Hilltop on the Hill is coming soon. Here’s all the information you need and an application. Applications are due by Wednesday, September 15.
CCPA Hilltop on the Hill
When: October 9-13, 2021
Where: Washington DC
Who: Faculty Leaders: Drs. Salinas and Martin
Hilltop Info & Application 2021
Events: Students will travel to Washington, DC, and meet with political communication professionals. You will meet with key players in D.C., such as press secretaries, speechwriters, nonprofit advocates, lobbyists, and political advisors. You will also meet with news and policymakers and experience museums and monuments of our nation’s capital. The purpose of this program is academic, but there will also be some amazing opportunities for you to experience American democracy.
Coursework: Students who are selected for the program will be enrolled in CCPA 5110, a one-hour directed study course. Enrollment in the one-hour directed study will not affect tuition if currently enrolled in 12-17 hours. If a student is currently enrolled in 18 hours, please see Mrs. Hewitt to discuss options.
Cost: Tuition (if applicable) + $2,200 (covers housing and programming fees), airfare, and meals are independent. All students are qualified to receive financial assistance and be named Bauer Scholars. The amount awarded is based upon need, but all students will receive support.
Accommodations: The group will be staying at the Hilton Garden Inn, three blocks from the White House. The rooms are set for triple occupancy; pack wisely so you have room for professional attire.
Program applications: Selection for the program is competitive and is limited to 10 students. Early submission of program applications is encouraged to ensure full consideration.
Application: Students must submit applications by September 15 as a PDF emailed to rhewitt@smu.edu and cdsalinas@smu.edu. Interviews, if applicable, will follow. Students accepted into the program will be notified by September 17. Students will have until September 21 to formally commit to attending the program and then enrolled, administratively, in CCPA 5110 on September 22 in order to facilitate final programming details. Note: tuition and fees are due on the date of enrollment.
Travel: Plan to arrive at the hotel before 1:00 on October 10, and be ready to participate at 2:00. Plan to depart after 2:00 on October 13.
Covid Protocols: We will be entering the workspace of those willing to entertain us, and we must be considerate of spreading COVID-19 to them. For this reason, we are implementing the following protocols for all students in the program. All candidates are expected to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and register a negative COVID test prior to travel. Furthermore, all students are expected to abide by city, state, and federal mask regulations during the trip. This includes wearing masks at all indoor locations and mass transit.
APPLICATION
Instructor consent is required for CCPA 5110. Cost is tuition (if applicable), $2,200, plus airfare and meals. Scholarship money is available to CCPA majors. To apply, you must submit this application form to the CCPA office in 229 ULEE. Early applications are encouraged as students will be accepted into the program
on a continuing basis. Application deadline: Monday, September 15 submitted as a .PDF file to rhewitt@smu.edu and cdsalinas@smu.edu. The application .PDF file is attached.
Direct any questions to Dr. Chris Salinas (cdsalinas@smu.edu) and/or Dr. Stephanie Martin (samartin@smu.edu)
