UChicago creates new Institute of Politics

The University of Chicago is forming a new Institute of Politics aimed at helping students develop a spirit of public service, and inspiring them to pursue interests in politics and policymaking.

The new, non-partisan institute will offer politically engaged students more opportunities to study and participate in civic life in Chicago and around the nation. Three programs will form the core of the initiative: A new program of visiting fellows and policy practitioners, an expanded set of policy internships based on UChicago’s innovative Jeff Metcalf Fellows Program, and a series of public lectures about policy and political life.

Programming through the institute officially will begin in early 2013. Its inaugural director will be College alumnus David Axelrod, AB’76, an accomplished political journalist, strategist, and policy adviser. Axelrod will begin leading the institute after the 2012 presidential campaign.