POLI 257: Policymaking in Washington, D.C.
May Term 2025
Course Overview
In this course, students spend four weeks in Washington, D.C. examining policymaking—domestic and international— from a variety of perspectives. The course features guest speakers (including alumni) and group tours/visits.
Tips for maximizing speaker sessions
- Research speakers in advance (e.g., LinkedIn) and prepare questions.
- Arrive on time and be professionally attentive (eye contact, notes, active listening).
- Ask thoughtful questions—most speakers plan brief remarks followed by Q&A.
- Introduce yourself after sessions (briefly) and practice professional networking.
Note: This public-facing page omits personal phone numbers, private lodging addresses, and student-specific logistics. Enrolled students receive full operational details via Canvas/email.
Housing & Logistics
Student housing
Students are housed through Washington Intern Student Housing (WISH) at “The Congressional.” WISH housing includes Wi-Fi/cable and full kitchen facilities. No smoking or alcohol is allowed in WISH housing. Serious violations may result in eviction.
Students provide their own bedding (twin sheets/blankets/pillow) and towels.
Check-in and arrival
- Students submit the WISH application (WISH link provided to enrolled students).
- After booking flights, students coordinate check-in with WISH by email (arrival timing guidance provided to enrolled students).
- Recommended arrival is Monday, May 5.
Course schedule updates
Daily schedules can change during the trip. Enrolled students should rely on the most recent Canvas/email updates.
Transportation
Air travel
Students provide their own airfare. Reagan National (DCA) is typically the most convenient airport for ground transportation.
Getting around Washington
Students are responsible for local transportation and should become comfortable using Metro (WMATA). Using the SmarTrip app is a convenient way to pay fares (Apple Pay / Google Pay supported).
Fare products and prices can change; check WMATA for current options and trip planning.
Money & Budgeting
The course fee covers basic housing and mandatory activity fees. Students are responsible for transportation costs, meals, entertainment, and incidental expenses. Students are encouraged to budget in advance and track weekly spending.
Past student out-of-pocket spending (excluding airfare) varies; plan conservatively.
Safety & Security
- Keep doors locked; travel with a friend at night; stay in well-lit areas.
- Be aware of surroundings; trust instincts; avoid displaying valuables.
- Use cards/ATMs rather than carrying large amounts of cash.
- In emergencies, call 911 immediately.
Dress & Professionalism
Students represent the University of Redlands during visits in professional settings. Business casual attire is expected for class sessions (no flip flops, shorts, or T-shirts). Washington is also a walking-heavy city—comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended.
During sessions and events
- Be attentive and engaged; ask questions.
- Be courteous to speakers and hosts.
- Use the trip as an opportunity for professional networking.
Grades & Reflection Papers
Grading breakdown
- Class attendance/participation: 50%
- Reflection papers: 50%
Participation expectations
Students are expected to attend each session and to notify instructors in advance if a conflict arises. Missing a session can require a longer written assignment on the missed topic.
Reflection papers
Reflection papers are typically 1–2 pages per day (on days with panels). They may be typed and submitted electronically or handwritten and submitted in hardcopy. Papers are generally due by midnight of the next business day.
Important: Failure to submit required reflection papers can have serious grading consequences.
Daily Schedule (Public Version)
This schedule is provided as an overview. Exact meeting instructions, room numbers, private addresses, and student-specific assignments are omitted here and provided to enrolled students separately.
First Half: May 5–15, 2025
Schedule updated during the trip.
| Date | Details |
|---|---|
| Sunday, May 4 | Instructor arrival (administrative). |
| Monday, May 5 | Travel / arrival day for students. |
| Tuesday, May 6 |
Speaker: Congressman Pete Aguilar (U.S. House of Representatives). Evening optional activity may be scheduled. |
| Wednesday, May 7 |
Panel (Arlington, VA): Cybersecurity & infrastructure; consulting/strategy; education innovation; congressional internship perspectives. Afternoon: U.S. Capitol visit/tour (organized). Optional dinner event may be scheduled. |
| Thursday, May 8 |
Panel (Arlington, VA): DHS grants; career services; related professional pathways. Evening: Hosted class gathering (organized). |
| Friday, May 9 |
Panel (U.S. Capitol): Senate/House policy and legislative staff perspectives. Afternoon on your own. |
| Saturday, May 10 | Recommended: EU Open Houses and related public events. |
| Sunday, May 11 | On your own (optional class social activity may be scheduled). |
| Monday, May 12 |
Panel (Arlington, VA): Consulting and placement/program leadership perspectives. Optional: U.S. Supreme Court visit/lecture. |
| Tuesday, May 13 |
Panel (Washington, DC): Government relations (industry); foreign service; higher-ed program leadership. Optional: Ford’s Theatre visit. |
| Wednesday, May 14 |
Panel (Washington, DC): DC Attorney General’s office; energy/global policy; program management; communications/advocacy. Optional: National Archives visit. |
| Thu, May 15 – Sun, May 18 | Dedicated extended travel weekend (optional). Students may remain in Washington or travel independently to nearby cities. |
Second Half: May 19–29, 2025
Schedule updated during the trip.
| Date | Details |
|---|---|
| Saturday, May 17 | Instructor arrival (administrative). |
| Monday, May 19 |
Panel (Washington, DC): Law/advocacy; ocean/plastics policy; federal onboarding/program management; Europe/global programs. Afternoon: Freer Gallery of Art visit/tour. |
| Tuesday, May 20 |
Panel (Washington, DC): Transportation policy/ITS America perspectives. Evening optional gathering may be scheduled. |
| Wednesday, May 21 |
Panel (Arlington, VA): State Department; women/peace/security programming; National Academies; international security. Afternoon: National Air and Space Museum timed entry visit. |
| Thursday, May 22 |
Panel (Arlington, VA): Deloitte reporting; U.S. Chamber; GAO; strategy/consulting perspectives. Evening: University reception (organized). |
| Friday, May 23 | Panel (U.S. Capitol): Congressional staff and legislative aide perspectives. |
| Saturday, May 24 | On your own. |
| Sunday, May 25 | On your own. |
| Monday, May 26 |
Memorial Day – no class. Recommended: U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum timed entry visit. |
| Tuesday, May 27 |
Panel (Washington, DC): Government affairs; immigration analysis; EPA (retired) policy work; corporate sustainability partnerships. Possible additional museum visit may be scheduled. |
| Wednesday, May 28 | Panel (Arlington, VA): Youth programs; democracy/protecting institutions; OMB budgeting; creative communications. |
| Thursday, May 29 | Housing checkout and departure day. |
Full speaker titles, exact addresses, and operational meeting instructions are shared with enrolled students.
Washington, D.C. Resources
- Visitor information, maps, and guides: washington.org/visitors-guide
- WMATA Metro planning: wmata.com/schedules/trip-planner/
- Free/low-cost ideas: consider following “Free in DC”
Common recommendations
National Mall memorials; Smithsonian museums; Library of Congress; Arlington National Cemetery; White House Visitor Center; Mount Vernon; U.S. Botanic Garden; Georgetown; Kennedy Center Millennium Stage.