Twenty-three University of Oregon juniors and seniors are about to enter an intimate, hands-on learning environment on the world of government and politics.

The students are the Wayne Morse Center’s inaugural group of Wayne Morse Scholars. These juniors and seniors from various disciplines will study public affairs and politics through a special seminar, supervised internships and research, leadership training and discussions with government officials, political practitioners and visiting scholars.

"We're thrilled by the extraordinary quality and character of our first class of Wayne Morse Scholars," said Wayne Morse Senior Faculty Fellow Dan Tichenor, a political science professor who is heading up the program and teaching the special seminar. "They are outstanding students who bring to the program impressive academic accomplishments, a wide range of leadership experiences and a shared passion for politics and service."

The program is supported by a 2013-2014 grant from the Tom and Carol Williams Fund for Undergraduate Education. Orientation begins Nov. 15. The program includes:

• A special seminar on democratic dilemmas taught by Tichenor, Philip H. Knight Professor of Social Science, who has published extensively on immigration politics and policy, the American presidency, civil liberties, interest groups, social movements, political parties and U.S. political development;
• Meetings and discussions with distinguished speakers, government officials and political practitioners;
• Small leadership trainings and workshops;
• Field trips to Salem to observe the Oregon House, Senate, Supreme Court and executive branch at work, and to meet with state officials and their staff; and
• Supervised service learning projects, internships and honors thesis work for seniors.

UO sophomores and juniors from all disciplines can apply; 15-20 students per year will be selected, on the basis of academic merit, service experiences and demonstrated interest in politics or public policy. Students may continue as program scholars in subsequent years.

"The Wayne Morse Center is thrilled to finally have a program tailored to undergraduate students,” Director Margaret Hallock said. “The program aims to connect undergraduates to the vibrant public policy community in Oregon. We hope to encourage these young people to contribute to policy discussions in their communities for years to come."

Said Tichenor: “My hope is that this new program provides an intimate setting that future leaders in law, business, education, government, journalism and other fields can call home during their UO studies.”

- from the UO Office of Strategic Communications