you to make a difference for the common good, a common good you will be able to define on your own terms."

The newly designed orientation program offered students opportunities to learn how to better build community and create an identity as a public affairs professional. Small group activities, led by faculty and alumni, examined how personal power and privilege affect one's ability to advance the common good in a diverse world.

"This year at orientation, we discussed an issue of critical importance to all our lives- poverty and inequality in our country and across the globe. Students were able to taste the type of rich analysis and deep conversations they will have about important public problems during their time at the Humphrey Institute."

"I watched students actively participate in discussing their reactions to the poverty simulation, openly sharing their thoughts and feelings with their peers," says Assistant Dean Margaret Chutich. "They seemed to have bonded with their team members and become acquainted with peers who were pursuing different degrees. We hope that this new structure of orientation would encourage students to mix across degree programs because that variety of interest and perspective adds to the richness of their education and experience at the Institute."