Hands-on, practical experiences

We believe in an applied approach to learning, including interactions with people and organizations outside the university actively working on public policy. In this session, learn about the wide range of opportunities for students to engage with real-world policy issues in the classroom and through research, activities, and workshops. This session features Professor Celeste Watkins-Hayes, the associate dean for academic affairs; Professor John Ciorciari, director of the Weiser Diplomacy Center and International Policy Center; Cindy Bank, associate director of the Program for Practical Policy Engagement; and Christie Baer, assistant director of the Center on Finance, Law & Policy. Student & Academic Services will also be on hand to answer questions about the application process. 

Faculty Expert

Celeste M. Watkins-Hayes

Joan and Sanford Weill Dean of Public Policy; Director, Center for Racial Justice; Jean E. Fairfax Collegiate Professor of Public Policy; University Diversity and Social Transformation Professor; Professor of Sociology; Research and Community Impact Fellow, Anti-Racism Collaborative

Watkins-Hayes is an internationally-recognized scholar and expert widely credited for her research at the intersection of inequality, public policy, and human service institutions, with a special focus on HIV/AIDS; poverty; and race, class, and gender studies. Dr. Watkins-Hayes has published three books, numerous articles in journals and edited volumes, and pieces in The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Chronicle of Higher Education, and Chicago Magazine.

Staff Expert

Cindy A. Bank

Associate Director of Policymaker Engagement, Office of Public Affairs

• admissions
• admissions 21-22
• master of public policy
• Master of Public Affairs
• Celeste Watkins-Hayes
• John Ciorciari
• Cindy Bank
• Christie Baer