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Washington Program: Guidelines for Project SupervisorsThe CourseThe Washington Program provides graduate and international students and top-flight seniors to work at a professional level in our nation's capital for one semester. Our students have worked at newspapers and other periodicals, broadcast and television networks, advertising and public relations agencies and think tanks. The Washington Program was established in 1970 and its students have participated in more than 100 professional projects. Course OrganizationThe Washington Program course consists of three parts: the professional project, the seminars and the research paper.
Course ProfessorsTwo Missouri professors coordinate the Washington experience for students. Associate Professor Wesley G. Pippert, a former White House reporter and senior Middle East correspondent for United Press International, has been director since 1989. He is joined by Professor Geneva Overholser, a former editor of the Pulitzer-Prize-winning Des Moines Register and now holder of Missouri Journalism's endowed Hurley Chair in Public Affairs Reporting. Washington Program StudentsApproximately 20-25 Missouri students participate in the Washington Program each academic year. Roughly one-third are international students who come from nearly every continent under a variety of programs: Fulbright scholars, Humphrey fellows, Muskie fellows, or their own graduate program. Project SelectionThe Washington Program is flexible when it comes to project design. Each student is encouraged to work with a project supervisor in keeping with his or her career goals. The Washington Program has established clients but encourages the development of new projects. Depending on the nature of the work, the best projects incorporate many of the following:
Previous Projects and PartnersMissouri students have written news and feature stories and speeches, produced on-camera reports, conducted investigative reports, developed position papers, coordinated coverage, redesigned web sites, helped organized news conferences, crafted story lines for media placement pitches, created strategic communication campaigns and materials, shot photography and been involved in the many other kinds of daily activities typical of journalists and strategic communicators. More than 100 project partners have worked with Missouri students. They have included the following:
ExpensesStudents participating in the program pay regular tuition fees for the semester and must cover their transportation costs, living and other expenses while in D.C. There is no obligation for project hosts to provide any financial remuneration. Time CommitmentsAs a project supervisor, your time commitments with your student would be the same as that given to one of your regular employees. It's important for the student to receive feedback, suggestions and other comments about work quality. Course ScheduleThe Washington Program functions in the Fall (mid-August through mid-December) and Spring (mid-January through early May) semesters. There are no summer sessions. ProfessionalismAs part of the Washington Program selection, students are apprised of the professionalism required of them on the job in our nation's capital. The dress, conduct and ethics expected of them are the same as that for any other working professional. For More InformationIf you have additional questions about participating as a project partner in the Washington Program, please contact Wesley G. Pippert or Geneva Overholser. Related materials may be mailed to: Washington Program Missouri School of Journalism 937 National Press Building Washington, D.C. 20045 202-662-7300 |
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| Revised: 29 July 2005. Copyright © 2008 The Curators of the University of Missouri | Contact the J-School | |
