National Policy Process

Non-Credit Course

The National Policy Process offers professionals and students from the Pacific Northwest an opportunity to visit the sources of national policy in Washington, DC. Over the course of a week students meet with national agency representatives, members of Congress and their staff, the President’s staff, and lobbyists and issue advocates.

Registration is Now Open for 2024 Seminar! Register by 12/1/2023

This personal and up-close approach to learning about the policy process leaves students with a detailed understanding of the way work is accomplished in Washington, DC and gives them insights on how this affects their work back in the Northwest. The one week courses offers:

Opportunity to discuss policy issues important to the region
Direct and personal interaction with participants in policy process
Detailed understanding of the forces at work in national policies
Ability to take these lessons and reflect on issues back in the region

>>Click here for step-by-step registration & payment instructions<<

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PROGRAM FORMAT

This program allows each member of the program to personally meet and discuss policy issues with the expert guest speakers while in Washington, DC. The class travels to meet with these speakers on location and in the midst of the work of the national policy process. The week provides participants with an understanding of the larger political and legal context within which agencies operate. Key to the success of the program is the support speakers in Washington, D.C., without whom this program would not exist. Their continued support is greatly appreciated.

IMPORTANT DATES

Restricted Registration
(US Army Corps of Engineers and other invited agency participants)

Registration Deadline: December 1, 2023
December 14, 2023: Half-day pre-trip session at PSU.
January 11, 2024: Half-day pre-trip session at PSU.
January 27 – February 3, 2024: Visit to Washington DC. Program begins the morning of Sunday, January 28th.
- Mandatory group dinners: Sunday, January 28; Tuesday, January 30; Thursday, February 1.
February 14, 2024: Half-day post-trip reflection session at PSU.

PROGRAM FEES

Non-Credit Registration	$2,600
Meals Fee	$200
Total	$2,800

Fees include: Pre & post trip sessions at PSU (See "Program Dates"), DC program, and three mandatory group dinners in DC.

Fees do not include: Travel (airfare & ground transportation), lodging (*), and meals other than mandatory group dinners.

(*) PSU will arrange a group block with a hotel, but individual participants would be responsible for completing their booking.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Josh Metzler
Program Coordinator
503-725-5190
jmetzler@pdx.edu

Faculty: Dr. Jennifer Allen

Dr. Jennifer Allen is an Associate Professor at the Hatfield School of Government at Portland State University, focusing on environmental and natural resource policy and sustainable development. Jennifer directed PSU’s Institute for Sustainable Solutions from 2012-2015, and previously worked for the World Bank, Ecotrust, and the State of Oregon Economic and Community Development Department. She currently serves as the Board Chair of the World Forestry Center and as Vice Chair of the Oregon State Parks Commission. Jennifer holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Public Policy from George Mason University, a Masters of Environmental Management from Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, and a BA in American Studies from Yale University.

Staff: Josh Metzler

The program is supported by several staff members who make the logistical arrangements.

Josh Metzler, Program Coordinator, accompanies the professional development group to Washington, DC.