WASHINGTON PROGRAM: Resources

Thinking about the Washington Program involves answering a whole array of questions from the moment you discover the Program to the day you step off the plane in Washington. These questions begin with "Is this program appropriate for me?" and end with "How do I get from National, Dulles, or BWI to my apartment?"

Basic information about the Program is awailable from CMC Faculty Liaisons, Professors Andrew Busch (Bauer North 219), abusch@cmc.edu, extension 73382 or Ken Miller (Pitzer 208), kmiller@cmc.edu, extension 72811, or Jack Pitney (Pitzer 215), jpitney@cmc.edu or Off-Campus Study director, Ms. Kristen Mallory (Heggblade Center), kmallory@cmc.edu, extension 18267. For Pomona students, either Professor Richard Worthington, richard_worthington@pomona.edu, extension 73529 or Professor David Menefee-Libey, david_menefeelibey@pomona.edu or extension 79323, should be consulted for advice and details. Pitzer and Scripps students consult with a faculty member in Political Studies and with External Studies and Off-Campus Study offices on their respective campuses.

All students should refer to Professor Pitney's Web page for informaiton about internships and housing: http://govt.mckenna.edu/jpitney/. Students are encouraged to talk with Program alumni, who are excellent sources of information. Early in the internship search process, students should also contact Program Director Professor Spalding in Washington D.C. at either espalding@cmc.edu or (202) 833-4946.

Basic information about the institutions in and around Washington is available from Program alumni and faculty who have Washington contacts or experience. The Career Services Center library in Heggblade can assist in identifying your particular interests. Helpful volumnes include The Almanac of American Politics, The Washington Information Directory, and Public Interest Profiles. Take advantage of consulting Professor Pitney and don't forget to ask family, relatives, or friends about their knowledge of and contacts in Washington, D.C. Also keep in mind that almost every organization, institution, or agency in Washington has a Web site with information on its purpose and activities.

Nicole Hamon is a critical resource for specific questions relating to the application process.

Some qualified students are hampered by a poor interview before the selection committee or by the submission of sloppy background materials in their application. The Career Services Center can help in both these regards and is also a good resource for applicants who need help drafting or revising a resume.

Once accepted, students will have a variety of questions will have a variety of questions related to living and working in Washington. These questions will be addressed in an orientation meeting led by professor Pitney and by discussions with him and Professor Spalding.