Columbus Seminar

2023 Columbus Seminar

Frequently Asked Questions

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How do I apply for the Columbus Seminar?
Complete the application form.

Who is eligible to participate?
Preference is given to degree-seeking juniors, seniors, law, and graduate students who are in good academic standing. The Seminar is open to CSU students in all majors and programs.

How will I hear if I’m accepted?
Applicants will be notified by email. If you have any questions please contact: urbanprograms@csuohio.edu.  

What additional costs are there?
Students pay regular graduate or undergraduate tuition for the Seminar, which is worth 4 graduate or undergraduate credits. An additional fee of $500—payable with tuition—is assessed. Limited scholarship funds may be available. The Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs provides lodging (double occupancy) in a hotel near the Statehouse. Students are responsible for transportation to and from Columbus, local transportation in Columbus, parking at the hotel, meals and incidentals. You will be asked for a credit card when checking into the hotel. The School will not pay for parking, phone calls, room service, or other extra fees.

I have family/friends in the Columbus area can I stay with them during Columbus Week, and if so can the hotel portiion of the fee be waived?
No. Because seminar activities are held at the hotel in the evenings and early mornings, all students need to stay on site. Also while the course fee does help cover student hotel rooms, it also goes toward general seminar expenses such as instructional rooms and events. The fee cannot be waived.

When does the Columbus Seminar meet?
The Seminar meets in Columbus from March 12-16, 2023.

You will also be required to attend 5 in-person class sessions at Cleveland State. Attendance at all sessions—both in Columbus and Cleveland—is required.

What is the field experience like?
A typical field experience involves meeting the people who run state government—high-level officials and legislators—as well as lobbyists, advocacy groups, think tanks, and media. You will learn about how state government actually works and how state policy is made.

Days typically start as early at 8 am and can go well into the evening. You are expected to dress professionally for all scheduled sessions in Columbus. There is a substantial amount of walking from meeting to meeting. Comfortable walking shoes are a good idea. If you have a disability that may make it difficult to walk throughout a day, please speak with the Office of Disability Services about potential accommodations.

What if I need to withdraw?
Once you have submitted an application you can withdraw it by contacting the Public Affairs Student Services Center (PASSC) at urbanprograms@csuohio.edu. If you have been accepted and registered for the course, notify us and drop the class yourself online in CampusNet. All withdrawals, whether you have registered or not, must be made in writing or by email.