IOP Begins Spring Study Groups

Imagine a class with no readings, exams or papers, but stimulating discussion and interaction with one of the foremost leaders in your field of interest.

At an open house in the IOP's ARCO Forum last night, students and members of the community had the opportunity to enroll in these "special classes"-- the IOP's Spring Study Groups.

The study groups, offered by IOP Fellows and other community leaders every semester, focus on specific areas in which the leaders have experience and expertise.

"I want to encourage people to participate in politics in unconventional ways," said Edwina Rogers, an IOP Fellow who will be leading a study group on political reform in the Republican Congress.

Rogers has extensive experience in politics through her roles as General Counsel for the National Republican Senatorial Committee during the 1994 elections, and her work for Sen. Robert J. Dole (R-Kan.) and the Bush Administration.

The IOP Fellows who will be spending the semester at the Kennedy School were introduced afterwards in a panel. The fellows offered their views on politics and provided an overview of their ideas and experiences.

"The thesis of my political perspective is that politics and public service are the highest call," said former U.S. Sen Wyche Fowler Jr. (D-Ga.), who will lead a group studying the repercussions of American intervention in other countries.

Some of the fellows shared stories about events that taught them about the political process itself.

Leslie Goodman, who worked as a press secretary in the Reagan Administration recounted the time she organized a formal dinner for a visit from Princess Diana, and misspelled her title as Princess of Whales.

When her faux pas made national headlines the next day, Goodman said she "realized how fragile the political process really is."

Incidentally, Goodman is offering a study group titled, "From Campaigning to Governing: Communicating to Win in a Rapid Response Media Environment."

Many of the fellows also said that they hope to learn as well as teach during their fellowships this spring.

"It is a privilege to be here and to be able to interact," said Lynn R. Williams, who was president of the United Steelworkers of America International from 1983-1995, and will be leading a group on "Labor, Politics and the '90's."

About 200 people attended the IOP events, and many are looking forward to these "extracurricular study groups" as the IOP describes them

"It is a privilege to be here and to be able to interact," said Lynn R. Williams, who was president of the United Steelworkers of America International from 1983-1995, and will be leading a group on "Labor, Politics and the '90's."

About 200 people attended the IOP events, and many are looking forward to these "extracurricular study groups" as the IOP describes them