The Washington Campus MBA residencies are designed to equip students with the understanding necessary to anticipate, influence, and respond intelligently to government initiatives.

Included in each course are:

• Core sessions that examine the legislative, regulatory, and executive functions of government;
• Topical sessions on issues relevant to the business-government interface such as economic policy, monetary policy, business-government ethics, trade policy;
• Interactive sessions, including a computer simulation and a final session that explores how management can incorporate the public policy dimension into its decision-making and strategic-planning process.

An essential element of corporate competitiveness is a hands-on understanding of how federal policy is developed and the many factors and constraints that influence public policy decisions. Understanding Washington provides students with an inside view of Washington as a political marketplace and the effects of government upon corporate strategic planning.

Taken as a whole, the experience equips executives to contribute to the public policy process as:

• Users of corporate public affairs resources, including Washington, D.C. offices, issue analysts, lobbyists, lawyers, compliance officers, and accountants;
• Participants in corporate grassroots programs or political action committees;
• Direct representatives of their companies to Washington, D.C.

Typical participants include MBA and other advanced degree-seeking students from The Washington Campus consortium of business schools, as well as students from other departments such as public policy and law.

Understanding Washington is a week-long program, beginning on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. and ending the following Friday at approximately 6:30 pm.

Students wishing additional time to explore the Washington, D.C. area should extend their trip accordingly.

In order to meet the minimum contact hour requirements of your University, the schedule for the week is pretty full. You will have Thursday afternoon off, but if you need more than a few hours, we suggest you arrive in town early or stay on after the seminar has finished.

Grades are assigned based on student performance on three requirements: (1) An exam administered in Washington, D.C. at the conclusion of the session that covers information discussed during the week. (2) A brief report on the student’s experience in the program. (3) A research paper (10-12 pages) on a current issue related to business and government.

Students who want to arrange for an internship in Washington D.C. may apply to earn independent study credit of up to three (3) credit hours. For example, students may combine the Washington Campus experience with an internship at a Congressional office, a lobbying firm, or a government agency. Interested students should begin the search for an internship as early as possible.

Graduate students receive three (3) hours of credit. Students are responsible for registering for MGMT 555 in either the spring, summer, or fall semester. To register, obtain a yellow card from Loyola Chastain upon admittance into the program.

The Washington Campus sessions are held in downtown Washington, D.C. The subway can provide quick and inexpensive transportation from other hotels to the campus location. Caution should be used in choosing alternate accommodations, and safety should be considered.

As discussed, students are responsible for making and paying for all travel and accommodation arrangements. Students are welcome and encouraged to share these hotel accommodations with other students attending during your session to help cut costs. Loyola Chastain may be contacted to obtain a list of Anderson students attending your particular session.